Nintendo's 3DS handheld saw a bumpy first year marked by an unremarkable launch line-up, faltering sales and a quick price drop. Doom and gloom over the glasses-less 3D portable's prospects deservedly followed. Then, the system made a remarkable comeback.
The Japanese hardware manufacturer has released year-one 3DS sales figures in the U.S., claiming the handheld has doubled its predecessor's launch year numbers.
Nintendo of America said it's sold 4.5 million 3DS units and more than nine million 3DS games in the U.S. since the system's March 2011 debut. Citing independent NPD figures, the company noted its previous handheld the Nintendo DS moved 2.3 million units and five million pieces of software a year after its 2004 launch.
U.S. consumers have spent a grand total of $1.2 billion on the 3DS so far, added Nintendo.
"Nintendo 3DS closes its first year with a lengthy list of accomplishments but we're still just scratching the surface," said Reggie Fils-Aime, president, Nintendo of America. "With a massive lineup of first- and third-party games and more on the way, a budding library of entertainment options and an engaged and growing installed base, Nintendo 3DS has an incredibly bright future."
The novel handheld still has a ways to go before it matches its predecessor. The original DS sits at 51 million sold in the U.S.
