The Nintendo Classic Mini NES is no more. Despite selling like the proverbial hot cakes and making Nintendo a boatload of cash, the company has decided to cancel production of its miniature retro console in the West. Australian retailers have been instructed to stop taking online orders with shipments suspended indefinitely. If you still haven’t managed to get your hands on one, time is running out.
As reported on Kotaku, Nintendo has abruptly decided to end production of the NES Classic in western markets, effectively killing one of its most popular products in years.
“Throughout April, NOA territories will receive the last shipments of NES Classic Edition systems for this year. We encourage anyone interested in obtaining this system to check with retail outlets regarding availability,” the company confirmed to IGN.
The above statement relates specifically to North American production, but Aussie consumers appear to be in the same boat. According to the ever-reliable Vooks.net, stores in Australia have been told by Nintendo that “there will be no more NES Mini stock to order and to stop taking orders / pre-orders for them if they were doing so.”
Given its immense popularity in Australia and the US, Nintendo’s decision to axe the of the Nintendo Classic Mini NES seems odd to say the least. We wouldn’t be surprised if this was a deliberate ploy by the company to maintain the product’s “buzz”.
Tellingly, the company followed up its shock announcement with the following:
“We understand that it has been difficult for many consumers to find a system, and for that we apologise. We have paid close attention to consumer feedback, and we greatly appreciate the incredible level of consumer interest and support for this product.”
We fully expect the NES Mini to periodically re-appear on shelves – always in limited quantities, natch. Hopefully, it will be joined by a Mini SNES.
For those still on a desperate lookout for the product, check out our Nintendo Classic Mini NES online buying tips.
[Via Kotaku]
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2016/12/nintendo-classic-mini-nes-target-sale-online-buying-tips/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/12/Nintty-410×231.gif” title=”Nintendo Classic Mini NES Target Sale: Online Buying Tips” excerpt=”The worldwide struggle to bag a Nintendo Classic Mini NES has been tough on everyone. If you’ve managed to resist the lure of the eBay reseller (damn their eyes), we have some good news for you. the Nintendo Classic Mini NES will be available to buy on Target’s online store on Monday for $99. Here are some online buying tips to improve your chances.”]
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2016/11/nes-classic-review-too-good-for-the-price/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/zgywi0vxf7dopeyrcp4c.jpg” title=”NES Classic Review: Retro Gaming Done Right” excerpt=”The NES Classic Edition is a miniature version of the original 1986 video game console officially produced by Nintendo. It comes equipped with a HDMI port, a wireless controller and 30 inbuilt games. We recently put it to the test and fell in love with all over again. Here is our verdict.”]
Comments
3 responses to “The Nintendo Classic Mini NES Is Dead (For Now)”
Thanks Nintendo. I was in the market for getting at least 3 of these (two for gifts) and know a handful of people who would have bought one at a drop of a hat.
It seems odd that Nintendo want to ‘keep it rare’, I figure it is more that they really unexpected the demand for the device and now seem to be too embarrassed to keep it going.
Won’t be long before the eBay listings hike up price now there won’t be many more on the market.
“Nintendo’s decision to axe the of the Nintendo Classic…”
Sale? Production?
Reduce supply to boost rarity.
This is what companies want, they want people to go crazy over every product release. By making periodic limited quantities it increases demand because people don’t want to miss out. Companies want their own iPhone release type hype. Customers lining outside big w to get the mini snes before it’s gone.
As far as Im concerned this makes Nintendo fools AND liars. So much for there being enough for everyone who wants one, as was promised. Still have not even seen one “in the wild” 6 months after release, but refuse to let the e-bandits win by purchasing one from a non retail outlet. The utterly idiotic release strategy has caused nothing but frustration and anger here. It has only aided and abetted scalping whilst making the big N much less money than it could have netted. Also put me off buying a switch altogether. Great move Nintendo.