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Nintendo SNES and NES Classic: 'Once they sell out, they're gone'

Get 'em while you can.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
Lori Grunin
Nintendo NES Classic and SNES Classic
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It turns out that when Nintendo  rereleased its "flat-out awesome" Super NES Classic Edition and its slightly-less-awesome sibling, the NES Classic Editionearlier this year, the company was being literal when it said they were "expected to be available through the end of the year." 

It's now official: the consoles will cease to be, at least in the Americas, once the last available console sells. From then on, you'll have to get your Nintendo retro-gaming jollies on the Nintendo Switch via Switch Online.

In an interview on Tuesday with the Hollywood Reporter, President and CEO of Nintendo of America Reggie Fils-Aime said:

"We've also been clear that, at least from an Americas perspective, these products are going to be available through the holiday season and once they sell out, they're gone. And that's it. The way that consumers will be able to continue participating with our classic content is going to be through Nintendo Switch Online, and we just released three new games (Ninja Gaiden, Wario's Woods and Adventures of Lolo) from the NES generation onto that platform. We look at that as the main way that consumers will be able to experience that legacy content." 

Hopefully, you'll still be able to get third-party accessories for them long past the consoles' expiration dates. 

Watch this: How to make your NES, SNES Classic play even better

SNES Classic Edition is well worth the price of admission

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