The NES Classic Edition is one particular hit that has been recycled a few times over, at least the games on the game console has. Many people would actually shell out at least $60 to pick up a modern day version of the NES, 8-bit graphics and all, that has the ability to hook up to your TV via HDMI while delivering crisp looking graphics and brighter than ever colors. The ironic bit? There is even an option to play with an interlaced look to resemble your old school TV. How times have changed. Still, the NES Classic Edition has managed to sell a whopping 1.5 million units around the world since it was released late last year, and there has been stock shortages at retailers which goes to underline just how popular this machine is. And to think that there is no way to change the pre-loaded game library, leaving room for Nintendo to release other editions of the NES Classic Edition that will carry a totally different set of 30 games while laughing their way to the bank makes me shudder.
Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima shared the 1.5 million units of the NES Classic Edition sold worldwide at the most recent company earnings briefing, and issued an apology (which is very Japanese) to both consumers and retailers concerning the shortage issue. Fret not, Nintendo is currently doing their level best to increase production despite the fact that some parts do require time to procure. He is also sanguine that the NES Classic Edition’s popularity will help boost the new generation Nintendo Switch’s profile as it is released this March, saying, "We also see the nostalgic interest in these products as an opportunity to draw consumers' attention to our latest game system, Nintendo Switch," Kimishima said.
NES Classic Edition stock availability
Where can I get a NES Classic Edition if I want one? Well, GameStop has already started to receive stock, and this is based on a "while supplies last" basis. Not only that, customers who would like to pick it up from GameStop can only do so one at a time -- you cannot purchase more than a unit. Hence, GameStop is rather optimistic that their supply of NES Classic Editions will be sold out equally fast as it did before the holidays. Do expect to find the NES Classic Edition to retail for far more -- perhaps even double the recommended retail price of $59.99 if you were to scour sites like eBay as there are sellers who would not mind taking advantage of the high demand situation to make a quick buck.
The likes of Amazon.com, Best Buy, Toys ‘R’ Us, Walmart and Newegg.com have also yielded zero stock, even until now. You can always use sites like this and this to check on the real time availability of the NES Classic Edition. It seems that eBay is your best bet at the moment with inflated prices, while Amazon.com might just eke out some willing third party sellers.
