Nintendo's NES Classic Edition has garnered a whopping sales figure of 1.5 million units across the globe despite shortage in supply.

This fact was confirmed by Nintendo's CEO Tatsumi Kimishima who revealed the sales figure during the company's earnings briefing.

Kimishima covered many company's ongoing projects such as the Nintendo Switch. He also went discussed the sales figure of the Nintendo 3DS.

While deliberating on the NES Classic Edition, the CEO apologized to fans for having underestimated the demand that retro console, given its nostalgic value to many people.

"We apologize to our consumers and retail partners for the inconvenience caused by product shortages," said the CEO, regarding the company's inability to meet the consumer demand.

He also shared that few parts of the console needed "time to procure" bit Nintendo was working to ramp-up production to avoid disappointment.

"We also see the nostalgic interest in these products as an opportunity to draw consumers' attention to our latest game system, Nintendo Switch," he added.

Nintendo NES Classic Edition Popularity

For the uninitiated, the NES Classic Edition sold out just days after its release in November 2016. It was launched with a price tag of just $60 and the console flew off the shelves.

The NES Classic Edition comes with 30 preloaded games which include all-time favorites like Castlevania, Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros, Pac-Man and The Legend of Zelda.

The NES or the Nintendo Entertainment System was first launched in 1983. It is an 8-bit video game console which went on to become the bestselling console of its time. IGN has named the NES as the single greatest video game console in history in 2009.

When Will The Productions Continue

If what Nintendo says is true, then it is only a matter of time before the NES Classic Edition is back in stock at all major outlets in the U.S. This news will be welcomed by consumers who have been angling for the console but been unable to procure it owing to the resultant inflated pricing because of supply shortages.

Therefore, it would be better to wait rather than to pay more than double right now to acquire the elusive console.

Although Nintendo did not mention how soon it would ramp up production of the console, this may take some time due to the impending launch of Nintendo Switch in March. As of now, all of Nintendo's focus is likely to remain on the Switch as it is a brand new console.