On April 13, Nintendo Co. announced that it is discontinuing the elusive NES Classic Edition. The retro console has been out of stocks most of the time in all online and brick-and-mortar retailers. It was the most sought after gaming console and the news just broke the hearts of its fans.
Nostalgic gaming console
The NES Classic Edition is a mini version of the company’s widely popular gaming system released in 1985. It features 30 pre-loaded classic games including “Super Mario Bros.,” “Donkey Kong,” and “Pac-Man.” It was sold upon re-release for $60.
The console offering 8-bit graphics was an instant hit for old and new generation gamers.
In November 2016, when the company re-released the console in the market, it made an unprecedented feat when it was immediately sold out. Succeeding replenishment of stocks among global retailers also met the same feat. Even the company has not anticipated the reception the classic console got from gamers.
Because of high demand, the retro console became elusive. Apparently, the demand affected the console’s price. Several retailers are selling it now on Ebay for $300 from its launch price of $60.
Nintendo
In a statement, the company did not elaborate on reasons why they are discontinuing the console. They are appreciative of feedbacks and are aware of the high demands for the retro console.
“We encourage anyone interested in obtaining this system to check with retail outlets regarding availability. We understand that it has been difficult for many consumers to find a system, and for that, we apologize. We have paid close attention to consumer feedback, and we greatly appreciate the incredible level of consumer interest and support for this product.”
It can be recalled that in the first part of 2017, the company apologized for the scarcity of stocks.
In addition, Nintendo promised to boost its production.
Gamers reactions
The news was not taken well by numerous gamers. Most expressed their sentiments about the sad news on Twitter. One user even told the company that he is baffled by the way they do business and that he said that he will boycott the company.
.@NintendoAmerica why would you discontinue the NES classic when I still can't even find any in stores???? your business model is baffling
— BeRad Faraday (@BeradFaraday) April 13, 2017
Choosing to kill the NES classic is about the silliest thing I can think of
— Mike (@Chantiment) April 13, 2017
the NES classic is just a myth pic.twitter.com/C3HPzPPucI
— nick (@nick_pants) April 13, 2017
It appears that Nintendo did not initially intend the NES Classic Edition to be mass-produced.
Most likely, it was their marketing strategy as a way of preparing gamers for the arrival of their latest hybrid console, the Nintendo Switch. The company did not anticipate the reception for the retro console to be as massive as this one, thus stocks have been elusive since re-release.
For those who have not yet secured a unit, check out your favorite retailers. According to some reports, the company made their final shipment this month, so if you are lucky, you can still get one.
