Amazon.com has flagged the Nintendo 3DS as “under review” because “customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it’s described here,” according to a notice on the 3DS’s page. However, despite the notice’s claim that the 3DS “is not currently offered by Amazon.com,” the site appears to be processing orders for the portable console.

Amazon’s product page for the $250 Nintendo 3DS portable gaming system says the item is “under review” and:

While this item is available from other marketplace sellers on this page, it is not currently offered by Amazon.com because customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it’s described here. (Thanks for the tip!)

We’re working to fix the problem as quickly as possible.

Although the retailer didn’t specify what the problem may be, several gaming and tech enthusiast websites speculate the issue may be tied to shorter rubber “feet” which do not adequately protect the 3DS’s dual screens from rubbing against each other when the hand-held system is closed.

Despite the notice, 3DS orders placed through Amazon — not through Marketplace vendors — appear to be going through. Additionally, some versions of the page do not have the “under review” notice. We have contacted Amazon.com to request clarification, but have not yet received a response.

UPDATE: An Amazon spokesperson states:

We received customer feedback that there may be an inventory issue with the Cosmo Black Nintendo 3DS. The integrity of the product is not under review. Customers are still able to purchase the Amazon.com offer of the Aqua Blue Nintendo 3DS. However the Amazon.com offer of black Nintendo 3DS has been removed until the inventory issue is resolved.

UPDATE II: According to an Amazon spokesperson, “the Amazon offer of the Cosmo Black Nintendo 3DS has been reinstated.” Nothing to see here. Move along.

Amazon discontinues offering Nintendo 3DS hardware, Item is under review [Examiner.com]
Nintendo 3DS sales frozen as Amazon investigates fault [SlashGear]
Amazon.com product page for Nintendo 3DS [Amazon.com]

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