It was more limited than normal, and apparently exclusive to just one store or distributor in Hong Kong... as it was one that Hasbro Australia were interested in, but couldn't get any stock.

I don't know if "shelf-warming" is probably the word to use, because it was being snapped up in its earlier prices of US$150-170... and even sells on ebay at US$200. Some online stores may still have stock, but they either intentionally over-priced them or raised the price, to cash in on the demand. If they have some left that don't sell at the higher price, they'll just drop it back a little and still make lots of profit.