The 3DS may be four years old now, but Nintendo president Satoru Iwata believes it still has a bright commercial future ahead of it - despite the fact that the console's release schedule is currently looking a little light on smash-hit games.
Speaking to investors at the recent Financial Results Briefing, Iwata believes that the 3DS has defied expectations in its native Japan, where it has now sold 19 million units since launch:
In the Japanese market, the cumulative sales of Nintendo 3DS hardware since its launch are about to reach 19 million units. Regarding the Nintendo 3DS software market, the situation remains promising not only because there have been numerous major-hit titles released since the latter half of last year, but also because we have high hopes for the many titles that are planned to be released this year by both Nintendo and other game software developers.
However, Iwata feels that the system still needs a boost in its homeland, and that will come by targeting female gamers:
On the other hand, regarding the Nintendo 3DS hardware, four years since its release, we are seeing a certain level of positive results by the release of New Nintendo 3DS, but we still have not been able to break free from the period beyond the popularization of the Nintendo 3DS in which the performance leveled off. I believe that the key to revitalizing the Nintendo 3DS business in Japan is by intensifying its appeal to even more generations of female consumers.
This year, we are planning to release titles that offer high potential to appeal to female consumers, and we would like to further strengthen our approach to reach a female audience covering wider generations.
Overseas, Iwata has even more reasons for optimism, citing the quick uptake of the New Nintendo 3DS as a sign that there's still room to expand:
Meanwhile, in the overseas markets, the Nintendo 3DS hardware has not spread to a level where it has reached its market potential. In other words, there is plenty of room for growth.
Since the release of New Nintendo 3DS in February this year, especially for the large-screened New Nintendo 3DS XL, stock in stores has continued to run low in the U.S. and Europe, which of course is a sign that the game platform has momentum.
Later in the presentation, Iwata pointed out that while new titles are important for driving interest in a system like the 3DS, Nintendo is fortunate enough to have a catalogue of software which continues to sell, offering up examples like Mario Kart 7, New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Animal Crossing: New Leaf as games which have a long commercial shelf life:
In the video game platform business, although people tend to focus on the huge spike of sales immediately after a game release, looking back at the history of Nintendo's handheld game systems, not only does hardware sell well with new titles, but our systems also tend to sell well paired with big titles that have become evergreen.
This tendency is strongest in the overseas markets, and we will aim to expand our hardware by promoting new titles as well as retaining the energy of our abundant evergreen titles (which are not new on the market but maintain consistent sales.)
These are the cumulative sales figures of some of the Nintendo 3DS software sold so far. Although "Mario Kart 7" was released in 2011, "New Super Mario Bros. 2" and "Animal Crossing: New Leaf" were in 2012 and "Pokémon X" and "Pokémon Y" were released in 2013, each of these titles sold more than 1 million units in the subject fiscal year. In the overseas markets especially, many titles tend to become evergreen and sell consistently even long after their releases.
"Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS" was released in fall last year and sold 6.75 million copies by the end of the subject fiscal year. "Tomodachi Life" was released in Japan in November 2013 and in the subject fiscal year overseas, and it sold particularly well in Europe with the global cumulative shipment reaching 4.15 million units. Also, from their release in November last year to the end of the subject fiscal term, 9.94 million units of "Pokémon Omega Ruby" and "Pokémon Alpha Sapphire" were shipped. While on one hand, we will keep these titles evergreen and on another we will add new quality software, we aim to further expand the sales of Nintendo 3DS hardware by increasing its broad software lineup.
Finally, Iwata outlined Nintendo's plans to promote the multiplayer possibilities of the 3DS system - something it has perhaps been guilty of ignoring in the past:
In addition, as I mentioned in my presentation for the last Financial Results Briefing, we are working on further promoting multiplayer gameplay using the local communication function of Nintendo 3DS in the overseas markets as well. This shall play a major role for franchises such as "Mario Kart," "Animal Crossing," "Super Smash Bros.," "Pokémon," "Monster Hunter" and for the "YO-KAI WATCH" game, which will be released in overseas markets in the future.
The 3DS was arguably outdated in technical terms the moment it arrived on store shelves back in 2011, but it's still the most popular dedicated handheld games console in the world right now, and Nintendo is wise to try and maintain its commercial momentum. But with a rather bare release schedule, can the console possibly keep selling in high volume? Do you think Nintendo is doing enough to maintain sales? Let us know what you think by posting a comment below.
[source nintendo.co.jp]
Comments 40
I think sales numbers show that there is no momentum for the 3DS market. At least there isn't without a strong release schedule of games, which the system does not have.
Nintendo systems tend to sell well over the holidays, and if they announce some big surprise titles at E3, the 3DS could still have a decent year considering the age of the platform.
Remember when the 3DS had problems selling, back in the days of the game drought? That's how we managed to get a portable Smash Bros., Kid Icarus Uprising and the other killer apps. Now that the 3DS sells and the WiiU doesn't, it seems Nintendo is playing it safe, what with Mario Maker and, much more nerve-wrackingly, the GBA Virtual Console games being stuck to a home console.
Hopefully some of the E3 bombshells this year will be 3DS news.
Maybe North America will get the standard 3ds with cover plates. This needs to happen this winter holiday season! Then Nintendo will get more of my $$$!
Code for "It's dying and we know it."
@ekreig
Same here. Now that model, while I have the new 3DS, is in good hands: my girlfriend's.
2015 is "Year of the Wii U" - I don't see any real big news or games coming for the 3DS this year. E3 will probably see some indie games announced for the 3DS eShop but Nintendo's stretched so thin right now (totally their fault), I don't think they have the resources to really push both console and handheld platforms full-throttle. The Wii U's been draining them since the thing came out and we've seen them trying really anything to help put plumber's putty in the hull holes — even nonsensical things like releasing last generation handheld games (NDS) to be played on... a current generation console. I think 2016 will see more focus on 3DS. I'd be really surprised if we 3DS gamers got any big announcements this year.
"Target the female market" is a step in the right direction, what with other companies continuing to treat the female demographic poorly with creating unrelatabke female characters or not having them at all (Assassin's Creed Unity, Final Fantasy XV, Metal Gear Solid V). I've never had an issue like that with Nintendo. They continue to do a good job when it cones to their games, with almost every one of then having a female character to play as, at least.
I like how they marketed Splatoon with showing mostly the girls and watching responses of men going, "why aren't there any boys?" But whont question why ACU didn't have female avatar customization or why FFXV won't have female party members.
I just hope that when they mean marketing to girls, they don't mean flooding everything with pink and releasing lame titles. More games that offer female and male character creations or selections please.
Also... Since we are on the topic. Girl's Mode 3 to America then?
Can I have the new Rhythm Heaven localized here for the holidays? I'll import the Japanese version for the summer, but I'd like the flexibility to play in English.
@c1pher_c0mplet That basically means that 3rd parties will have to continue to carry the system's release schedule as they've done since last year's E3. Never before has a Nintendo system been supported more by 3rd parties than by Nintendo.
I convinced 4 of my friends to get 3DS's because of Smash Bros.
now I have a New 3DS, maybe tease us with some exclusive software for this version.
@IceClimbers Curiously enough, Iwata does a number of things that subsequently push third-parties away and those are the same entities Nintendo desperately needs.
@heathenmagic It was nice to get Xenoblade 3D exclusive for the New 3DS systems but I doubt we'll be seeing anymore "New 3DS Only" games (if for no other reason than developers wanting to cast the widest net possible to maximize profits). Maaaybe one but, judging from past history, no more after that. When the original DSi came out, Nintendo made a big deal then about "certain games will only be playable on the DSi due to the superior hardware..." Foto Showdown was the only DSi-exclusive the system saw. Literally, every other game released was playable on the original DS, DS Lite, DSi, and the DSi XL. I have a hard time seeing how Xenoblade 3D on the New 3DS systems is going to be any different.
@tsukipon or maybe it doesn't matter what gender the character on screen is? From what I've seen that has nothing to do with whether a girl buys a game or not. I'm not sure why you brought up FFXV either, as it's been known that it would be an all male main cast. The producer has said that their may be female party members though. Regardless, if the artist wants the main cast to be all male then that's their choice and the market will decide whether it works. The same goes for your other two examples. This talk of shoehorning female characters into games as if that will somehow make it appeal to female gamers is ridiculous. If a girl wants to buy a game, she will, just like any male gamer out there. I'm all for more interesting and better written female characters in video games, but the currently landscape makes it quite hard for devs to do female characters because if they do, (some)people will be putting extra scrutiny on that character. The female MC gets beat up? It's violence against women. The female MC is sexually assaulted? The devs are profiting from rape. The female MC is saved by her friends? She's too weak and can't save herself, etc. I'm not surprised more devs don't want to risk it at the moment. You can do whatever you want to a male character, but God forgive the same be done to a female character. I'm not saying this is the way you think of these things, but I'm saying its a recurring theme in gaming journalism these days. Like I said more interesting female characters is never a bad thing, but shoehorning them in just because is.
In regards to the article, I feel like the Wii U will be Nintendo's main focus in 2015. After the delay of Zelda they have to fill that gap(hopefully with an Animal Crossing game for Wii U). I'm really hoping they drop some bombshells for the console at E3, though I'm not getting my hopes up for it.
@c1pher_c0mplet
You could be right, I fell for the same thing and got DSi after lite lol. But did get a few dsiware games to be honest. Shame, but I only fell for it for this time as my wifi switch is on the way out on my 3DS XL. Though it is working okay this week lol
Iwata is trying to say, the foreign market is okay but the homeland market sucks.
@ekreig
Lol ikr!? I liked the red one, but had to settle for blue because they didn't release it until 2012.
3DS XL launched in the US nearly 3 years ago - Aug 2012 - for $199.
May 2015 and it's still $199. Not just the new version, the old one as well.
Nintnedo really needs to get better at cutting prices over time on it's hardware. People expect price drops on videogame hardware. Not only does a price drop give you an advertising opportunity to get new business from people who may not have been thinking about your product, but people who have consciously been waiting for a price drop may buy 1. And then you can sell all of your "evergreen" software titles to the new hardware owners.
You can argue PS4 hasn't had a price drop either, but it's been selling like gangbusters, why should it? I wasn't arguing for a Wii price cut for 2 years after launch b/c they coudln't keep it in stock, but it did eventually drop to $199. But the 3DS, and certainly the Wii U, could both really use one. The sooner, the better.
Put your money where your mouth is Iwata. We haven't seen much for the 3DS since 2013.
Keep'em coming Nintendo. Naysayers are always about put downs but fans who actually buy your products are happy. I'm still playing Codename STEAM and eagerly await the new Fire Emblem games. Just fix the Amiibo supply and everything will be OK.
@DinoFett I really think they will announce that E3. They need to spark interest in the New 3DS and the face plates seem like an easy cash generator.
All it would take is another video game phenomenon like Pokemon was when it first came out, or another Nintendogs, Tetris or Brain Training etc, and the 3DS could have many more years left in its life. I still think it has a few as it is but a big surprise hit, something genuinely new and exciting with mass appeal, could really give it legs.
The 'New' 3DS models have been a big help in the hardware finally realising near it's full technical potential at least, with the new and improved 3D screens really delivering a level of quality that pretty much anyone could appreciate, finally delivering properly on the main gimmick of the console at last. So that's good in terms of the hardware at least.
I personally would like to see the 3ds go on for another 3 to 4 years. Heck they could go on for another 10 if the games keep coming. Yes tech does need to improve but I've been totally satisfied with my 3ds experience!
@Bolt_Strike It really depends on what you're looking for. I've got 5 games already this year and already pre downloaded Puzzels and Dragons. Atlus keeps pumping out the games that I want to play and with Monster Hunter and the occasional Nintendo game I've been really happy.
You really want some growth? Then f-ing release the standard New 3DS in NA!!!!
Hopefully the 3ds has 2 more years left before the new system takes over.
Both of you need to stop talking about those things, this is a child friendly website.
I knew from last years E3 that there was going to be a 3DS slump in titles. Hopefully that will turn around soon. Based on Monster Hunter and Xenochronicals 3DS, they're trying to push the limits of dated hardware. When in reality some of the best looking games are actually titles like Animal Crossing and Luigi's Mansion. Keep the games simple.
@Spoony_Tech There hasn't been much outside of eShop games and localizations, and I can't say I'm super interested in either.
When I read they were talking about the female consumers, the first thing that popped into my head is a new "Super Princess Peach".
I'm pretty sure the sales slowed down after Pacther predicted that the 3DS would continue to sell 15 million a year.
@erv gr8 b8 m8
Portable Pikmin, Paper Mario TTYD 3D, Pokėmon Z and Metroid 3D would be nice.
@baba_944 Yep Super Princess Peach 2 confirmed just what is needed.
Considering they mention targeting wider generations of people as well, I'm really hoping their approach to female gamers isn't just making everything pink and girly. I hope it's more like the "games but not really games" genre of things like Art Academy and Brain Age that made the DS and Wii so damn popular.
How about actually paying attention to the 3DS Virtual Console, Nintendo? I'd say give us games too but I'll wait til E3 before I make any judgements on that.
Damn someone made the Super Princess Peach joke already! Appealing to "female gamers" is nebulous corporate speak. Perhaps ramp up more releases for the 3ds and you'll sell more, tho I also think the point was already hit on: it's price drop time. I can't imagine at this stage of the 3ds there are people still on the fence waiting for "that one game" to make it worth buying the 3ds
@tsukipon I clicked on this article to read this comment. I knew it'd be here.
@c1pher_c0mplet Not for me! I haven't touched my wiiu even with smash bros since I got my new n3ds in march. As my first 3ds I specifically got it for mh4u but the sheer size of the library is amazing. Along with the DS games I have never played my back log is huge. Only some Indy games on wiiu interest me for now many of which are future releases. Only Xenoblade X can pull me off of mh4u right now but there's no firm release date for the U.S. The 3ds reigns as king in my house I love that thing.
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/05/dont-look-now-but-3ds-emulation-is-becoming-a-thing/
When a console gets emulated, it's the beginning of the end.
@unrandomsam I'm not sure if you're joking, but I'm half not. Imagine it in 3D. I'll buy it.
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