Industrial case design plays an integral role in a gamer's relationship with their console. Here are my illustrations of a few designs that would never see a wide release, save for a handful of rare prototypes.
In 1992, Nintendo teamed up with Sony to produce a SNES with built-in CD-ROM capabilities. After many development issues, Nintendo decided to focus on proprietary cartridges for the Nintendo 64, while Sony would use the experience to develop the Sony PlayStation.
A surreal mashup of branding on the iconic Super Famicom controller hints at a reality that never would be.
The Sega Neptune combined the Genesis with the 32X, which Sega planned to release in fall 1995. The Neptune was delayed for over a year then canceled with the discontinuation of 32X hardware and the recent release of the more powerful Saturn.
The Atari 2700 was was intended to be a 1981 follow-up to the famous Atari 2600 and would feature wireless controllers. At least 12 of these units are rumored to be in existence.