Despite the launch of the most anticipated hardware since…Nintendo’s last hardware launch, it looks like the old standby still reigns king. The Nintendo DS sold more units in the States, according to the NPD, than the new 3DS model, 460,000 to 400,000. Contrary to reports from the Big N itself, this means that the 3DS was not, in fact, the most successful in the company’s handheld history, as the DS again out-shined it back in 2004.
“The 3DS launched in the U.S. on 3/27, so seven days of retail sales are included in this months results. The 3DS launch compares quite favorably to that of the best-selling dedicated handheld gaming platform of all time, the Nintendo DS. While the 3DS sold about 100K units less than the DS did in its launch month, we must consider that the DS launched in November and had holiday seasonality and a price differential of about $100,” claimed the NPD’s Anita Fraizer, “Because of the price differential, the 3DS generated greater revenues than did the DS in its launch month in November 2004. In addition, the 3DS was launched in an environment where there are more devices that can support the portable gaming experience such as tablets and smartphones.”
Many also attribute the sales differential to Pokemon Black/White‘s DS launch coming weeks beforehand, and little highly praised launch software to distinguish the new unit from its older counterpart.
What do you think happened with 3DS sales, E-Gs? Or does the limited time on the market in March mean that the new hardware is more of a success than the numbers hint at? Comment below!
This was to be expected when there were very few good games for the launch date. With a lack of games, sales of systems will be low. Now come later in May, and especially June, sales should increase.
Very few good games, lack of demo units, fickle hardware… of course sales will be a problem.
In some regions the psp outsold it too.
Granted though new Final Fantasy games came out for the PSP (that will sell consoles in Japan for sure; also Monster Hunter).
Ya this has been a REALLY good month for the PSP in all regions which definitely has pushed its sales numbers, but still for a console that many dismissed as ‘dead’ to outsell a new console that was supposed to be ‘zomg revolutionary’ even if only in some regions… thats gotta hurt.
I think everyone can say that they are a little disappointed in the 3DS. Most of the new features in the machine are generally turned off most of the time (street pass and 3D).