Last year EL33TONLINE featured a news item which debated whether Futronic was losing its Nintendo dealership rights in South Africa. As most South Africa gamers will be aware, Futronics (which is a division of Panasonic) are in charge of distributing Nintendo products in South Africa. Futronic today confirmed with EL33TONLINE that they have chosen not to continue distributing the Nintendo range within South Africa.

They could not confirm whether another distributor will be taking their place, but they did confirm that the public will need to purchase Nintendo products through retail outlets due to the fact that the Nintendo.co.za website (which has been ‘under construction’ for quite a few months now) will no longer operate as an online retailer.

This definitely hails the end of an era in South Africa, however, most Nintendo fans will be optimistic about this news. It signals the possibility of a change of availability of Nintendo products in South Africa. Two options may arise, either another dealer will take over the distribution of Nintendo products in South Africa or Nintendo of Europe might decide to distribute Nintendo products in South Africa. Although it has been rumoured that Mustek might be taking over the dealership, this has yet to be confirmed.

The questions which remain to be answered are firstly whether there is enough room left in South Africa for a new distributor and secondly whether this new distributor will be up to the challenge given the success of the Xbox 360 in South Africa and the imminent launch of the PS3 on the 23rd of March in South Africa.