The retro SNES Nintendo Switch controller has mysteriously disappeared from the company’s American online store. Known as a Nintendo Switch Online member exclusive item, it appears likely that the item has either ran out of stock or a glitch has occurred.
The controller’s listing had been previously marked “Out of stock” and “temporarily sold out” before the page disappeared completely. The online store had also been down for maintenance but has since returned to working order. When the website was back up and running, users quickly noticed that the unique item had disappeared from their wishlists. While the item appears available, the page then leads to a 404 error page.
The controller had become a fan favorite among retro gamers with many users jumping on the chance to play with the SNES controller on a modern console. Fans have commented on how SNES games should be played with the controller the games were designed around, as some players cannot afford or are unable to get their hands on the retro console. Users who had already purchased the controllers mentioned that is was great for platformers outwith the Nintendo brand like Sonic the Hedgehog. Other theories towards its removal highlighted the fact that Nintendo possibly removed the item temporarily so customers would not have a long wait ahead of them due to the pandemic.
Nintendo has not commented on the item’s removable but it is expected that an explanation will arrive soon with the mystery disappearance making its way around the gaming community. Not all hope is lost for retro gamers though, as the full-size NES variant for the Switch is still available for purchase. The controller allows gamers to play classic NES games in vintage style with a two-pack bundle option available for co-op.
With its iconic dog-bone design, the SNES controller was a significant change from the NES predecessor. With the addition of the X and Y buttons, featuring a diamond format with all four buttons, the SNES also added the left and right shoulder buttons which were first of its kind and paved the way for future controller designs. The controller was discontinued with its console in 2000 but is popular, along with the NES, amongst retro gaming collectors.
Whether it’s a technical glitch or Nintendo biding their time until lockdown lifts, the company store still offers some great alternate merchandise for gamers to spend their pennies on.
Source: Nintendo Soup
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