Is NES classic discontinued?

Yes, the NES Classic Edition was officially discontinued by Nintendo in 2018.

Key Details about the NES Classic Edition Discontinuation:

1. Release and Popularity:

   • The NES Classic Edition (also known as the NES Mini) was released in November 2016 as a miniaturized version of the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
   • It came pre-loaded with 30 classic games from the NES library, including iconic titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, and Metroid.
   • The NES Classic Edition was extremely popular, selling out quickly in stores and becoming a collector's item. Due to its success, Nintendo decided to keep it in production longer than initially planned.

2. Discontinuation in 2018:

   • Despite its popularity, Nintendo officially discontinued the NES Classic Edition in April 2018. The decision was partly due to production issues, supply shortages, and the fact that it was always intended to be a limited-run product.
   • The NES Classic Edition was considered by many as a nostalgic item aimed at capturing the retro gaming market, and after a brief period of high demand, Nintendo decided it had met its goal.

3. Resurgence:

   • In 2019, Nintendo announced it would restart production of the NES Classic Edition due to continued high demand. However, even after this restart, Nintendo has made it clear that the product is not a permanent fixture in their lineup and that it is still considered a limited edition.

4. Current Availability:

   • While production has ceased, the NES Classic Edition can still be found on secondary markets such as eBay, Amazon, and local gaming stores. However, due to its collectible status, the price on these platforms can be marked up significantly from the original retail price.

The Success of NES Classic Edition

The NES Classic Edition's retro appeal, affordable price (originally around $59.99), and the game library (which included fan-favorites) made it a hit for both new players and nostalgic gamers. It was designed to appeal to gamers who wanted to revisit classic titles without the hassle of finding and maintaining original NES hardware and cartridges.

Related Products from Nintendo:

1. SNES Classic Edition:

   • In 2017, Nintendo followed up with a Super Nintendo Classic Edition (SNES Mini), which also came pre-loaded with a selection of classic games from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Like the NES Classic, the SNES Classic was also discontinued but was later brought back due to demand.

2. Nintendo Switch Online (NES Games):

   • Nintendo also offers NES games as part of the Nintendo Switch Online service, allowing subscribers to play a selection of NES titles on their modern Switch console.
   • Nintendo Switch Online

Conclusion:

The NES Classic Edition was discontinued by Nintendo in 2018, though it briefly returned to production due to its success. It's no longer officially in production, but it can still be found through third-party sellers and may be considered a collector’s item. If you're looking for a way to experience NES games today, you can also explore the Nintendo Switch Online service.