[Update] NES Classic to be discontinued in North America

Update:

The Famicom Classic Edition, the Japanese version of the mini-NES, has also discontinued production "for now," according to the Japanese website.

Original:

The NES Classic has been hard to come by since it released in November 2016, but it's about to get even harder to find.

Back in February, it was rumored that the NES Classic was ceasing production – at least in the Nordic region. Today, a Nintendo representative has confirmed the worst news possible for everyone who was unable to procure the device for themselves – the NES Classic Edition is ceasing production in North America.

Retailers will see the last shipments for the device this month.

A Nintendo representative provided the following statement to IGN:

“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.”

The confirmation of the NES Classic ceasing production also came with a statement that the NES Classic was never meant for long-term production and that it was always planned to be limited.

“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.”

Well, folks, that's it for that.