As part of a monthly routine that is so vitally important for developers, publishers and the big three console manufactures, U.S. market research firm NPD has released its latest software sales figures for the region, covering 29th July to 25th August. While the news for the industry as a whole is grim reading, a decline in game sales of 9% compared to the same period last year, Nintendo has enjoyed a positive month as reward for some major releases.
The top 10 biggest selling games of the month include New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. That's an impressive showing as these are the only single system titles in the list, with Nintendo issuing a press release confirming total sales of 240,000 for Mario's latest, and 180,000 units sold of Kingdom Hearts 3D. In terms of the big picture, Nintendo has stated that software sales increased by 68% compared to July, while 3DS hardware sales — no doubt combining the original and XL model — rose by 36%. Scott Moffitt, 3DS man at E3 and NoA's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing, said the following.
Software sells hardware, and no one sells either quite like Mario. In addition to helping New Super Mario Bros. 2 get off to a great start, Nintendo 3DS XL is driving increased interest in titles such as Kid Icarus: Uprising, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Mario Kart 7. These games have been on the market for more than six months but provide a completely new experience on the larger screens. Combine these titles with the upcoming Paper Mario: Sticker Star and a robust list of third-party games, and Nintendo 3DS is poised to be high on holiday wish lists this year.
Happy times for Nintendo of America, and we'll see whether the good form carries over into September.
[source joystiq.com]
Comments 12
Well, the first thing that comes to my mind is Patcher prediciting that the 3DS XL would not impact overall sales.
You're so right about NSMB2 fueling new 3DS XL sales, I bought mine along with the game and so was every other person I saw in line that day.. Great game on a great system. Now keep the great games coming!
fchinaski, I was thinking yhe exact same thing:
I love saying it and will continue to say it, "Suck it Pachter. Get a new job!"
For all the exposure he gets in the press, I think it's fitting that he gets this kind of exposure calling him on his obtuse analysis of everything Nintendo. I won't read any more articles with his name on it but I WILL comment on ones such as this. Maybe eventually he'll talk himself out of a job.
I bought my 3DS XL (blue) on release day, plus pre-ordered New SMB2 a long 7 weeks before it's release. Love them both! Nintendo made me a very happy girl by bringing out this 3DS XL.
I wonder how many of those are just fan boys (like me ) upgrading their systems? I'm strongly thinking about it now!
Yay! I'm happy about this news, plus that KH:3D got #3 place on the charts in USA!
I'm glad to hear it! I actually played a 3DS XL at GameStop and the only thing stopping me from buying it is that my 3DS is perfectly functional...and that the money is supposed to go to the Wii U...
Was expecting NSMB2 to do well but wow Kingdom Hearts 3D also sold really well.
Glad to hear it! Good job Nintendo!
The upgrade to a 3DS XL is all but essential in my opinion.
KH3D looks seriously good... but i gotta save for wii u...
So if NPD was still releasing lists by single skus, NSMB 2 would've been at the top, can't say I'm surprised. We sold a ton of copies of the game especially the first week of its release. As was mentioned, lots of people getting a 3DS XL along with the game on day one.
Very glad to hear sales are strong!
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