Problems with Nintendo 3DS handhelds from Amazon?

Online retail giant Amazon has temporarily halted sales of the Nintendo 3DS handheld gaming system, citing customer complaints that "there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item." Although the portable Nintendo game system is still available through other retailers in Amazon's Marketplace, Amazon itself has stopped selling the units directly.

Amazon's product pages for the $250 Nintendo 3DS portable gaming system says the item is "under review. " And 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' dual screens from rubbing against each other when the hand-held system is closed.

Nintendo hasn't issued any recalls or acknowledgment of any flaws in its Nintendo 3DS unit. Nor is it known if systems available from other retailers—such as Target, which continues to sell the game system via Amazon's Marketplace—are also affected.

Have you noticed any problems with a recently-purchased Nintendo 3DS? Weigh in below.

UPDATE: According to an Amazon spokesperson, Amazon has "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." The e-mail to Consumer Reports also states:

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.

However, a check on Amazon's website this afternoon shows the black Nintendo 3DS is still available from Amazon.com directly.

UPDATE: An Amazon spokesperson has confirmed to Consumer Reports that "the Cosmo Black Nintendo 3DS has been reinstated" and should now be available directly from Amazon.com.

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]

—Paul Eng