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[Glitchesarecool]

Just don't buy them at that price.

No seriously. If you don't give the scalpers money, they'll have to lower their prices or they have dead weight merch on their hands.

This isn't a Nintendo only thing, either.

 

[bms2993]

Yep.

The only other thing would be people getting together to outpace the scalpers and buy up stock with the intent of selling/trading them for cost. That's what I'm going to do with my extra GS MM3DLE.

Even then you would have people go as a group to scalp. Foiled.

 

[20cent]

Easy, just don't buy anything new or marked up over 10% from ebay resellers. Maybe you won't be able to post your stuff in the "post your monthly pick-up" thread during the hype, but you will be fine.

 

[DryEyeRelief]

Yep.

The only other thing would be people getting together to outpace the scalpers and buy up stock with the intent of selling/trading them for cost. That's what I'm going to do with my extra GS MM3DLE.

you got an extra one? isn't it one per customer?

 

[Geg]

Did you read the post you responded to?

Unless Nintendo thinks people are still in the market for GameCube controllers to connect to actual GameCubes...

They fucked something up.

Every store has an entire wall of brand new GC controllers.. not to mention Nintendo had to have known many big fans already had GC controllers.. yet stores barely got any adapters..

The entire thing is crap considering they could have just designed a GC controller that actually has USB and can connect to the Wii-U directly.. instead they do the "require an extra accessory" thing and then fail to supply them to consumers.

Now that I think about it, what's the situation with GC adapters in Europe in Japan? I remember thinking when this problem first came up that it sucks for people in countries where the game isn't out yet because lots of people in the US were importing adapters from there due to the lack of supply here, but since then I haven't really heard anything.

Is there an adapter shortage everywhere or is it actually just an NOA thing?

 

[DeuceGamer]

This has been going on way longer than the Amiibos. Maybe there is a larger spotlight on it now but, the same type of thing happened with the Wind Waker LE with Gannon Figurine and I'm sure there were probably other similar items before it.

It's also not limited to Nintendo. Anything Limited with a strong fan base has seen similar things occur. With the Nintendo fans it's probably more prevalent though. Examples would be Limited Editions for Kingdom Hearts HD CE, Tales of Symphonia CE, Hatsune Miku PP LE, etc...

That said, I do wish Nintendo would implement a better way to pre-order as the MM 3DS sold out in 15 min.

 

[riotous]

Yep.

The only other thing would be people getting together to outpace the scalpers and buy up stock with the intent of selling/trading them for cost. That's what I'm going to do with my extra GS MM3DLE.

Yeah thought about creating a "scalping at cost" thread for the GameCube adapter..

Instead you just have people actively admitting to scalping one to pay for the other they bought.

Really don't understand why so many gamers feel comfortable admitting to scalping on game forums.

 

[balladofwindfishes]

I think, like other limited editions from Nintendo, that the Majora's Mask New 3DS will probably be fairly common around release.

I had no issue getting my Wind Waker Wii U just by walking into a store. They were selling Red/Green Mario and Luigi "Limited Edition" Wiis for what seemed like years.

 

[trixx]

About my previous post, if your paying out the ass for these things then you are part of the problem. This is what I mean by have a "I don't care" attitude towards these things.

Let that person try to sell their scalped (Is this a word?) goods for whatever price and you as a consumer DONT PURCHASE THEM. Let price decrease if you want it so badly.

If I miss a LE item that I may have wanted its whatever.

 

[SmackAttack]

People need to stop caring about these limited edtions, rare amiibos and crap. I'm a Nintendo fan, own almost all the consoles. But I'm not going of my way to get some limited crap.

Thankfully with Nintendo going digital there will be little to no reason to scalp for games that are not some limited edition.

Or people could care about whatever they want like a special edition of a system dedicated to one of their favorite games and not worry about having to rush and pick one up because someone who doesn't give a shit about it buys three of them because he can make some cash and makes it harder for them to get it at all.

People can care about whatever they want and should be able to buy it.

Edit: I see your above post and agree. Nvm about what I said.

 

[Peagles]

Now that I think about it, what's the situation with GC adapters in Europe in Japan? I remember thinking when this problem first came up that it sucks for people in countries where the game isn't out yet because lots of people in the US were importing adapters from there due to the lack of supply here, but since then I haven't really heard anything.

Is there an adapter shortage everywhere or is it actually just an NOA thing?

New Zealand here. They weren't sold in stores and we had to order direct from Nintendo Australia. They sold out in about a week. It's a supply problem.

 

[Experien]

First point...console (and Majora's Mask game) are Limited Editions. Limited means, not everyone is guaranteed one.

Second...Nintendo can't police being awful humans and it isn't their job. If it is someone's job, it is the retailers but it isn't their job either. It is their job to sell the product.

Super awful situation but just means Nintendo is making products people want? As for the Amiibos, they said they are making more Marths.

 

[m_shortpants]

Supply and Demand 101. When the demand is greater than the supply this will always happen with any product.

Yeah and Nintendo will make the most money when supply = demand. It's in their own interest to make them as close as possible to another. So either they're forsaking money and are fine with it going to scalpers instead, or their analysts are severely underestimating demand. My guess is the latter.

 

[Berg]

is making more units as simple as ordering more to be produced? i'm not so sure. There are factors that prevent them from producing enough for demand...especially if they didn't expect amiibo to be so popular.

 

[LizardKing]

This tactic may work in the short term but in the long run, it's a terrible way to run a business, especially if Nintendo wants Amiibo to be a viable money maker for more than six months.

Every single collectible industry thrives on limited editions, it's been proven time and time again. Limited editions would not be limited if everyone who wanted one got one. People are going to be pissed.

 

[blankempathy]

I think the only real instances of under guessing a demand without any real reason to is basically both cases involving majora's mask. The adapter is for controllers for 2 gens ago so its hard to gauge an audience size for that. The amiibos were a surprise hit im sure. After all they're still until February 13th Wii u toys and the wii us is struggling here in the states. However even then there have been plenty of amiibos when it comes to certain figures. In this instance namely Link. Clearly they knew he'd be one of the more popular amiibos so the whole majora's mask thing is baffling. Theres no real reason to make the special edition or the the 3ds so rare. The n3ds is launching at the same day as the other models so its not like people aren't going to be looking to upgrade anyways. Plus its a zelda game on the 3ds which is the most popular nintendo system out at the moment. I remember being able to preorder the statue version of wind waker some time still after release.

 

[Ocaso]

Honestly, what's with Nintendo sending out X amount of products when they clearly have a demand for more? It's baffling.

For items that are intended to be limited? It's brilliant business, plain and simple. The fact that certain amiibos are limited drives sales of ALL amiibos. Limited edition packages increase interest in a product and are not meant to be profit sources. The fact that they are reversing the trend of previous "limited" edition products languishing on shelves strengthens the perceived brand value.

 

[OrbitalBeard]

Every single collectible industry thrives on limited editions, it's been proven time and time again. Limited editions would not be limited if everyone who wanted one got one. People are going to be pissed.

Sure, but Amiibo aren't "limited editions". I can't currently find Link online for less than $20.

LINK.

It took me a week to locate a copy of Fire Emblem: Awakening at launch.

The GCN adapters are STILL hard to find.

Nintendo doesn't have a problem with limited editions. They have a problem understanding their own goddamn market.

Edit - To be fair, Amiibo is a new thing. I'm not too upset about those specifically, yet. If they're still impossible to find at a reasonable price in six months, then I'll be really annoyed.

 

[Mashing]

Nintendo needs to make more units and retailers need to have a 1 per customer limit.

/thread.

Retailers need to take some of the blame here. Nintendo could be handling things better, that's for certain, but it's not all on them.

 

[zenosparadox]

 

[Specialmias]

http://www.blueoceanstrategy.com/teaching-materials/nintendo-wii/

 

[ALM5252]

I'm at the point where I don't even try to get Amiibos or anything. If I come across one I want at the store and have the money, sure I'll bite, but other than that, nah. I will never pay more than the $13 they are worth.

I was trying to preorder the MM 3DS XL at my GameStop, but I didn't know it was online only, and the manager didn't know either. Do I regret it? No. I wanted it because I love MM, but eh, I want something casual with no designs on it really.

I'll get one from my GF's pawn shop one day.

 

[LizardKing]

Sure, but Amiibo aren't "limited editions". I can't currently find Link online for less than $20.

LINK.

It took me a week to locate a copy of Fire Emblem: Awakening at launch.

The GCN adapters are STILL hard to find.

Nintendo doesn't have a problem with limited editions. They have a problem understanding their own goddamn market.

Edit - To be fair, Amiibo is a new thing. I'm not too upset about those specifically, yet. If they're still impossible to find at a reasonable price in six months, then I'll be really annoyed.

You are right that they weren't stated as limited but I just figured they intended on making them limited to have the same benefit limited editions have. It has created a lot of buzz around amiibos. I think their limited items are intentional but who knows.

 

[Kusagari]

If Nintendo planned this amiibo drought they're brilliant.

Everyone is running out to preorder the new waves in fear they'll be scarce as the shortages get tons of publicity for the product line.

 

[Lone_Prodigy]

Nintendo franchises have been around for years. Kids who grew up with Zelda and Mario in the 80's and 90's are now adults with disposable incomes. So there's a demand for such limited editions.

Add to the fact that supply is actually limited and you'll have scalping.

Also social media and online ordering makes mass purchasing easier; no need to drive around the city scooping up all the preorders.

 

[Maengun1]

Just don't buy them at that price.

No seriously. If you don't give the scalpers money, they'll have to lower their prices or they have dead weight merch on their hands.

This isn't a Nintendo only thing, either.

Yeah, this. Scalping is kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy too. As soon as we found out about the rare Wave 1 amiibos, the whole internet started freaking out all "[X] AMIIBO FROM WAVE 2 IS GOING TO BE SUPER RARE! EVERYONE FREAK OUT AND PRE-ORDER 2 MONTHS IN ADVANCE OR YOU'RE SCREWED!!" Who reads these things? Scalpers.

I've been guilty of this myself, I'm not just blaming others. It can be hard to control.

It's been rough being a Nintendo fan these last couple months though. I said in another thread, but when the 2011 Ocarina Of Time special edition 3DS came out, I didn't pre-order it. I didn't freak out and line up days in advance. I walked into my local Gamestop the week it came out and grabbed one off the shelf. Now we're in 2015 and apparently I have a 0% chance of getting the Majora's Mask New 3DS because I missed the 5 minute window when pre-orders (which had to be paid in full) were available. A month before it even comes out.

I hate the way the industry is going.

Edit: off topic, but that 2011 Zelda special edition 3DS also included a charger, a charging cradle, and, you know, the actual GAME it was promoting.

 

[NateDrake]

Did you read the post you responded to?

Unless Nintendo thinks people are still in the market for GameCube controllers to connect to actual GameCubes...

They fucked something up.

Every store has an entire wall of brand new GC controllers.. not to mention Nintendo had to have known many big fans already had GC controllers.. yet stores barely got any adapters..

The entire thing is crap considering they could have just designed a GC controller that actually has USB and can connect to the Wii-U directly.. instead they do the "require an extra accessory" thing and then fail to supply them to consumers.

Each adapter supports 4 controllers, so obviously more controllers than adapters should have shipped. If they shipped 250k adapters that support 4 controllers, then shipping 1 million controllers would be done.

 

[riotous]

Each adapter supports 4 controllers, so obviously more controllers than adapters should have shipped. If they shipped 250k adapters that support 4 controllers, then shipping 1 million controllers would be done.

But clearly they didn't even ship 4:1.. which would still be low since not everyone is going to max out their adapters.

They can barely get these things shipped out.. you should google it or something.

 

[MaverickHunterX]

My question is that why isn't any single media outlet mentioning this problem? It seems like everyone is silent on it other than GAF and CAG...

 

[n64coder]

I think, like other limited editions from Nintendo, that the Majora's Mask New 3DS will probably be fairly common around release.

I had no issue getting my Wind Waker Wii U just by walking into a store. They were selling Red/Green Mario and Luigi "Limited Edition" Wiis for what seemed like years.

I don't understand why everyone is panicking about a game/handheld that has not been released yet. There will be copies available on Feb 13th and for some unknown period afterwards.

 

[NateDrake]

My question is that why isn't any single media outlet mentioning this problem? It seems like everyone is silent on it other than GAF and CAG...

Scalping isn't anything new & having IGN write about won't change anything. Scalpers sold PS2 near launch for an inflated price, same with the Wii, and other LE games or items.

 

[ClayKavalier]

Scalping isn't anything new & having IGN write about won't change anything. Scalpers sold PS2 near launch for an inflated price, same with the Wii, and other LE games or items.

That's not really an excuse when outlets will publish an article very time someone cheeses a boss in Destiny.

 

[Lazaro]

It's happening in Australia too. When I ask the retailers (Kmart, Target, EB Games etc.) they all say one person comes in at the exact time and date they are put on the shelves and buy two or three of each Amiibo available.

It's ridiculous.

Kmart told me you can call head office and they can hand out the information of when the shipment arrives, when they are put on shelves and and where which store will receive which Amiibo.

These scalpers are crafty.

 

[fates]

Hey if anyone figures out a remedy to scalpers... it shall be a magical day in any industry

Quantity purchase limits can help. Maybe 2-3 per customer, or 1 per customer if really limited. Make it per-address in order to block people making several accounts if you really have to.

I was able to get the Pikachu 3DS only because the lady at the Toys-R-Us was doing 1 per customer because she knew about the people buying them all up at once at other stores in the area. So it helps.

 

[Tuck]

Hey if anyone figures out a remedy to scalpers... it shall be a magical day in any industry

Well Nintendo could, you know, produce more.

 

[QisTopTier]

If people can't get your stuff without paying stupidly high prices for it eventually people are going to stop wanting your stuff

 

[Somnid]

If people can't get your stuff without paying stupidly high prices for it eventually people are going to stop wanting your stuff

Just because people can't afford Ferraris doesn't mean they stopped wanting them.

 

[Cipherr]

What a stupid and flippant post.

Everything in that post is an irrefutable fact..... I guess this is a lot of peoples first run ins with LE products that people actually WANT though. It happens, and Limited Edition means limited.... It really does.

These Amiibos are only like a month old and people are losing their shit. Now the Wii console... that was a major shortage. Months after release you couldnt find one, it was insane.... But 1 month of these little toys and people are losing their minds.

 

[a916]

Or...they want to avoid overstocking. Or did the large warehouses full of 3DS stories that were all over Neogaf a while ago never happen? There wasn't a huge demand for Nintendo products so they lowered the supply. It's not "they don't want their money".

If that was their intent, to avoid overstock... then they completely mis-judged once more.

Also take into account this company is notorious for creating artificial demand.

 

[n0razi]

i think they are trying to drum up PR, make their products seem more exclusive/premium but its backfiring

 

[QisTopTier]

Just because people can't afford Ferraris doesn't mean they stopped wanting them.

That's not the same thing.

 

[Toxi]

Supply and Demand 101. When the demand is greater than the supply this will always happen with any product.

Scalpers buy as many of a product as possible; this both increases the profit they make and decreases the supply. So even if you have a higher supply than demand, scalping can still make it hard for demand to be fulfilled.

 

[Michanical]

The previously announced Amiibo cards would be a good way to free up supplies. People are buying the figurines for the functionality and don't really care about collecting.

Now that they can sell Wii games through the eShop, they should start releasing Gamecube and N64 games that boot through Wii. That way people that just want to play the games aren't giving money to scalpers.

I'm not sure what to do about hardware. They can offer it only through their website on a "one per credit card number/no pre-paid credit cards", but that leaves out a lot of younger gamers or people without debit/credit cards from being able to buy them.

I just want to experience Nintendo games and content without paying above MSRP. I don't think that's asking too much. I'm still waiting for gamecube adapters and I want Amiibo cards. I'll buy them all!

 

[Cipherr]

That's not the same thing.

Its exactly the same thing, its just inconvenient for your argument. Sports tickets, Cars, Jewelry, or even game consoles (Wii....) its the exact same thing. People don't really work like that. If they did we wouldn't get threads like this, because everyone would "stop wanting them".

 

[Neoxon]

They're restocking the GameCube Adapter (got my second Adapter for 8-Player Smash) & the Marth Amiibos, so they're at least trying.

 

[QisTopTier]

Its exactly the same thing, its just inconvenient for your argument. Sports tickets, Cars, Jewelry, or even game consoles (Wii....) its the exact same thing. People don't really work like that. If they did we wouldn't get threads like this, because everyone would "stop wanting them".

So you are telling me the same people that would get stuff for normal price would always go for stuff that's scalped? Cause that's bullshit. Eventually people stop trying.

and no the ferrari thing isn't the same. It's like if someone bought all the ferraris then tried to sell them back for double. The people that might have been tempted to want one at normal price will just shake their head and say screw that not worth it.

 

[Somnid]

That's not the same thing.

It is. Why something is expensive isn't really the issue, the point is being out of reach builds curiosity, obsession and desirability. It's the opposite of a commodity.

 

[QisTopTier]

It is. Why something is expensive isn't really the issue, the point is being out of reach builds curiosity, obsession and desirability. It's the opposite of a commodity.

They might desire it but they will stop making an effort towards obtaining it once they feel they have no chance at ever doing so. This is what I'm referring too.

 

[Popnbake]

But people like em...

If anything I would try to get retailers to limit how many customers/consumers can order

/thread.

Retailers need to take some of the blame here. Nintendo could be handling things better, that's for certain, but it's not all on them.

If there is enough incentive then people will just set up ways for others to buy the limited items for them.

Nintendo having limited merchandise that's in demand is the main reason why this will continue to happen.

 

[Anth0ny]

I think it would be cool if Club Nintendo platinum members had first dibs on some of these limited items or something. It would be a good incentive to reach platinum status, and their most hardcore fans aren't punished for being away from a computer for an hour as every single GC adapter/amiibo/limited edition release sells out.

Then you ship a bunch to stores like normal, and let the casuals and scalpers fight over them.

Alternatively, ship more fucking product when the demand greatly exceeds the supply. This is becoming way too common with Nintendo lately.