Animal Crossing: New Leaf has been, in all likelihood, Nintendo's biggest release of the year to date. It's been long awaited by keen fans, but has also enjoyed a substantial build-up and marketing campaign as the company has sought to recreate the game's phenomenal success in Japan. Nintendo's stated that the U.S. launch has been a triumph — though we await firm figures — and it's started well in the UK, making its debut in second place in the all-format chart.
It's been pipped to top spot by The Last of Us on PS3, but its placing is an excellent achievement considering the fact that the UKIE chart only accounts for physical retail sales, and a fair few have undoubtedly utilised the "so many games" free download promotion in Europe. UKIE has stated that New Leaf has enjoyed the biggest 3DS launch since Mario Kart 7, and the biggest overall for a non-Mario title on the system.
Elsewhere in the chart Luigi's Mansion 2 saw sales increase 18% to come in ninth place. Further down we have 3DS exclusives Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D in 15th and LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins in 23rd, while Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity and Fire Emblem: Awakening cling on in 37th and 40th respectively; dual release Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate keeps its top 40 place in 35th position.
So, overall, a strong week for 3DS, as it continues its run of multiple titles in the all-format top ten. Nintendo UK will be delighted that Animal Crossing New Leaf is the system's biggest launch week title in well over a year, as the bug seems to have bitten the region.
[source ukie.info]
Comments 15
Woohoo! I was worried the so many games promo would ruin its chart position.
I went to a street pass meet up on Saturday, and everyone had AC. There was also a Nintendo rep in Game to advertise the so many games promotion.
Wow, that truly is awesome news. I didn't realise Animal Crossing, of all titles, would be so popular. Can't wait to see how Pokemon X & Y destroys the charts.
Awesome!!,
not really interested in Animal Crossing but happy for the 3DS notheless
That's awesome news for the 3ds as a whole. I'm wondering what the worldwide sales of the 3ds has jumped to?
Not surprising that it got to second place because it's a top quality game that deserves that spot or even number one to be precise!
To be fair, The Last of Us is pretty amazing. I believe it also got a few 'achievements' such as quickest selling new IP in over 2 years. I think it must have been a very long time since a single format new IP did this well.
I bought this and The Last of Us on Friday, first two games I've bought at launch in ages.
Have enjoyed Animal Crossing since the Gamecube, this version combining portability with features missing from the DS version, was one of the reasons I invested in a 3DS early on.
Best advertising and promotions for a Nintendo product in a long time. The commercial clearly identifies "what you do" in the game. The wii u advertising completely confused people.
I'm looking forward to the next 6 months to hopefully see more WiiU titles making the list on a regular basis.
@OldMan-Tech Check out vgchartz.com
What will be more interesting, I think, will be what next month's chart looks like, and the month after that. How long will TLoU stick around, and how long will AC:NL thrive? (Glad to see a new IP doing so well, though.... hopefully it means more ambitious new ideas get greenlit in the future)
The Last of Us would've been the only title that could possibly have topped it. Two fantastic titles, well deserved spots on the charts.
Great to see this from Nintendo. Hopefully more of their games will have this success now!
yup started on both...the last of us is the best game i have play this gen hands down...its even worth buying a ps3 just for it...naughty dog is really a gem for sony
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