Nintendo seems to have learned its lesson with the NES Classic Edition. When it came out, practically every Nintendo fan both old and new salivated for it — but couldn't get it. Ill-intentioned eBay scalpers had fun reselling them, though, marking up units with absurdly inflated prices.
That practice is of course frowned upon, but who's to blame, really? Had Nintendo put out enough units, scalping could have been avoided altogether. But as they say, what's passed is passed. The NES Classic Edition is dead, and it's time for the sequel, the SNES Classic Edition, to hit the spotlight.
SNES Classic Edition And Potential Supply Problems
Fears are running high; some speculate there will be a repeat of the last supply fiasco. Nintendo of America's President, Reggie Fils-Aimé has now attempted to downplay such concerns, telling Financial Times that Nintendo has "dramatically increased" production of the SNES Classic Edition so everyone who wants one can and will get one.
It's not clear just what the phrase "dramatically increased" is being compared to. Perhaps Fils-Aimé could simply be comparing SNES Classic Edition production to that of the NES Classic — Nintendo only produced 2.3 million NES Classic units, and it's uncertain exactly how many units the phrase "dramatically increased" represents. Another million? Two? Three?
Factor in Nintendo's Switch supply problems to the whole situation and it might be safe to assume the company simply won't produce too much of the SNES Classic Edition. Granted, the demand of the previous mini console should indicate there are people clamoring for consoles of yesteryear reissued and repackaged for the modern era, but also keep in mind that Nintendo has previously admitted that it sometimes gets consumer demand wrong.
Still, Fils-Aimé's confirmation sounds better than nothing at all. But if what he's saying is accurate, why were preorders so hard to come by? He has an answer.
Fils-Aimé attributed preorder chaos and instant sellouts to unspecified retailer issues that according to him was "outside our control." But should supply problems arise, he encourages not to give in to scalping.
"I would strongly urge you not to over-bid on an SNES Classic on any of the auction sites," he said. "You shouldn't [have to] pay more than $79.99."
The SNES Classic Edition launches on Sept. 29.
SNES Classic Edition
A re-release of the original Super Nintendo Entertainment System, released in the '90s, the SNES Classic Edition is preloaded with 21 games, including the previously unreleased Star Fox 2. Unlike its predecessor, it comes with two controllers, both of which have longer cords. It plugs into the TV via HDMI and is played like a regular SNES from days of yore.
Getting one? Sound off in the comments section below!
