Nintendo is having an amazing holiday season this year. The Japanese gaming company is enjoying the immense popularity of its upcoming "Nintendo Switch" hybrid console. Additionally, the demand for its NES Classic Edition continues to skyrocket as holiday shoppers continue to hunt for available stocks. The company has reportedly sold close to 200,000 units of its retro system.
In a surprising turn of events, the NES Classic Edition is competing with modern flagship consoles this holiday season. Their Japanese counterpart called the Famicom Mini has reportedly sold 261,000 units in just a week. In comparison, Nintendo America has pegged their total sales of the retro NES console at 196,000 units old collectively,according to Engadget.
Sources speculate that the $60 price tag of the NES Classic Edition seems ideal for consumers to get it as a holiday gift. With the steady release of remastered games, gamers can't help but feel nostalgic about their gaming roots. Some consumers are reported to be parents, who played on the original console, then want their children to also experience what they had before.
With the NES Classic Edition demand still ongoing, a lot of retailers have tried different promotions or processes to allocate stocks fairly among consumers. Most have limited their buyers to one console per person, while others like ThinkGeek and Urban Outfitters required their customers to sign up on their website. Even video game retailers like Gamestop are having problems getting their inventory.
Holiday shoppers are vigilantly checking the internet for any news regarding restocks. Some buyers, who could not wait any longer, proceed to haggle with resellers, who are reportedly selling their NES Classic Edition for more than quadruple the original asking price.
It was previously reported that Nintendo promises to have enough stocks available before the holidays roll over. Gamestop and Best Buy are also receiving restocks this weekend and next Tuesday, according the Gamenguide.