The Easter / Bank Holiday weekend has now passed in the UK, and with it retailers were eagerly running promotions and discounts to tempt shoppers to spend some cash to welcome in Spring. Game retail was no different, and as a result the most recent UK chart results have brought some interesting positions.
From a Nintendo perspective the strangest arrival is Pokémon White Version 2, which stormed up to 20th place in the all-format chart; presumably this is off the back of discounts, and the Black equivalent is nowhere to be seen.
There's some disappointment for Nintendo, however, with Xenoblade Chronicles 3D failing to make a notable impact on its début - the New Nintendo 3DS exclusive only secured 27th place in the all-format stakes, making it the third best selling Nintendo release in the charts.
Mario Party 10, meanwhile, dropped 11 places but is still in a reasonable 22nd place, while Super Smash Bros. on Wii U and 3DS is hanging on in 33rd place.
As for Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, there could be multiple factors at play in its underwhelming start - heavy discounts elsewhere may have distracted consumer attention, while the fact it's a relatively niche genre on a recently released system will have played its part.
Did you pick up Xenoblade Chronicles 3D on its launch in PAL regions, or are you planning to buy it this week in North America?
[source chart-track.co.uk]
Comments 79
Hail to Kyurem .
I actually already ordered Xenoblade 3D even though I don't have a New 3DS yet. I want to be able to start it as soon as I get a New 3DS!
Bit of a shame, but I see it as a slow-burn title. Unlike Wii, it has a downloadable version, so for many people it'll be the only legal way to play it in the foreseeable future.
Big N3DS-exclusive mistake if you ask me. They should have gone with a new smaller scale Xenoblade 3DS title. Maybe a game that ties Chronicles to X or a spinoff starring Shulk with Fire Emblem-like Xenoblade.
Well that was unexpected
You get Pokemon White Version 2 free with New 3DS/XL systems at Argos at the moment, so that's most likely why.
Making my way through majora's mask before I pick up xenoblade. The fair few hours potential gameplay in the new 3ds launch titles might explain xenoblade not selling so well
Xenoblade 3D should have launched with New 3ds.
I can't decide which game I want next for my black New 3DS XL. I think I have it narrowed down between Xenoblade 3D and MH4U......and I'm sure people are tired of seeing this but when you're talking about two immense games that will take at least 100+ hours of my time, it makes for a very important decision. If it were between other games that take 14-20 hours, I would just buy them both. I have until Friday to figure this out....I'm leaning towards MH4U at the moment.
Is a little surprising actually. I didn't expect it to top the charts or anything- after all the user base of new3DS right now in the UK is probably only several hundred thousand, but I still expected it to place a little higher.
I do think it'll fare much better in North America.
Pokemon White 2 is £7.99 at Argos but will fetch trade in prices of £14 at Game (with CEX price match) so I assume it is people buying multiple copies and selling/trading in that has made it shoot up the charts.
le shrug I just don't have a New 3DS. Of course I can't play it - which means I'm not gonna buy it. I do think it's a cool game though.
Xenoblade will never be a big seller, certainly not a system seller. It's a niche brand in a niche genre.
Like a lot of people, I already have the game on Wii.
Personally I'd like to buy it and play it on the Wii U in Wii mode. Can't justify buying a N3DS and the game or pay the outrageous prices online(even used) just to experience the game.
@ThomasBW84 Argos is selling White 2 for £12.99, pretty sure that's the cause of the sales position. Black 2 isn't even available to purchase.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3922680.htm
Not bothering with a N3DS in NA—bought a regular-sized Japanese one—so I'm skipping Xenoblade. I have it for the Wii anyhow. Not a surprise that it's struggling, considering the majority of 3DS units out there can't run it, and the appeal to upgrade is limited.
"here's some disappointment for Nintendo, however, with Xenoblade Chronicles 3D failing to make a notable impact on its début - the New Nintendo 3DS exclusive only secured 27th place in the all-format stakes, making it the third best selling Nintendo release in the charts."
There is a perfectly good reason for this... it is New 3DS exclusive and it s not like everyone is rushing out to buy a New 3DS. Also, Europe didn't go through massive shortages for the game like they did in NA so most people probably already own it/played it.
It's Reyn time !
Have it and 10H playthrough but I've only just arrived at Bionis Leg (with almost all of colony 9 side-quests and collectopaedia completed obviously).
@BLPs
I'm pretty sure the DS is part of the 7th gen. The 5th gen would be, N64, PSX, Dreamcast, Saturn and Gameboy Color.
As far as Xenoblade 3D not selling, I blame it on great competition. I know with me personally I don't have time to play all the games I want. Plus, I have a Wii U as well that I enjoy playing. That's why I never complain about games being pushed back. I saw Zelda get delayed and my initial thoughts were, "awesome, now I can catch up on other games first". Plus it makes for a better product.
I know when I was at Gamestop, the employee told me that if I didn't preorder, I wouldn't be getting Xenoblade on Friday (I told him that it's okay, I prefer to download), so I'm going to assume that people want this game in NA.
I guess they're not really feeling it.
...
...
...I'll see my way out the door.
@Mikau94 * Obviously doesn't play Pokemon so has no understanding of what a generation relates to in Pokemon terms *
No one was talking about consoles. Each game that focuses on a BRAND NEW region is considered another generation. There are six Pokemon generations to date.
Well you might want to pick up the game now before it becomes out of print. If it's not selling so well, I don't think Nintendo of Europe will want to make many new copies of the game, especially if you can get it on the eShop.
Just a warning, before copies become rare and at the £50+ point like the Wii version and you're wondering why....
I don't have a New 3DS, and I already have the Wii version. That's two strikes against me not getting XC 3D on the New 3DS.
Lol… I love how the bait-y title spins a niche game that most 3DS owners probably had zero exposure to as 'struggling'. Smh.
If we were talking about a Mario game, then yes…
This game is the tortoise, not the hare… it will do ok, but it's numbers won't impress and soon enough people will be paying ignorant amounts of money for a physical copy on ebay.
@ikki5 Yeah, New 3ds only releases are going to be problematic I think.
I was tempted to upgrade my 3ds XL while playing Majora's Mask but since I've finished it my desire to upgrade has waned considerably.
I won't be getting a New 3DS. It is ridiculous that they would make 3DS games that do not work with all 3DS consoles. That and they didn't even bring the smaller N3DS to North America.
I did buy a copy of Xeno 3D but only for the faceplates and theme (which I've yet to receive my code for, time for an email to Ninty).
The game I guess will remain as a collectible as I much prefer JRPGs on the big screen and just about everywhere has said the same: it plays very well on the 3DS but the Wii version remains the dominant experience.
They really should have added extra content onto the 3DS version as this may have made owners of the Wii version willing to replay it.
Still haven't decided on Xenoblade... I'm interested, not sure about committing the time.
I got Xenoblade ^_^
I think it's not surprising that it didn't get high on the sales charts because it is both niche and exclusive to a system that currently has a lower audience
A lazy port doesn't garner many sales.
@dkxcalibur Can I suggest if you never played Xenoblade on the Wii that you get Xenoblade 3D. No I haven’t played that version, but I do have it on the Wii and I also bought Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate on new 3DS. As cool and fun as Monster Hunter is, it didn’t suck me in as much as Xenoblade did and as much as I enjoyed playing it I enjoyed playing Xenoblade significantly more.
I never played the original Xenoblade. I have really been looking forward to playing this game. Been waiting for months. So happy April 10th is just a few days away.
@BLPs
Gen 5...?
While it doesn't help that Xenoblade Chronicles is somewhat of a niche title, the original release also did not garner strong sales, and it doesn't help that it's double-niche being exclusive to a platform almost no one owns.
What is surprising is that you'd think those New 3DS owners would be all-for a game that is exclusive to the platform, thus making their purchase worthwhile.
This does not bode particularly well for XCX.
@leo13 I've heard the same thing from the MH4U crew! I don't think I can go wrong with either. I have until Friday.
Should of made Xenoblade Chronicles HD for the Wii U instead. Doesn't help that the game can't be played on a regular 3DS.
@outburst like they really had time, or anybody at all to make a new game.
The Wii version is pretty reasonably available in PAL regions and not too expensive which changes things significantly.
@unrandomsam Is it really? Where can I get Xenoblade for Wii?
Pokémon B&W lives on! :3 Hm, to be honest I think most people aren't aware what the New 3DS considering all games can be played on it apart from a remake of a little known game. The additions are subtle. Also its cheaper to get it on Wii. (Like me)
Might Pick it up sometime since I have a N3DS XL.
I'm not surprised that it hasn't sold particularly well. For one, it's a port of a game released less than five years ago on a system that is better suited to this sort of experience (and genre). Secondly, it's exclusive to a platform that not many people own yet (and of the relative few that do, probably 10% of them would be interested in a game like this). Most gamers aren't going to buy a New 3DS for this game alone when the original Wii and Xenoblade Chronicles would be a cheaper purchase overall.
I believe this game would never have been ported if they weren't capable of doing so inexpensively, and let's face it... a game like this would never have been made from scratch for a handheld device, at least not for one with as small a user base as the New 3DS. The only large scale games that we can hope to see on the New 3DS are console ports, at least until the user base reaches a point where the market can sustain larger scale projects (but by the time that happens, Nintendo will have announced their next handheld console).
I was interested in getting the original Wii version, but unfortunately it seemed to have a strictly limited release in Australia, and I don't believe that the game was ever restocked (I refused to pay $90-$100 for it). The Last Story and Pandora's Tower are still available in relative abundance though.
@Kat Cex online - £40. It looks like its just got one copy so maybe not. (Been watching it because if it goes silly I will sell mine).
Is still heaps and bounds better than that 3DS crap (XY/ORAS).
Xenoblade was niche because Nintendo made it niche, especially in North America. It had a limited release, was a Gamestop exclusive in NA, was released in the twilight years of a system that was a dust collector to the majority of its install base, and the only marketing it had was that it took a freaking fan movement and petition for it to be localized. It was set up for low sales.
Xenoblade 3D is set to sell poorly because it's a New 3DS exclusive. Simple as that.
As for XCX, it doesn't have those same problems. It's actually getting a fair amount of attention. It can do well, especially if they decide to force it into the void left by Zelda's delay as it will actually get some marketing (though they may give that spot to Yoshi in NA).
For the record, Game Informer did a poll after the news of Zelda's delay asking readers what their most anticipated Wii U game is this year. Xenoblade Chronicles X won.
@CrimSkies97 this this this.
I dont know why they even call it "3D" when it doesnt even use the 3D screen properly...and they could've made Japanese voices DLC or something.
@FX102A the theme code is on your receipt in the eshop
Well no suprise there I absolutly love my 3ds and love xenoblade but Why the hell would I buy a completely new console that is marganily better for 160-180 when I can but the wii version with better graphics and functionality its a joke.
Sorry nintendo I love u but bad call where not all maid of money and even if I was I wouldn't but it same as I didn't by a gameboy advanced sp and ds lite .
This reminds me that I need to get a copy of Pokémon White 2.
@DESS-M-8
For a physical purchase? I checked my emailed receipts from the Nintendo UK store and couldn't see anything.
Not getting xenoblade for 3ds. There are many great RPG games out that are keeping me busy. Xenoblades videos actually turned me off. But maybe I'll get the Wii u one
50 million 3DS owners out there, but hey, let's release a niche title on the N3DS to a few hundred thousand owners!
Horrible move from the start.
@BLPs
Gotcha, I thought you were talking console generations, not Pokemon. My bad.
@BlatantlyHeroic
Or.. I made a mistake and am only human. I've played and own every generation from Kanto to Kalos.
There was one copy of Xenoblade 3D in Charlton branch of Smyths, and I had that. I think there was less stock available nationwide than most amiibo.
I said this from the beginning. Xenoblade 3D is essentially a launch title given that it is exclusive to the new 3DS. Not only is it a launch title, but it's a niche one at that.
This doesn't surprise me in the least.
Xenoblade is still a pretty niche game. No matter how good a reputation it has, people will still be put off by a) not feeling up to a 60+ hour (minimum) adventure b) a JRPG, a genre they don't really play and c) a port of a 4 year old Wii game on a smaller screen with little incentive to bring new players to it.
It's strictly one for fans of the original, or the genre.
I think that Nintendo would have been better served with a VC version of the game on WiiU and a spinoff to prepare for X on the 3ds.
@ottospooky
I agree.
White 2 is still the best Pokemon game, imo. It's the only Pokemon title that actuslly has a worth-while post-game.
I picked up XC3D last week direct from Nintendo, with the Monado faceplates and I just got my XC3D theme code emailed to me today.
Also, White 2 and Black 2 are probably the best Pokemon games I've played. X and Y can't really hold a candle to the amount of content in them, especially post-game.
Why are people all of a sudden buying Gen 5 games now?
original niche jrpg + western/european market + new nintendo 3ds system (limited audience) + going against other released big name NIntendo Titles = equals sales struggle.
@DESS-M-8 ahhhhh, no I presume eshop when you said you bought from nintendo.
@Ryu_Niiyama I don't like that wii VC doesn't have added control schemes to allow control with just the gamepad and enabling off tv play
I'm afraid that the game would be rare where I live, so I went ahead and pre-ordered it.
I would buy it but Nintendo doesn't want to release the smaller "new" 3DS here in the states.
Hardly unexpected. Xenoblade is too big for handheld if you ask me. Full price Wii makes don't cut it, particularly an obscure Japanese one.
Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 would've been much wiser options.
I think Xenoblade would have been better served as an HD upgrade on the WiiU. The 3DS version doesn't look very good and that kind of grand scale game needs to be on a bigger screen. And this is from someone that loves handheld gaming. Bad decision that will likely repeat in the US as well.
@DESS-M-8 shouldn't be too hard to give the option plus 720p native for downloaded Wii games through EShop.
Dolphin does a much better job on PC. I think Nintendo are pushing us down that route.
@IceClimbers yeah but X on Wii U has the graphics behind it.. it looks so good.
Europe why you buy weirdly?
@Chaoz
They're probably mostly new fans who started with the current generation, and now want to play some of the older ones. The 3DS is backwards-compatible, so why not?
@dkxcalibur Monster Hunter = 500+ hrs. 😃
I got xeno on release but found it very hard to find in Dublin, feck all copies were sent from Nintendo as usual.
Finally found a copy in a small out of the way gamestop, guy working there thought it went on sale the next day, told him it's released today and he only had 4 copies to sell. €50 but I didn't mind for a brand new copy. I have no idea when I'll get around to playing it though. Backlog is getting outta hand lol
@Quorthon Pokémon 5th Generation.
OT: I'm not really surprised. Every time I look at the game, I just can't break away from the graphics (screw their excuses, they could've made this a holiday release worldwide). This is someone who's normally perfectly fine with the quality of graphics on a 3DS.
Just thoughy I would leave my new 3ds and xenoblade to tell you that im playing xenoblade on my new 3ds .
I have the wii version and didnt complete it.. would love a save transfer program though so I could play an hour or so on tv and then take it with me during my commute to work the 3ds version is letting me commit to this game because I can take it with me.
I feel really sorry for majoras mask its not had a look in on my 3ds since this and monster hunter 4 came out
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