The scalpers are out in full force again, buying out all copies of the special Majora’s Mask Edition New 3DS XL for the US, only to resell them on eBay for exorbitant prices.
A limited-edition Majora’s Mask themed Nintendo #3DS XL also launches on 2/13. #NintendoDirectNA pic.twitter.com/AamNRGdJ0A
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 14, 2015
The special edition portable was announced just hours ago. It does not come with the game preinstalled, and notoriously, it does not have a charger either, but it does have a beautifully decorated gold top with embossing of the infamous mask in the center, surrounded by decorative designs on the sides. It also comes with all the benefits of the New 3DS XL model, including more powerful hardware, integrated C-stick, improved stereoscopic 3D, and overall improved design.
The console was itself being sold for $ 199.99, but this seems to be a moot point now with the console selling out within 15 minutes of being announced. There was even a rumor that Gamestop has run out of the console both online and at retail locations, although your mileage may vary based on the game retailers in your area.
In any case, scalpers are selling the console in the $ 400 to $ 500 range, and the situation has been exacerbated by Nintendo’s silence. Still, Nintendo didn’t face the problem Sony had with the 20th Anniversary PS4, because they also shifted copies of the 3DS to retail locations.
Nintendo did pull out an unexpected ace in the hole against scalpers in yesterday’s Direct, by announcing that they planned to release more Marth amiibo in the future. Could Nintendo make and release more Majora’s Mask New 3DS XL units? Do you think they actually have units in stock waiting to be released on February 13? What do you think they should do? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.