The SNES Classic is in short supply, much like the Nintendo Switch and NES Classic systems were when they first launched. And recently, Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime sat down with the Financial Times to discuss this shortage and what’s caused it to happen.
According to his statements, these shortages are stemming from a hang-up in the supply chain. Multiple components necessary for producing these systems are in short supply — not nearly enough to meet the high demand of the market. Pair that with high demand for the system itself, and you have all facets of production going at maximum capacity. Nintendo is basically selling these units as fast as they can make them. Add shipping delays to the mix, and it’s a perfect storm of factors that are preventing these two consoles from staying stocked on store shelves.
Around the world, SNES Classic systems are selling out as soon as new stock arrives. In Japan, customers must participate in a lottery to even get a chance at buying the console. Scalpers are turning around and selling the systems for close to double on auction sites.
Though production of the SNES Classic has drastically increased, scalping has become common enough with Nintendo systems that Fils-Aime warned fans not to fall prey to the practice when the console launches on September 29th:
“I would strongly urge you not to over-bid on an SNES Classic on any of the auction sites… You shouldn’t [have to] pay more than $79.99.”
With the SNES Classic creeping towards its launch date, many fans have taken to Twitter and other social media platforms to express their disbelief and disappointment over the lack of supply for the revamped retro console. After the stock shortages of both the NES Classic and the Nintendo Switch, fans are wary of any positive signs regarding the stock for the SNES Classic.
This reticence stems from a history of accusations against Nintendo for creating stock shortages to generate hype for its products. The NES Classic debacle was the most recent example that fans have pointed to as evidence. But Fils-Aime clarified to the Financial Times that the shortage for that console happened because the company underestimated its demand:
“The NES Classic’s low stock was based on the historically low sales of other retro-gaming devices from other manufacturers…”
In spite of this explanation, fans are still skeptical after the limited launches of the NES Classic, the Wii, and the Switch.
If you’re looking to get your hands on an SNES classic when they go on sale, it may serve you well to subscribe to some of the video game deal Twitter feeds such as @videogamedeals that are keeping track of the console. You can set push notifications for these feeds so you don’t miss pre-order windows on important purchases.
When it launches, the SNES Classic will feature more than 20 retro games for fans to enjoy — if they can get their hands on it.
