Since the NES Classic mini hit stores in November, it’s been infuriatingly difficult to actually buy one.
But folks hoping to get one of the $60 retro consoles for the holidays may still have a shot (without having to shell out hundreds on eBay). Toys ‘R’ Us confirmed to CNBC that it would have a limited restock of the consoles available when its doors open at 8am Sunday. Other retailers, including Target, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and GameStop could also get additional units this month, though there is no way of knowing which will get them and when.
It’s been clear since July when Nintendo announced the mini console, which comes preloaded with 30 classic games, that it was going to be a hit. Yet Nintendo has failed to meet the huge demand for the product. Many stores were stocked with fewer than 10 units when the consoles went on sale last month.
Some have speculated that Nintendo is purposely limiting supply to create buzz around the console before scaling up their delivery of the product. It’s also possible Nintendo somehow failed to predict the popularity of NES Classic (though a quick scroll through any social media site on announcement day should have tipped them off). Or perhaps the company mismanaged its supply chain in the months ahead of the release. In any case, Nintendo has created a frustrating situation for fans who hoped to celebrate the holidays with a fun little piece of nostalgia instead of the specter of disappointment.
If there’s a candle of hope in this situation, it’s that some retailers think Nintendo could provide a larger fulfillment before the end of the holiday season, though that won’t help the people who huddled in line for hours or who got gouged by resellers.
Nintendo’s last statement on the NES Classic supply issue came in mid-November when it said it was “working hard to keep up with consumer demand.”
There will be a steady flow of additional systems through the holiday shopping season and into the new year. 2/3
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) November 11, 2016