Apr 20, 2024 | Updated: 11:35 AM EDT
Apr 03, 2017 06:43 AM EDT
The announcement by Best Buy on March 29 that it has limited stock of Nintendo Switch and the NES Classic created a shopping frenzy among gamers. In one day, all the stock were gone.
Gray Joy-Cons
GameSpot reported on Thursday that on March 29, the Nintendo Switch and NES Classic Edition would be available on the website of Best Buy. Nintendo tweeted that limited quantities of the two console would be available beginning at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET. But only gray Joy-Cons were seen on the Nintendo website when the systems went live.
Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America, admits the current shortage of the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Classic Edition is because the company underestimated demand for the game consoles. Tatsumi Kimishima, president of Nintendo, apologized for the shortage. He adds the shortage would soon be over because by the end of March, Nintendo has started the shipment of 2 million units of Nintendo Switch.
Other Retailers
Last week, Toys R Us also made available limited quantities of the Nintendo Switch, but like what happened on Wednesday at Best Buy, the stock immediately were snapped by gamers in a few hours. Value Walks notes that Amazon is expected to refurbish its stock of Nintendo Switch, but preference is given to Prime members.
Although relief may soon come to players seeking to buy a Nintendo Switch because of the shipment of the 2 million units, it is another story for the NES Classic Edition which comes with pre-loaded popular games. The retail price of the retro console is $59.99, however, resellers are charging higher prices because of the console’s shortage.
The Nintendo Switch launched exactly a month ago with the game “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” Gamers, however, are waiting for the release of “Pokemon Stars” on Nintendo Switch. The NES Classic Edition was rolled out in November, Polygon notes.
