ManaNation has received a tip that Wizards of the Coast has decided to end the print run of the Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition Core Handbooks, instead aiming to turn the game in the direction of "Dungeons and Dragons Essentials", a product to be released later this year. The first product for the Essentials line is starting with the 'Dungeons & Dragons Fantasy Roleplaying Game' also being called 'the Red Box' and is due to be released on Sept. 7th, 2010.

It is our understanding that they are not going to be reprinting any of the three main books, the Players Handbook, Dungeon Master Guide and Monster Manual from this point on to allow them to be phased out. No other books have been mentioned.

Update: We have been inundated with requests to provide more proof or out our source. We cannot do either.

As clarification, yes there are plenty of books still in circulation but it was made very clear to our source that they would not be reprinting these books again, so when the circulation runs out, whenever that may be, then there will not be more printed.