Nintendo has halted sales of its hardware and games software in Brazil due to high taxes in the country.
Due to changes within the Brazilian economy, which have contributed to the higher import taxes and fees, Nintendo has made the decision to cease selling its consoles and games in Brazil.
The Wii U was launched in Brazil back in 2013. When it originally launched it was priced at R1,899 (Brazilian Real) or £467. When it was removed from Brazilian stores this week, it was priced at around the £460 mark.
"In response to ongoing developments in the Brazilian market, Nintendo of America Inc. today announced changes to the physical distribution of its products in that country," came the official Nintendo statement. "Starting in January 2015, Gaming do Brasil, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Juegos de Video Latinoamérica, GmbH, will no longer distribute Nintendo products in Brazil. Gaming do Brasil has distributed Nintendo products in the country for the past four years."
"Despite the changes in Brazil, Juegos de Video Latinoamérica will continue to be Nintendo's distributor for Latin America and they remain committed to the brand and the region."
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Other reports are suggesting that prohibitive banking regulations in Brazil are making things much more complicated on the side of digital game sales on the Wii U and 3DS.
Games consoles are definitely luxury items in Brazil, as the PS4 is around R3,999 (£990) and the Xbox One a little cheaper at around £545.
In Brazil, taxes account for around two thirds of the cost of consoles.
"Brazil is an important market for Nintendo and home to many passionate fans, but unfortunately, challenges in the local business environment have made our current distribution model in the country unsustainable," added Nintendo.
"These challenges include high import duties that apply to our sector and our decision not to have a local manufacturing operation. We will continue to monitor the evolution of the business environment and evaluate how best to serve our Brazilian fans in the future."
