https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/11/16287094/says-nintendo-was-caught-by-surprise-by-demand-for-nes-classic-last-year

Reggie Fils-Aime, the president of Nintendo of America, said the company did not manipulate the scarcity of the NES Classic last year. Also, problems “outside our control,” and not limited stock, were behind the SNES Classic’s disastrous pre-order debut at many retailers last month.

Fils-Aime, in an interview with the Financial Times, also said that supply of the throwback console, which launches Sept. 29, will be consistent enough that gamers shouldn’t pay more than its $79.99 list price if they’re buying through an auction site.