Nintendo will officially no longer be producing the NES Classic console, with the last packages being shipped to retailers this month.
Nintendo provided the following statement to IGN regarding the decision:
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.
NES Classic Edition wasn’t intended to be an ongoing, long-term product. However, due to high demand, we did add extra shipments to our original plans.
Nintendo will also discontinue the NES Classic controller; 3rd-party accessories for the NES Classic will be either continued or discontinued at the discretion of each individual manufacturer.
It is currently unconfirmed whether this spells the end of all worldwide production of the NES Classic / Famicom Mini; Nintendo has made no comment on the lifetime sales performance of the NES Classic or on the future of the Nintendo Classics brand.
The NES Classic Edition launched on November 10, 2016, letting players play 30 different classic NES cames on a small mini-computer in an NES-styled shell. The console was tremendously popular, often selling out at retail locations and leading to supply shortages and super high-priced scalping on sites like eBay.
As of January of this year, Nintendo reported sales of the NES Classic console of over 1.5 million units.