If you still haven't purchased an NES Classic and were planning to do so, you might want to act fast. Gamers are already taking to forums to voice their displeasure as scalpers will be hovering over the last shipment like vultures and the mark-up on sites like eBay will be many-times the console's face value. In an effort to explain this head-scratcher, a Nintendo representative told IGN:
"Throughout April, NOA territories will receive the last shipments of Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition systems for this year. 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."
A second Nintendo representative told the site, "
NES Classic Edition wasn’t intended to be an ongoing, long-term product. However, due to high demand, we did add extra shipments to our original plans." Why Nintendo wouldn't strive to find a way to continue such a highly successful product is a little mind-boggling.
At the time of its launch this past November 10, 2016, the NES Classic or Nintendo Classic Mini shipped with 30, pre-installed classic games from the Nintendo library including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong and more.