Nintendo promises that its $80 mini Super Nintendo won't be impossible to find

Nintendo promises that it's new $80 mini Super Nintendo console will be easier to find than its other video game consoles.

Nintendo

This is the Super NES Classic Edition, a mini version of the Super Nintendo console released in 1991. It comes with 21 built-in games, and cannot play cartridges.

In a statement provided to Business Insider, a Nintendo representative said, "We aren't providing specific numbers, but we will produce significantly more units of Super NES Classic Edition than we did of NES Classic Edition."

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In late 2016, Nintendo launched a $60 video game console that looked almost exactly like the original Nintendo Entertainment System. It was called the "NES Classic Edition," and it was in high demand as a gift during the holidays.

Nintendo

The NES Classic Edition looks almost identical to the original NES, but much smaller. The controller ports are different as well.

That demand carried into 2017 - until Nintendo suddenly killed the console in April. As such, the life of the NES Classic Edition was a roller coaster of emotions for anyone trying to buy the console. It was made available during the holiday season, was near impossible to buy, and then it was never fully re-stocked before being discontinued.

Why was it killed?

There are a variety of answers to that question, but the main thing to understand about Nintendo's "Classic Edition" console sales is that they're intended as an elaborate commercial for Nintendo. The end goal is simple: You buy other Nintendo products, like the company's new Switch console, after having been reminded that Nintendo games are a lot of fun. It's a diabolical combination of product, advertisement, and nostalgia.

The Super NES Classic Edition is the same way.

Nintendo

Some of the 21 games included with the Super NES Classic Edition.

Nintendo's only promising it'll continue production of the Super NES Classic Edition console "until the end of calendar year 2017." After that? "We have nothing to announce regarding any possible shipments beyond this year." Rough! While it's entirely possible that Nintendo continues producing its Super NES Classic Edition console well into 2018, it sounds equally likely that it'll end its run when 2017 is over.

All of which is to say one thing: Get ready to pre-order. There's no way to do so just yet, but Nintendo says it'll have that info "coming soon." If that fails, you can always line up bright and early on September 29 at your favorite local store - the Super NES Classic Edition costs $79.99 and launches on September 29.

Here's the full statement from Nintendo regarding the Super NES Classic Edition supply:

"We aren't providing specific numbers, but we will produce significantly more units of Super NES Classic Edition than we did of NES Classic Edition.

"Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Super NES Classic Edition is currently planned to ship from Sept. 29 until the end of calendar year 2017. At this time, we have nothing to announce regarding any possible shipments beyond this year.

"Our long-term efforts are focused on delivering great games for the Nintendo Switch system and continuing to build momentum for that platform, as well as serving the more than 63 million owners of Nintendo 3DS family systems. We are offering Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Super NES Classic Edition in special recognition of the fans who show tremendous interest our classic content."