NeoGAF

Fantastical · 05:23 AM

THIS IS ONLY ABOUT AMAZON U.S. I've been thinking about making a thread like this for a while because it's something I find interesting, but I didn't want to sound sensationalist or jump to conclusions, but I kind of feel like that is no longer the case anymore.

Okay, so last July (yes more than a year ago) Amazon put the 3DS "under review". This means that they stopped selling it for some unspecified reason. I made a thread about it here. A lot of people were saying it was some kind of error or that they were temporarily out of stock and at shortly after it seemed like that could be right because Amazon started selling 3DS handhelds once more. But some people brought up the screen scratching issue that the 3DS has (look here for more information on that). User TheBez even quoted an Amazon stating the reason it was under review was for a somewhat similar but different reason.

Originally Posted by TheBez:

Talked with an Amazon rep and this is what he said:

The reason why this is under a review :
The flip-screen is loose when its opened, please inform them that Nintendo has confirmed as long as the upper screen locks into place, the unit is within Nintendo’s design specification. Customers can call 1-800-255-3700

He also gave me this link to use for further help

http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/sys...%20and%20hinge

This pointed at it being more than some error or a stocking issue but no one really cared because they were back in stock.

Fast forward to October and in the same thread user Deadly Joker updated the thread.

Originally Posted by Deadly Joker:

I noticed you can't buy any models of the 3DS on Amazon.

What's going on?

Link

User LOCK also replied with some information.

Originally Posted by LOCK:

Amazon hasn't directly sold a 3DS since the beginning of October. Every time I've checked it has only been offered from other sellers.

And then I replied 3 days later confirming that they still weren't selling the systems, which is different from the July incident when I believe Amazon got them back up in under 24 hours.

Mpl90 also made a very interesting observation.

Originally Posted by Mpl90:

You know what?
Also various SKUs of Wii are in the exact same state...and others have low stocks.
And even DS.
Yeah, Nintendo is punishing Amazon for the Kindle Fire.

And this is still where we are at. Amazon is not selling any Wii, DS, or 3DS SKUs. Amazon will sell the games, but the systems are all sold by 3rd party sellers. And yes, to clear up some confusion, although you can buy the systems from the Amazon website, Amazon doesn't sell them directly. Notice the prices on nearly all 3DS models are about 10-15 dollars higher than they should be. And, while Amazon has a page for the 3DS XL (here), you can't preorder it from them and the system comes out in less than a month so I think they would be on that by now.

I just have to wonder if Amazon will sell the Wii U. I would think that they wouldn't turn their back on a new major console, but they did on a potential hot selling redesign of a handheld.
I feel like some people are going to respond that these systems are out of stock or something, but they are simply not. It's been like this for months as shown in that thread. There has been discussion about this in other topics, but I can't find them at the moment.
Maybe this is just completely stupid but I've been kind of scratching my head at this for many months now. Again, not to sensationalize it, but it seems like there is something amiss in the relationship between Nintendo and Amazon.

Choc · (08-01-2012, 02:15 AM)

soooooo i just purchased a 3DS XL from Amazon Italy?!

Fantastical · (08-01-2012, 02:17 AM)

Originally Posted by Choc:

soooooo i just purchased a 3DS XL from Amazon Italy?!

I should have clarified it's Amazon US only.

Samurai_Heart · (08-01-2012, 02:17 AM)

Originally Posted by Choc:

soooooo i just purchased a 3DS XL from Amazon Italy?!

He meant Amazon.com not other ones like Italy, UK etc
edit: beaten lol

Derrick01 · (08-01-2012, 02:19 AM)

Hmm well I guess I know where I'm not going to be buying a 3DS. That's rather unfortunate as I prefer Amazon for my console/handheld purchases.

DeathNote · (08-01-2012, 02:20 AM)

Why are they selling Wii U games for 99$?

thetrin · (08-01-2012, 02:21 AM)

Wow, that's unfortunate. I preordered my 3DS from Amazon way back when, and I still buy 3DS games on Amazon.

chertipros · (08-01-2012, 02:23 AM)

anti-nintendo conspiracy

Randolph Freelander · (08-01-2012, 02:24 AM)

So you can go to Amazon.com. Search "3DS." Find systems available. Order is fulfilled by Amazon.com. So they're not the direct seller. Who cares? What's the problem?

KU_ · (08-01-2012, 02:25 AM)

I noticed this as well about a week ago. I really hope they sell the Wii U, seeing as Amazon's customer service is the best in the business, and I just subscribed to Prime.

Daydream Sequence · (08-01-2012, 02:26 AM)

All signs point to Nintendo being dicks. There's absolutely no reason why Amazon would willingly choose to not stock Nintendo hardware outside of the faulty 3DSes. Most likely Nintendo punishing them for speaking up about Nintendo's own screen scratching fiasco. The only hardware Amazon still has is old stock of the Limited Edition Pokemon Black DSi Bundle.

Originally Posted by Randolph Freelander:

So you can go to Amazon.com. Search "3DS." Find systems available. Order is fulfilled by Amazon.com. So they're not the direct seller. Who cares? What's the problem?

Who cares? How about people that don't want to pay 10-30 over MSRP. When Amazon sells it directly, they charge MSRP or less. These other sellers are all selling above.

nhlducks35 · (08-01-2012, 02:27 AM)

Originally Posted by Randolph Freelander:

So you can go to Amazon.com. Search "3DS." Find systems available. Order is fulfilled by Amazon.com. So they're not the direct seller. Who cares? What's the problem?

It costs more money?

Fantastical · (08-01-2012, 02:28 AM)

Originally Posted by Randolph Freelander:

So you can go to Amazon.com. Search "3DS." Find systems available. Order is fulfilled by Amazon.com. So they're not the direct seller. Who cares? What's the problem?

They are much more expensive and I doubt you will be able to preorder Wii U if this continues. You can't with 3DS XL's.

gkryhewy · (08-01-2012, 02:28 AM)

Originally Posted by Daydream Sequence:

Most likely Nintendo punishing them for speaking up about Nintendo's own screen scratching fiasco.

Link?

Actually there isn't a link, because that isn't true.

Eric C · (08-01-2012, 02:28 AM)

Originally Posted by Daydream Sequence:

All signs point to Nintendo being dicks. There's absolutely no reason why Amazon would willingly choose to not stock Nintendo hardware outside of the faulty 3DSes. Most likely Nintendo punishing them for speaking up about Nintendo's own screen scratching fiasco. The only hardware Amazon still has is old stock of the Limited Edition Pokemon Black DSi Bundle.

Or Amazon is trying to pull a WalMart and get a better price on Nintendo Hardware to make more of a profit and Nintendo told them no way.

Not saying that's what happened but it's a possibility.

Randolph Freelander · (08-01-2012, 02:29 AM)

Didn't realize the sellers were above MSRP. Oh well, fight the good fight, I guess.

sergioalb64 · (08-01-2012, 02:31 AM)

I hope that we get a direct answer to this issue some day; I do believe either Amazon, Nintendo of America, or both share some of the blame; hardly doubt this is a coincidence or just Nintendo systems selling so well that they're never in stock.

For what it's worth, Amazon put up their Wii U 'Notify Me When Available' page quite a while ago, before E3, and the page actually has a ton of info on the system (unlike the barebones 3DS XL pages). I'm really hoping to be able to purchase the Wii U from them; if not, then I guess Best Buy will do, like I pre-ordered my 3DS XL from them.

Tagg9 · (08-01-2012, 02:31 AM)

It's all very curious. Especially considering Amazon.ca still sells all Nintendo hardware.

Struct09 · (08-01-2012, 02:32 AM)

Originally Posted by Eric C:

Or Amazon is trying to pull a WalMart and get a better price on Nintendo Hardware to make more of a profit and Nintendo told them no way.

Not saying that's what happened but it's a possibility.

More likely what's happening. I believe the margins on 3DS systems are razor thin, and it may not be worth it for Amazon to stock them if they're taking losses on every unit sold.

phosphor112 · (08-01-2012, 02:32 AM)

Originally Posted by chertipros:

anti-nintendo conspiracy

I think he's implying that... lol

Daydream Sequence · (08-01-2012, 02:35 AM)

Originally Posted by gkryhewy:

Link?

Actually there isn't a link, because that isn't true.

Said it's a guess. Sorry to ruffle your feathers. I'm open to other reasons why Amazon would suddenly decide they wanted to stop making money on all Nintendo hardware.

Eric C · (08-01-2012, 02:35 AM)

It should also be mentioned that last year when Amazon.com stopped selling Nintendo hardware they also put up a chart called Handheld Console Choices on the Nintendo product pages directly comparing the tech specs of Nintendo handhelds to Sony handhelds, that chart is not present on any of the Sony product pages, just the Nintendo ones.

metalslimer · (08-01-2012, 02:38 AM)

Originally Posted by Eric C:

It should also be mentioned that last year when Amazon.com stopped selling Nintendo hardware they also put up a chart called Handheld Console Choices on the Nintendo product pages directly comparing the tech specs of Nintendo handhelds to Sony handhelds, that chart is not present on any of the Sony product pages, just the Nintendo ones.

oh wow

Emitan · (08-01-2012, 02:39 AM)

Originally Posted by Eric C:

It should also be mentioned that last year when Amazon.com stopped selling Nintendo hardware they also put up a chart called Handheld Console Choices on the Nintendo product pages directly comparing the tech specs of Nintendo handhelds to Sony handhelds, that chart is not present on any of the Sony product pages, just the Nintendo ones.

Is Takao Amazon's CEO?

Fantastical · 02:46 AM

Originally Posted by Eric C:

It should also be mentioned that last year when Amazon.com stopped selling Nintendo hardware they also put up a chart called Handheld Console Choices on the Nintendo product pages directly comparing the tech specs of Nintendo handhelds to Sony handhelds, that chart is not present on any of the Sony product pages, just the Nintendo ones.

Oh yeah I meant to mention something about that. I'll quote you in the first post.

EDIT: On second thought maybe it's more likely they forgot about that since they weren't even selling 3DS systems directly when Vita came out.

phosphor112 · (08-01-2012, 02:40 AM)

Originally Posted by Eric C:

It should also be mentioned that last year when Amazon.com stopped selling Nintendo hardware they also put up a chart called Handheld Console Choices on the Nintendo product pages directly comparing the tech specs of Nintendo handhelds to Sony handhelds, that chart is not present on any of the Sony product pages, just the Nintendo ones.

Sony won't money hat an exclusive, but they'll money hat Amazon.

butter_stick · (08-01-2012, 02:41 AM)

*speculative comment without foundation*
*implied paranoia about Amazon bias*

ShockingAlberto · (08-01-2012, 02:42 AM)

Originally Posted by Billiechu:

Is Takao Amazon's CEO?

Then he would have just fired Tony in the first place.

gamergirly · (08-01-2012, 02:43 AM)

Have we really gotten to the level of whether you wonder if online retailers will sell the Wii U or not?

A Human Becoming · (08-01-2012, 02:44 AM)

Originally Posted by butter_stick:

*speculative comment without foundation*
*implied paranoia about Amazon bias*

Whoa there buddy, calm down.

My guess is Amazon has a poor relationship with Nintendo.

Fantastical · 03:04 AM

Originally Posted by gamergirly:

Have we really gotten to the level of whether you wonder if online retailers will sell the Wii U or not?

Did you read the thread?
EDIT: You edited some of your post too.

Forever · (08-01-2012, 02:45 AM)

Originally Posted by gamergirly:

Have we really gotten to the level of whether you wonder if online retailers will sell the Wii U or not?

He's not wondering about "online retailers" he's wondering about Amazon. It's a legit question considering that Amazon doesn't seem to carry any Nintendo hardware right now.

metalslimer · (08-01-2012, 02:45 AM)

Originally Posted by gamergirly:

Have we really gotten to the level of whether you wonder if online retailers will sell the Wii U or not?

Not online retailers. Just Amazon US which sucks because I would most likely buy a Wii U through them if I got it this year.

Forever · (08-01-2012, 02:47 AM)

Just buy from Newegg, they're tax free in more states than Amazon.

Jaded Alyx · (08-01-2012, 02:47 AM)

Sucks for Prime members.

Fantastical · (08-01-2012, 02:49 AM)

Originally Posted by Forever:

Just buy from Newegg, they're tax free in more states than Amazon.

Not in my state (Tennessee). :(

dallow_bg · (08-01-2012, 03:01 AM)

Still so weird to me.

Originally Posted by gamergirly:

Have we really gotten to the level of whether you wonder if online retailers will sell the Wii U or not?

???

Lyude77 · (08-01-2012, 03:09 AM)

Originally Posted by Fantastical:

Not in my state (Tennessee). :(

Same here. I hope Amazon stocks the Wii U. I guess I'll get it from Best Buy with a gift card paying for part of it.

That Singer Guy... · (08-01-2012, 03:21 AM)

Originally Posted by Fantastical:

Not in my state (Tennessee). :(

Originally Posted by Lyude77:

Same here. I hope Amazon stocks the Wii U. I guess I'll get it from Best Buy with a gift card paying for part of it.

me 3 :(

DeathNote · (08-01-2012, 03:21 AM)

Originally Posted by Fantastical:

Not in my state (Tennessee). :(

We will have Amazon sales tax in 2014, so, 1 or 2 more consoles wont be much.

Sushigod7 · (08-01-2012, 03:30 AM)

Was thinking the same thing hope Amazon sells the Wii U. I sent a inquiry recently about the 3ds XL and the response i got was very generic saying to keep watch the site it maybe sold out. It made no sense customer service was messing with me.

Kenak · 03:57 AM

Originally Posted by DeathNote:

Why are they selling Wii U games for 99$?

Because they don't know the prices yet. Rather than notify people of a price increase and dealing with having to honor the lower price/getting a lot of cancels, they just bring down the price accordingly. In other words, it's easier to subtract than it is to add.

Originally Posted by Fantastical:

Not in my state (Tennessee). :(

No where is tax free. Without a doubt Amazon and other major online retailers provide an entire order history of what people purchase through their site to the government so they know what's up and who isn't reporting what. Pretty sure it has to do with leveraging out of sales tax. Seeing an order total is what people think of, and keeps the burden of taxes off their hands. It's more or less a perceived price advantage I guess.

hwy_61 · (08-01-2012, 04:15 AM)

Little bit off-topic, but was there ever an explanation for all the PSN codes disappearing? That was my preferred method!

BurritoBushido · (08-01-2012, 04:34 AM)

hmmm no wonder ive been unable to pre-order a 3DS XL. Well shit.

catabarez · (08-01-2012, 04:36 AM)

Does Tony know the truth?

Wario64 · (08-01-2012, 04:36 AM)

I bet Tony is behind all this. Ban Tony from NeoGAF.

jk i love you tony

MrBS · (08-01-2012, 04:37 AM)

This worries me. Getting 3DS and vita cheap to Australia was easy with amazon preorders. I was hoping to exploit *cough* make use of that cheap international shipping again for the Wii U.

massoluk · (08-01-2012, 04:41 AM)

Tony, I'll buy a Kindle if you tell us the truth.

GoofsterStud · (08-01-2012, 04:41 AM)

I just wanted to say I love Amazon. <3

It might not be as trendy as backing Steam, but somebodies got to do it.

Originally Posted by massoluk:

Tony, I'll buy a Kindle if you tell us the truth.

Any news on the new kindle? I read they were going to release a new version to compete with Google's tablet. Hope that was a lie!

nckillthegrimace · (08-01-2012, 04:43 AM)

This year long potential conflict between a major video game retailer and a major video game company seems like the sort of thing that would be great to look into if you were some sort of journalist covering video games. It's probably easier to just post Halo screenshots and stories about how many McChickens THQ is worth, though.