The video game industry is one of the world’s most profitable with a global revenue of more than $46 billion this year alone–an amount that is expected to skyrocket once the holiday season rolls around. Since the introduction of consumer home video games in the mid-1970s (the Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972, was the first gaming console), the computer and video game industries have grown from small and focused markets to the mainstream consumer market, raking in billions each and every year. The video game industry’s annual revenue has continuously grown over the past decade in the United States as well–the industry took in $15.4 billion last year, more than double the amount in 2003 ($7 billion). Profit continues to drive technological advancement used by other industry sectors, while casual and indie games–like Minecraft–continue to have a significant impact on the industry with sales of some titles exceeding millions of dollars. Even though the wealthy might be purchasing gold Xbox Ones or diamond encrusted PlayStation 4s, there are plenty of pricey video game accessories on the market as well. Read on for the top five most expensive video game accessories in the world.
5. The Steel Battalion Controller – $199
This giant full-scale controller for 2002’s Steel Battalion is actually quite impressive for the price. Produced by Capcom, Steel Battalion was available in a bundle for the original Xbox that included this giant accessory, which was required to play the game. Unfortunately, the Steel Battalion controller is only compatible with the game and its sequel, but being able to control a bipedal, heavily armed mecha with two control sticks, three pedals and around 40 buttons is worth the price.
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4. Resident Evil 6 Premium Edition – $1,299
Developed by Capcom, Resident Evil 6–the ninth installment of the Resident Evil franchise–was released in October 2012 to critical and commercial fanfare. Shortly after its initial release, a $1,299 “Premium Edition” was introduced for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Featuring the game, a quartet of character-themed tablet covers, a limited edition BSAA watch, and a replica of the leather jacket the game’s main character wears, the Premium Edition was only advertised in Japan.
Photo by kotaku.com
3. The Optimus Maximus Gaming Keyboard – $1,699
The Optimus Maximus gaming keyboard is a keyboard developed by the Art. Lebedev Studio, a Russian design studio headed by web designer and businessman Artemy Lebedev. Each of the Optimus Maximus’ keys is an individual display which can dynamically change to adapt to the keyboard layout in use for the particular game being played or to show the function of the key. Sold in limited production runs, the $1,699 gaming keyboard is the most interactive gaming keyboard on the market.
Photo by artlebedev.com
2. The VRX Mach 4 Racing Simulator – $24,999
For the price of a brand new car, gamers can purchase this advanced racing simulator–the VRX Mach 4–for a staggering $24,999. Professionally designed, meticulously built, and extensively tested by VRX Advanced Race Simulators, the VRX Mach 4 features four Xbox 360 gaming consoles, three Sharp Aquos 37-inch 1080p screens, one seven-inch LCD screen that functions as a rearview mirror, a 1,500-watt tactile vibration feedback system, a 1,900-watt tactile power amplifier, a Bose Acoustimass 10 series surround sound system, an Italian Sparco Monza racing seat, twin virtual wind fans, and a beverage containment system.
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1. The MWE Lab Emperor Workstation 200 – $39,999
The most expensive video game accessory in the world is the Emperor Workstation 200, designed by MWE Lab. This Star Wars-esque behemoth features a PlayStation 3 system and Blu-ray player, up to three brand new 27-inch LCD screens, an Android-powered touch screen control center, a fully integrated web camera, a HEPA air filtering system, an electric powered leather reclining seat, independent therapy lighting, breathtaking surround sound, a set of noise-canceling headphones, and even the option for a 360 degree programmable rotating podium.
Photo by oddstuffmagazine.com
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