The 3DS has been something of a letdown so far for the biggest gaming company in the world. Gamers have not been warming up to the idea of 3D, and the initial software offerings were not very exciting, but with a recent price cut and great software on the way, the 3DS might be making something of a comeback. Research firm SMBC Nikko Securities, in speaking with Famitsu, is confident that the 3DS will rack some numbers up for holiday season 2011.
"Hardware sales are usually five to eight times what they usually are for the rest of the year," said analyst Eiji Maeda. "Reflecting that, I think around 2 to 2.5 million systems sold [in November and December] is a given, and it being the first Christmas for the 3DS, I think it's possible to expect more than that."
"I think it's plain that they'll sell at least a million in November and December alone, pushing it past three million systems sold for the year," noted Tamio Yanaka, a manager at Japanese electronics chain Bic Camera. "Already in October we're seeing a lot of people purchase the system by itself in anticipation of supplies running tight toward the end of the year."
With several Mario titles on the way, as well as another Monster Hunter title, things do look rather sunny for Nintendo. Even the Wii is about to get another big title from what is shaping up to be a spectacular Zelda game.
"With Mario 3D Land leading the way and Mario Kart 7 and Monster Hunter 3G following, the 3DS has nothing but big-name titles up ahead," Maeda added. "Zelda is going to be important on the Wii, but I'd also like to pay attention to Just Dance."
Maeda is confident that sales of software will help drive hardware sales as well. Monster Hunter is quite popular over in Japan, and Mario remains the blockbuster franchise that it has always been. Perhaps, the 3DS might have its day in the sun come the end of the year.
[Thanks 1UP]
