Skip to main content
TechRadar TechRadar the technology experts
SG EditionSingapore
DK EditionDanmark FI EditionSuomi NO EditionNorge SE EditionSverige UK EditionUK IT EditionItalia NL EditionNederland BE (NL) EditionBelgië (Nederlands) FR EditionFrance DE EditionDeutschland ES EditionEspaña
US EditionUS (English) CA EditionCanada MX EditionMéxico
AU EditionAustralia NZ EditionNew Zealand
RSS
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Phones
    • Popular Phone Brands
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
    • Operating Systems
      • Android
      • iOS
    • More from Phones
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone Coupons
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
    • PCs
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software & Security
      • Windows
      • macOS
      • Windows 10 End of Life
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
    • Popular Computing Brands
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
    • More from Computing
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing Coupons
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • TV Insights
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
      • TVs & home theater coupons
    • More for your TV
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
    • Streaming coupons
  • Fitness
    • Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
    • Watch Brands
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
    • Wellbeing
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
    • More from Fitness
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
      • Fitness coupons
  • Audio
    • Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
    • More from Audio
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
      • Audio coupons
  • VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • Camera Types
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
    • Camera Brands
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
    • More from Cameras
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
      • Camera coupons
  • Home
    • Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
    • Home Brands
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
    • More from Home
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
      • Mattress coupons
      • Home & appliances coupons
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • By Type
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
    • Popular Brands
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
  • Phones
    • View Phones
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
      • Android
      • iOS
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone Coupons
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • View Computing
    • Laptops
      • View Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software & Security
      • View Software & Security
      • Windows
      • macOS
      • Windows 10 End of Life
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Components
      • View Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • View Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Tablets
      • View Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing Coupons
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • View AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • View TVs
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
      • TVs & home theater coupons
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • View Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
    • Streaming coupons
  • Fitness
    • View Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
      • Fitness coupons
  • Audio
    • View Audio
    • Headphones
      • View Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • View Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • View Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • View Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
      • Audio coupons
  • VPN
    • View VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • View Cameras
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
      • Camera coupons
  • Home
    • View Home
    • Smart Home
      • View Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • View Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
      • Mattress coupons
      • Home & appliances coupons
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • View Browse
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
Don't miss these
Feature image showing imagery from (left to right) Fire Emblem Path of Radiance, Wario World, and Luigi's Mansion.
Gaming The Switch 2’s GameCube library is failing to show the classic console at its best
The best gaming consoles on a blue background.
Consoles & PC Best gaming console in 2026: we've ranked top picks for kids, pro gamers, and more
A feature image depicting scenes from three games. From left to right: Earth Defense Force 6, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Blue Prince.
Gaming Just got a PlayStation Portal? Here are nine games I cannot recommend enough
A DIY console using the Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X
Consoles & PC The console the big three won't build: Chinese modder creates 3-in-1 powerhouse
PS5 vs Xbox Series X side by side
Consoles & PC PS5 vs Xbox Series X: which current-gen console should you buy?
Image of the PlayStation Portal handheld gaming device
Gaming The 22 best PlayStation Portal games in 2025
Best Xbox controllers 2025
Gaming Accessories The best Xbox controllers
NextGear Clear Shift shown when transparent, so you can see through side and front glass panels
Desktop PCs Here are 3 of the weirdest new PC cases, including one that cloaks itself
The Super Pocket handheld games console on a pale green background.
Consoles & PC Best handheld games consoles in 2026: the top systems we've tried
Best PC controllers
Gaming Best PC controllers: top gamepads from GameSir, Thrustmaster and more
Four Spartans face down waves of Covenant aliens in Firefight mode
Xbox Series X The 28 best Xbox Series X games to play right now
A triptych of the three controllers in the PS5 Hyperpop Collection
PS5 Hyperpop PS5 controller and console cover pre-orders are live and readily available
Marvel's Spider-Man, the back of Spider-Man's suit
PS4 The 23 best PS4 games to play right now
A collage of PS5 accessories on a space and gaming themed background
PS5 My ultimate PS5 accessory picks - 12 essential extras to enhance your setup
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Sigma BF, Samsung Galaxy XR, Apple AirPods Pro 3, Google Pixel Watch 4 and Nintendo Switch 2 on a blue background, surrounding text reading TechRadar 2025
Apple Intelligence The TechRadar team looks back at the biggest tech stories of 2025
Trending
  • CES 2026
  • Best laptop
  • NYT Wordle today
  • Best web hosting
  • Best VPN
  • Windows 10 end of life
  1. Gaming
  2. Consoles & PC

The 10 worst special edition consoles ever made

News
By Hugh Langley published 12 March 2017

The state of these

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The worst special edition consoles of all time

The worst special edition consoles of all time

When it comes to special edition consoles, it's about a 50/50 split between 'Pretty nice' and 'What the hell were they thinking?'.

A recent Game of Thrones Xbox One effort definitely falls into the latter camp. Just feast your eyes on the thing.

Not only does it look like someone left an Xbox One out to rust, the giant metal rings sticking out the top mean you won't be easily slipping this thing under the TV.

Luckily, the console is exclusive to Xbox France and only available through a competition, but it's not the first bad tie-in console that has graced us with its presence.

Here are a few of the worst.

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
Mountain Dew Xbox

Mountain Dew Xbox

There's nothing I love more than the refreshing taste of Mountain Dew as I chow down on some Doritos and get stuck into a bit of Halo. If only there was a console that spoke to my lifestyle; a console my friends could look at and say, "Yes, this is a man who knows how to Dew it".

Well, turns out there was. No, that's not the Hulk you're looking at (although it's about the same size and color) but the limited edition Mountain Dew Xbox that was only made available through a sweepstakes for Dew lovers. You can still find a few knocking around on eBay.

[Image credit: Gamesmaster1 on YouTube]

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
Star Wars Xbox 360

Star Wars Xbox 360

The Darth Vader PS4 may have divided opinion, but it's as hallow as Yoda compared to the ugly Star Wars Xbox 360 above.

The console was launched in a bundle with a copy of Star Wars Kinect and the Kinect sensor itself.

It's not even the unit that's the worst bit - just look at that C-3PO-inspired controller. Look at it.

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
Men in Black PlayStation

Men in Black PlayStation

I don't think Men in Black is a good enough movie to warrant a console tie-in. Sue me. Either way, this one's about as inspired as the second film.

[Image credit: Twinfinite]

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
Call of Duty PS4

Call of Duty PS4

The 1 TB PlayStation 4 Call of Duty: Black Ops III bundle comes with a console that's meant to evoke elements of the game, but actually wouldn't be out of place in Tron. The original Tron, where - let's be honest - everything looks a bit pants if you watch it now.

Then comes the controller, which looks like it's just been used by someone with Cheeto dust smeared on their thumbs.

In sum, not great.

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
Hello Kitty Xbox

Hello Kitty Xbox

The Hello Kitty limited edition Xbox is a bit like the sun - in that staring at it for too long will probably cause blindness.

It was launched for the release of Hello Kitty: Roller Rescue in 2005, and the world never looked back.

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
Shrek Game Boy Advance SP

Shrek Game Boy Advance SP

Like Shrek, it's only ugly on the outside. It also belongs in a swamp.

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
Tommy Hilfiger Game Boy Color

Tommy Hilfiger Game Boy Color

"This promotion is a natural partnership, since both companies tailor to the trendsetters who dress to impress and enjoy interactive entertainment," said then-Nintendo exec Peter Main at the launch of the Tommy Hilfiger Game Boy Color.

"Finally, a console will tie my outfit together," said absolutely no one in response.

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
Taco Bell Xbox 360 Slim

Taco Bell Xbox 360 Slim

No joke: Taco Bell gave away a special edition Xbox 360 as part of a competition in Canada. The color is fine - it's the Taco Bell logo slapped on the side that makes us want to wrap the console in a rug like an ugly tortilla and drop it in the nearest river.

That said, only three were ever given away, so you're unlikely to ever see a wild one. If you do, be sure to express your dislike by booing at it.

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
Team Jordan PlayStation

Team Jordan PlayStation

Only 10 of these were ever made, and we're thankful for that. The Team Jordan Formula 1 PlayStation is so ugly it would be an offence to the trash can to bin it.

The consoles were given away by Team Jordan to tie in with the launch of Formula 1 '97, and might be worth a bit of money if you're one of the 10 people to own one. So at least there's a silver lining to this yellow monstrosity.

[Image credit: Gamekapocs]

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
Bruce Lee PS4

Bruce Lee PS4

*Vomits all over the PS4*

*PS4 looks the same, if not marginally better*

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
TOPICS
Sony Microsoft Xbox
Hugh Langley
Hugh Langley
Social Links Navigation

Hugh Langley is the ex-News Editor of TechRadar. He had written for many magazines and websites including Business Insider, The Telegraph, IGN, Gizmodo, Entrepreneur Magazine, WIRED (UK), TrustedReviews, Business Insider Australia, Business Insider India, Business Insider Singapore, Wareable, The Ambient and more.


Hugh is now a correspondent at Business Insider covering Google and Alphabet, and has the unfortunate distinction of accidentally linking the TechRadar homepage to a rival publication.

Share by:
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Whatsapp
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Threads
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Read more
The PlayStation Hyperpop accessory collection.
Sony unveiled a new 'HyperPop' accessory collection — but it's absolutely hideous
 
 
The God of War 20th Anniversary DualSense on a wooden table in front of a white brick background
These limited edition PS5 controllers are cheat codes for PlayStation gifts
 
 
The best gaming consoles on a blue background.
Best gaming console in 2026: we've ranked top picks for kids, pro gamers, and more
 
 
Xbox Series X in front of a TV displaying Xbox Game Pass games
Xbox can’t wait to get out of 2025 and start talking about the next generation
 
 
Gift guide art work for a page on the best Christmas gifts for Xbox gamers
The 10 best gifts for Xbox gamers – from merch to headsets, games, hard drives and more
 
 
a close-up image of the Valve Steam Controller
Forget the weird Steam Machine controller – tell me what’s your favourite controller of all time
 
 
Latest in Consoles & PC
Four cars race in Forza Horizon 6. Mount Fuji looms large in the background.
Forza Horizon 6's Developer Direct showcase was brilliant — these three big changes are what excite me most about the upcoming open-world racing game, but potential genAI usage has me concerned
 
 
Zenless Zone Zero version 2.4.
Own a PS5? These are the six free games I always have on my console
 
 
A DIY console using the Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X
The console the big three won't build: Chinese modder creates 3-in-1 powerhouse
 
 
A screenshot of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong from Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Surprise Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Nintendo Switch 2 update adds a wealth of new content and fixes some of my biggest issues with the game
 
 
A Space Marine stands atop a pile of monster corpses
Some fantastic games are coming to Xbox Game Pass this month — here are the ones I'd recommend trying first
 
 
A closeup of the top right corner of the Snakebyte Starter Kit S2 screen protector, showing how it has slightly come away from the Nintendo Switch 2 screen.
Research firm warns gamers to expect a 'global' Nintendo Switch 2 price hike
 
 
Latest in News
Travel Photographer of the Year 2025 winner Athanasios Maloukos' winning portfolio called Night of Sorrows: The 'Yacente' Procession of Zamora, Holy Thursday
How 2025's Travel Photographer of the Year used 'immense skill' in low light to create in-camera magic
 
 
How to watch A Super Progresive Movie online – where to stream Australian political comedy from anywhere in the world
How to watch A Super Progressive Movie online from anywhere — stream Australian viral comedy
 
 
Emmanuel Macron delivering a speech in sunglasses
French President takes aim at ‘American platforms’ and ‘Chinese algorithms’ as France moves to ban social media for under-15s
 
 
ExpressVPN and Kape
ExpressVPN kills legacy apps – you have time until March 31 to update yours
 
 
Google AI Overviews
Google Search gives AI Overviews Gemini 3 upgrade and and AI Mode connection
 
 
Adobe Photoshop updates in action, showing AI tools and layers to adjust the photograph's subject
Adobe's game-changing Photoshop update finally adds the tool every creative has been asking for – and I can't believe it took this long
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    I tested Nvidia's DLSS 4.5 — and it's so great, I can barely spot the difference between upscaler modes
  2. 2
    Have your say: are you hyped for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, or is it a load of meh?
  3. 3
    I’m all for weird tech, and this viral AI sticker maker has just shot to the top of my list of recent obsessions
  4. 4
    Who needs 5G, or even 6G? New breakthrough can transmit at 15 gigabytes per second - that's enough for a whole weekend's worth of movies
  5. 5
    'Shot in low light, these images require immense skill to get right' – see the Travel Photographer of the Year 2025 and the stunning in-camera winning images

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...