New Nintendo 3DS Scalpers Leave Fans Enraged
Nintendo announced the New Nintendo 3DS XL yesterday, along with a couple of limited editions of the new handheld. Some opportunists are taking advantage of the limited nature of these consoles by locking up pre-orders and trying to resell them at exorbitant prices.
The New Nintendo 3DS XL comes in the basic red and black consoles and will be released on February 13. However, it is The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask custom handheld that has Nintendo fans in a tizzy. The gold and black custom handheld, with the five masks from the game emblazoned on the back, goes for $199.99. However, the indication from retailers is that this is a truly limited edition version of 3DS.
The New Nintendo 3DS XL first hit GameStop around noon ET on Wednesday and quickly sold out within minutes. Best Buy began selling it later that evening and also sold out quickly. No other retailer has offered up pre-orders, but scalpers quickly gobbled up hundreds of the Majora’s Mask 3DS and are attempting to resell them on Amazon and eBay.
The prices on Amazon currently start at $374.98 and go as high as high as a ridiculous $900. The listings on eBay show a little more reason, as many have not hit $300 yet — but have bids. However, more are either listed at over $300 or have been bid up over that amount. There are many around $1,000, and one is even at a wishful $2,000.
Games who wanted to pick up the Majora’s Mask New Nintendo 3DS XL are understandably upset. Many have voiced their displeasure using Amazon’s review system by giving the handheld only one star and leaving harsh reviews.
“GARBAGE! Absolute garbage! These people are the one’s ruining it for the REAL fans!” exclaimed one reviewer.
Another reviewer asks that those interested in the handheld not to support scalpers.
“Scalpers are jerks, and they’re why we can’t have nice things. They take advantage of people, and it’s not okay, so you shouldn’t buy from them.”
“I’m glad I’m not the only one who is super frustrated and pissed off right now at these a-holes who are trying to make money for nothing,” added another.
“Just an FYI, there are well over 800 of these systems up on eBay, meaning that 800+ actual fans missed out. Nintendo, if you are listening, please fix this mess!”
Unfortunately, this has become common with Nintendo products. Certain amiibo figures are very hot items due to their limited nature and are also being sold at a significant markup by resellers.
If you can’t get your hands on the limited Majora’s Mask New Nintendo 3DS XL, you’re best bet is to go for the Monster Hunter 4 bundle that is still available, or the red or black versions of the handheld. Paying two times the price or more should be a non-starter.
Do you think the Majora’s Mask 3DS is worth $300, $400, or more? Or should scalpers be ignored? Sound off in the comments below.
[Images via Nintendo]
