Well, this is awkward. Maybe Nintendo has become a hydra with communications issues between heads, maybe the electronic entertainment mogul simply wanted to break the news on its own terms; Whatever the case, it’s now confirmed via a statement to WIRED that retailers will not receive new shipments of certain amiibo figures once their initial supplies have completely sold out. Official word makes it sound as though this was part of the strategy for the little plastic content-activators all along:
We will aim for certain amiibo to always be available. These will be for our most popular characters like Mario and Link. Due to shelf space constraints, other figures likely will not return to the market once they have sold through their initial shipment.
There’s been no indication from Nintendo as to which characters fall under the “more popular” safety umbrella besides the two specifically mentioned. However, the afore-rumored trio of Villager, Wii Fit Trainer, and Marth definitely don’t count among Nintendo’s most entrenched or iconic series and are coming up on the end of their supplies, lending some extra credibility to that Best Buy forums tidbit. The house that Mario built has proven that it’s not above financially shooting itself in the foot with limited runs of products still clearly in demand in the name of novelty, but as production of items like amiibo involves upkeep costs for equipment and materials it makes some sense financially to cut losses on merchandise it can’t guarantee will sell in its entirety.
Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if these discontinued figures get the Disney Vault treatment and mysteriously reappear if an appropriate promotion or big game release comes around. Just the same, I won’t tell you not to find yourself an effigy of your favorite B- or C-list Nintendo character while you can. Even if they get another run somewhere down the line, there’s no denying the added prestige (or second-market value) of a first edition.
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