Nintendo seems to be its own worst enemy when it comes to profiting off of its consoles. The Switch, which broke records for the studio in becoming its fastest-selling console ever, has only in recent months become available due to extremely low stocks among retailers. The NES Classic Edition, meanwhile, faced similar self-sabotage when Nintendo made the baffling decision to discontinue production of the mini-console, despite it selling like hot cakes to consumers.
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Yet there finally seems to be some good news with regards to this last product. According to an article on Nintendo's website, the NES Classic will be making a return to stores in 2018.
"Next summer, Nintendo will also bring back the Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition system with new shipments."
The NES Classic is a $60 miniaturized version of the original 1985 console that can fit into the palm of your hand. Despite the small size, the NES Classic boasts access to 30 different retro video games, including Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros., Metroid, and The Legend of Zelda.
The Legend of Zelda, 1986. Source
In addition to the above, Nintendo revealed in the same article plans to continue shipments of the SNES Classic Edition well into 2018. This development is in direct contrast with the company's previous statements to Kotaku that the SNES Classic would be following a similar policy in discontinuing all production by the end of the year. Evidently the company saw fit for a change in heart after the public outcry following the NES' sudden disappearance.
RELATED: Nintendo to launch SNES Classic Edition
The SNES Classic Edition is currently scheduled to release in just two weeks on September 29. At $80, owners will receive immediate access to 21 classic games, including Donkey Kong Country, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Star Fox 1 and 2. Much like the NES Classic, this console is a smaller version of the original designed with portability in mind. Nintendo's website describes it as having "the original look and feel of the '90s home console, only smaller."
Still, those gamers swept away by the nostalgic appeal of the SNES will be hard-pressed to find a copy available. The mini-console is already sold out on most virtual retailers such as Amazon and Target, and will likely be out of stock for the next couple of months. Luckily, Nintendo's learned much from the Switch and NES production fiascos, and have promised that "...Nintendo is working to put many more of them on store shelves."
