Launching in the states in March of 2011, it took a little over a year, but Nintendo has managed to sell over 5 million units of its 3DS. Sales were definitely improved when Nintendo cut the price of the 3DS by a third last summer after facing some disappointing sales figures.
Announcing the price cut, Nintendo said: "So that we will be able to create momentum for Nintendo 3DS and accelerate its market penetration toward the year-end sales season, when the lineup for the applicable software shall be enriched, the company has decided to make this markdown."
Now that they've hit the 5 million mark, they've definitely created that momentum, which they hope to maintain with upcoming games like New Super Mario Bros. 2 and hardware like the new 3DS XL is right around the corner. Nintendo hopes that sales of the upcoming 3DS XL will be able to turn things around for their handheld market. They've been selling the original 3DS at a loss ever since the price cut.
On the new products, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales and marketing Scott Moffitt said in a press release, "Nintendo 3DS is entering the next phase of its life cycle with new hardware, new games and proven franchises. This milestone shows we've got a great foundation to build from...The game lineup for Nintendo 3DS last holiday season was one of the strongest in our history. We're poised to top it this year. Every week, gamers will have the best franchises in the world in a glasses-free 3D experience that can't be found anywhere else. Add Wii U into the mix and it's a great time to be a Nintendo fan."
The Nintendo 3DS XL is out August 19.