Don't pay a premium for SNES Classic - Nintendo

Nintendo is uncertain about its ability to meet demand for the Switch this holiday season, but seems considerably more confident when it comes to the Super NES Classic retro console.

As reported by the Financial Times, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime discussed the subject at Variety's Entertainment and Technology Summit 2017 in Los Angeles last week, saying that the company "dramatically increased" production of the SNES Classic over its tightly supply-constrained predecessor, last year's NES Classic. While many consumers have had difficulty securing a preorder for the system, Fils-Aime said it was not because of any supply issue, but was due instead to problems outside the company's control.

"I would strongly urge you not to over-bid on an SNES Classic on any of the auction sites," Fils-Aime said. "You shouldn't [have to] pay more than $79.99."

Fils-Aime also commented on last year's NES Classic issues, saying the company had intentionally kept the run low, basing its production figures around how similar retro consoles from other companies had fared and a desire to not take focus away from Nintendo's other offering in the market at the time, the 3DS.

UPDATE: Emphasising the point that there will be plenty of stock available to help consumers avoid scalpers, Nintendo has since confirmed via its various Twitter accounts that it will continue to ship the SNES Mini in 2018. Nintendo of Europe tweeted that this will also apply to the UK and Europe, and Nintendo of America is likely to follow suit later today.

Nintendo of Europe also revealed that the NES Classic will be made available again in Summer 2018 for those who missed out last year. More details will be given at a later date.