Nintendo discontinues NES Classic production

Nintendo has announced it will cease production of the Nintendo Entertainment System Classic due to struggles with maintaining supply for the console.

The Facts

In a statement released to major video game news outlets, a Nintendo spokesperson confirmed that the NES Classic will be discontinued after the end of April in Nintendo of America territories. The announcement followed months of the company struggling to keep up with demand for the system.

Below is the full statement, courtesy of ign.com:

“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.” 

Even amid its production issues, the system performed well past expectations, selling 1.5 million units as of Nintendo’s 3rd quarter fiscal reports meeting. The company even extended its planned run of the system’s production past the holiday season 2016 into 2017.

Author’s Take

It’s unfortunate that Nintendo is backing away from the NES Classic, but it’s also been a supply and demand nightmare. Hopefully those still interested in grabbing the console can find one before its price skyrockets.