Even This $185 NES Classic Edition Bundle Sold Out Almost Right Away
This TV was deemed an acceptable tax on the Classic Edition by many.
Amazingly, the $60 NES Classic Edition remains as hard to find now as it was at launch three months ago. Walmart had the hard-to-find system in stock this afternoon, but even putting it in an arguably unappealing bundle didn't stop it from selling out.
The bundle has changed and seemingly sold out a few times now; as of this writing, it's unavailable. For $180-$190, it includes a Classic Edition, a second controller (including a third-party arcade stick option), and a 32-inch TV.
As you might expect, given the price, it isn't a high-end TV by any means. It's a 720p display from ProScan that regularly costs $120 and can currently be had for $110 outside of the bundle. Reviews on Walmart's website are surprisingly positive overall, although, buyers likely shouldn't set their expectations high for such a cheap TV.
Not long after word of this bundle began to spread, it sold out (although it briefly become available again a few times). Extra controllers it had in stock also sold out almost instantly. The system itself reportedly could also be ordered through Walmart's app at one point, but demand clearly remains insatiable.
Last month, GameStop also chose to sell at least a portion of its allotment of NES Classic Editions in pricier bundles. These ranged from $80 to $130 and included things like a controller extension cable and a backpack.
The secondhand market on eBay has died down some since launch, when systems were reselling for upwards of $200. They still routinely sell for a fair premium, ranging from $100-$150.
Nintendo has continued to deliver additional NES Classic Editions since its launch, but both the system and extra controllers routinely sell out immediately--even when they're bundled with unwanted extras.
Last month, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime admitted Nintendo misjudged the market but claimed supply issues have been "largely addressed."
Preorders for Nintendo's upcoming Switch console have sold out, though that comes as little surprise. What is somewhat strange is the fact that even the system's optional Pro Controller has sold out at some retailers.
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