The SNES Classic Edition will be released tomorrow in North America and, despite Nintendo’s assurances that more units of this system will be available than the NES Classic Edition launch, we’re expecting demand to outstrip supply.
The good news is that many retail chains have been indicating that stock is already looking healthy, although few locations were willing to give specifics.
We hit the phones to figure out the launch plans of the national retail chains that we know will have the systems in stock, but be sure to call your local stores to see if they’ll spill the beans on inventory and can confirm their launch plans.
From midnight launches to the possibility of anarchy, this is what you can expect tomorrow. Happy hunting.
GameStop
The retailer will have units for walk-in customers tomorrow morning, but expect lines to form early and supply to be short. There is also the possibility that some, if not all, of the systems for walk-ins will require the purchase of an expensive bundle.
Target
Target is going to have units for walk-ins as well, and the retailer used a ticketing system for people waiting in line for the store to open for the launch of the Nintendo Switch. Expect a similar system in place here. The good news is that someone will likely be there hours ahead of open to let you know how many units they have in stock and if waiting will be worth your time.
Walmart
Different Walmart locations open at different times, so be sure to call around to try to formulate a plan. Stores that are open 24 hours should be doing a midnight launch, complete with in-store line management, but call ahead of time just to be sure.
I contacted a few locations in Ohio was told they’re not supposed to give out inventory information, but they had “beyond dozens” of units in stock, and “many times” that of the NES Classic Edition. That being said, they also told me they had already been fielding phone calls all morning.
Toys R’ Us
The stores I called said they had them in stock, supplies would be very limited and, in somewhat distressing news, some weren’t planning on any kind of line management when the store opens. That could create a bit of a mess, so maybe check in a few hours before open to see how things are looking and if there seems to be any organization present. If not, expect a mad rush to the electronics section and perhaps some elbows.
Best Buy
The stores I contacted will be using a ticketing system for people waiting in line, starting at 7 a.m. for stores scheduled to open at 10 a.m. It’s possible there could be lines already formed before that time, however, so show up early if you have have your heart set on getting a unit.
You should know how many your location has at 7 a.m. however, which means you won’t have to stay in line for the next three hours if supply exceeds demand. The stores were careful not to disclose any inventory numbers.