Panasonic M2 FZ-21 Console Sparks Controversy as Video Game Esoterica Withdraws Rare Unit from Sale

In a striking turn of events, the retro gaming community witnessed intense backlash when Video Game Esoterica—a YouTube channel celebrated for game preservation and emulation content—attempted to sell a rare Panasonic M2 FZ-21 console, only to retract the offer following a torrent of criticism and allegations.

This incident draws renewed attention to the elusive history and collector fervor surrounding the Panasonic M2 platform. The Panasonic M2 was originally developed by The 3DO Company as the intended successor to the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer.

Designed to rival contemporary heavyweights like Sony's PlayStation, the M2 boasted advanced processing power and an ambitious graphical edge.

Panasonic’s parent company, Matsushita, acquired the technology in 1996, but ultimately cancelled the home console project in 1997.

Despite its short-lived run, the M2 survived in commercial contexts, most notably as an arcade board and in two distinct retail kiosk-style units. Recently, Video Game Esoterica revealed their intent to sell one of the rare FZ-21 models—an iteration of the M2 developed for commercial use that closely resembled the abandoned home console design.

As stated by Video Game Esoterica, this was seen as a unique opportunity given the significant interest and scarcity of the console.

The YouTuber explained through his social media channels that the decision was driven by the need for a larger workspace and studio, and that the FZ-21 could command a "five-figure" sale based on recent collector trends. However, the listing quickly drew ire from retro gaming enthusiasts.

Video Game Esoterica reported receiving an unprecedented volume of angry emails and messages, with some individuals accusing him of scamming, price gouging, and even fabricating the existence of the console using AI-generated images.

Responding to the controversy, Video Game Esoterica clarified that the sale was legitimate and not deceptive, but announced the withdrawal of the console from the market, emphasizing, "This experience has been enlightening." The reaction underscores the high-value and intense scrutiny associated with rare consoles such as the Panasonic M2 FZ-21.

According to Neon Polygons, a similar FZ-21 unit recently fetched approximately $20,000 on the secondary market—highlighting both the rarity and demand among retro game collectors.

Previous sales, such as the more common M2 kiosk-style FZ-35-S unit, have also commanded notable sums, with a 2023 auction seeing the hardware sell for $1,000. Though never widely released, the Panasonic M2 remains a highly coveted piece of gaming history, especially among those invested in console collecting, game preservation, and retro hardware.

Incidents like this reveal not only the passion within the community but also the challenges faced by collectors and preservationists navigating the unique market for rare gaming artifacts.

As the conversation continues, it is evident that interest in the M2 and similar hardware continues to thrive, inspiring new conversations about history, authenticity, and value in the world of retro gaming.

Rare M2 Panasonic FZ-21 Video Game Esoterica Panasonic M2 FZ-21 3DO Company Nintendo Neon Polygons Matsushita