The NES Classic, despite selling like hotcakes since its November 2016 debut, will be discontinued at least in North America and disappointed fans can blame two gaming consoles for Nintendo's puzzling decision. Reports said the Japanese game maker will want to focus on the Nintendo Switch and an upcoming mini version of the device.

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According to Nintendo, "NOA territories will receive the last shipments of Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition systems for this year." The decision will take effect immediately and retailers will receive supplies this April and there will be no further replenishments for the rest of 2017.

Fox News said it's possible retailers will continue to sell the retro gaming console beyond the deadline set by Nintendo but it's fairly certain that the SRP of $60 per unit will be jacked up. Why the decision was made by NOA considering more than 1.5 million units have been cleared so far remains a puzzle but it's possible the Nintendo Switch is to blame.

"One reason for Nintendo potentially discontinuing the NES Classic Edition is to not draw away attention from its exceedingly popular Switch console," Fox News reported. The Switch has attracted over 900,000 buys in North America and has likely exceeded the one million mark when global sales is factored in. It's likely Nintendo wants the Switch sales figure to continue climbing up.

And the company sees the NES Classic as a distraction, and shelving the product makes sense as focusing on the Switch will bring in higher revenues. The Nintendo Switch starts at $300 as opposed to the $60 sticker price for the NES Classic so Nintendo favoring the former points to solid business decision.

While there is no confirmation that the NES Classic will not re-appear or will be upgraded in the future, it seems that Nintendo is already plotting on offering an alternative. Bloomberg reported that a Nintendo Switch Mini is likely in the works. The plan seems geared up on providing a Switch for kids and make the device more handheld-focused.

"We think Nintendo will launch a lighter, dedicated handheld version of the Switch, possibly to be called the Switch Mini," the Bloomberg report quoted a note from analytic firm Citigroup as saying. The Switch Mini is seen as a portable gaming device that will draw in young buyers.

No specs and pricing details were provided in the report but it was suggested that release date of the Nintendo Switch Mini will happen in 2018, likely around the same time the original version was rolled out this 2017.