Wii U Game Cube Controller Adapter Super Smash Bros

Since late November there have been a few key products that Nintendo has used to drive sales of the Wii U, all related to Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. The main product has been the amiibo range, now into its second wave, while alongside that there's been the GameCube Controller Adapter and a related special edition controller. All lovely ideas and products, but with one problem — stock levels have been poor.

It's immediately clear that there have been amiibo problems simply due to the sheer volume of coverage there's been, as we've seen Nintendo have to deny and then acknowledge reports that some models will be gone quicker than anyone would envisage, with no promise that all variations will be restocked. The company's been contradicting itself, and even wave two figure pre-orders were selling out before release; prices have also been inflated by retailers happy to take advantage of supply failing to meet demand. We've seen a few vague and aimless statements from Nintendo, and for amiibo fans and collectors it appears to have become — in some cases — a frustrating shopping experience.

Then we have the GameCube Controller Adapter, a stock scenario that's arguably been even more problematic. It seems to be rarer than gold-dust in most territories, to the point that in the UK a retailer as sizeable as Amazon couldn't even fulfil pre-orders; naturally prices have risen from independent sellers looking to make a quick buck. Despite the glaring absence of restocks Nintendo UK did issue us a statement last week that dismissed rumours of the adapter being discontinued. Somewhat ironically various stores do have the controller in stock — prices increased in some cases — which will, without the adapter, be useless with a Wii U.

Amiibo Smash

We certainly have our thoughts on the situation with both amiibo and the adapter, but we first want to gauge your views on stock and gather how successful you've been in getting hold of the goodies you wanted. If you've been chasing after the toys and adapter, have you been able to get what you wanted in the past few weeks? Are you having to 'settle' for using the Wii U Pro Controller like some of the Nintendo Life team, or is there an amiibo that's eluding you?

We'd love to read about your experiences in the poll and comments below, and we hope to learn how the widely reported problems with stock have affected you — if at all.

Have you been able to pick up your amiibo from wave one? (673 votes)

  1. Yes, I got all amiibo I wanted at the normal price44%
  2. I got them all, but had to pay a bit more for some3%
  3. I got some, but haven't got all I wanted for the right price14%
  4. I've struggled to get the amiibo I wanted21%
  5. I'm not bothered about amiibo, but want to answer the poll anyway18%

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Have you been able to pick up your amiibo from wave two? (549 votes)

  1. Yes, I got all amiibo I wanted at the normal price25%
  2. I got them all, but had to pay a bit more for some1%
  3. I got some, but haven't got all I wanted for the right price7%
  4. I've struggled to get the amiibo I wanted38%
  5. I'm not bothered about amiibo, but want to answer the poll anyway29%

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Have you been able to buy a Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter? (683 votes)

  1. Yep, I got one with no problems35%
  2. It was delayed and / or cost more than the recommended price, but I got one3%
  3. My pre-order was cancelled and I haven't found an alternative yet11%
  4. I wanted one but have given up on it23%
  5. I don't want one due to its limited compatibility on Wii U14%
  6. Wasn't bothered about one, but wanted to vote anyway15%

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Have you picked up the limited edition controller and the Adapter? (634 votes)

  1. I got both, so I'm one happy gamer27%
  2. I paid over the odds / they were delayed, but yes1%
  3. I've got an adapter but no controller10%
  4. I've got a controller but no adapter9%
  5. I've given up on both due to issues of stock and / or inflated prices24%
  6. Meh, not bothered about either30%

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