14 DAY TRIAL // Video game publisher and hardware maker Nintendo says that the 3DS has managed to sell a record number of devices in 2013 and that it plans to continue making the handheld a success this year with the launch of new titles.
The device has managed to increase its figures by more than 45 percent, with more than 16 million video games delivered to players both via retail and via digital distribution.
The entire family of handhelds has gone over the 11.5 million hardware sales in the United States market and its titles were well received by critics and gamers, with The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Fire Emblem Awakening staying over the 90 mark on Metacritic.
Scott Moffitt, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Nintendo of America, states, “Nintendo 3DS is a powerhouse with games and experiences that appeal to all kinds of players. We're not slowing down in 2014. With more games featuring fan-favorite franchises on the way, the best days of Nintendo 3DS are still to come.”
Nintendo says that the solid performance of the 3DS can be improved on and that early game launches that take place in 2014 will offer players a wider variety of experiences with Yoshi’s New Island, Disney Magical World and Bravely Default.
The 3DS was disappointing in the year it launched, but the company moved quickly to cut its price and launch more video games.
Since then, the handheld has managed to constantly lead sales in Japan and has done well to compete with smartphones and other mobile gaming devices.
Even if the 3DS is selling well, Nintendo still needs to find a way to make its Wii U home console more appealing for fans after disappointing sales in 2013.
Some analysts believe that bundles and more cross-platform gaming can be a long-term solution.