Last week the new Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL were released across North America and Europe showing promising sales figures for both consoles. Preliminary sales data provided by Nintendo showed that the current models are already outselling older generations within the first couple of days of the consoles launch.
The 3DS sold over 150,000 units in both the U.S. and Europe, with the U.S. leading sales figures closer to 175,000 units; based off the chart below. The Nintendo 3DS XL sold over 50,000 units with only the latest version being launched exclusively in the U.S. Considering these figures are only based off the first two days of the consoles initial launch, we can only expect the number to continue to grow from here.
While sales are quite impressive Nintendo President and CEO Satoru Iwata stated that the figures could’ve been higher in the U.S. if it weren’t for the port strikes around the West coast area. Dock workers have been in negotiations for almost a year to finalize new contracts, but in recent weeks talks have stalled; according to CBS.
The first shipments to Europe and the United States sold most stock that made it to shelves in the first two (Europe) or three (United States) days. We believe that sales could have been even better in the United States. For the last six months, labor negotiations on the West Coast of the United States have made getting goods to shore slow, as the amount of berths open are lower than usual and therefore the harbors are congested.
translated by Destructoid
While the 3DS sales are at a slight disadvantage, Iwata stated that “the public has still shown huge interest in it and sales are phenomenal.” Hopefully in the upcoming weeks, the port strikes will cease and more 3DS consoles will be available for purchase. Please visit your local retailers to purchase the latest Nintendo products.