Nintendo discontinues NES Classic, halts production of Famicom Mini

Video game fans still looking to purchase Nintendo’s retro-styled mini console devices are in for some major heartbreak, as the company has announced that it is stopping production of the sought-after devices.

In a report on IGN, a representative from Nintendo said that the NES Classic Edition “wasn’t intended to be an ongoing, long-term product” and will be discontinued. 

“Due to high demand and numerous requests the company relented and added extra shipments, but that isn’t the case anymore.Throughout April, NOA territories will receive the last shipments of Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition systems for this year. We encourage anyone interested in obtaining this system to check with retail outlets regarding availability. We understand that it has been difficult for many consumers to find a system, and for that we apologize. We have paid close attention to consumer feedback, and we greatly appreciate the incredible level of consumer interest and support for this product.”

Launched on November 10 last year, the NES Classic Edition was widely seen as the height of retro gaming nostalgia. The console was a miniature replica of the original Nintendo Entertainment System that released in 1985, with 30 built-in games licensed from the Nintendo gaming library including classic titles like Super Mario Bros., Contra, Castlevania, and The Legend of Zelda. All games were based on software emulation, featured save states, and featured HDMI output. 

The NES Classic Edition's Japanese counterpart, the Famicom Mini, was launched on November 11 last year. Nintendo Japan has announced that it is temporarily halting production of the console, according to a report on Siliconera. — TJD, GMA News