Sales of the Nintendo DS have topped 5 million in Japan, less than 13 months after the gaming console’s December 2004 launch, according to Spong.
That record makes the Nintendo DS the quickest selling console to hit the 5 million mark. The GBA took more than 14 months to reach that number and Sony’s PS2 took 17 months.
Nintendo’s President Satoru Iwata attributed the phenomenal growth to the company’s sustained marketing campaigns targeting both the hardcore faithful and casual/non-traditional gamers.
Mr Iwata told a news conference this week: “To achieve this rapid growth, we were required not only to go after frequent game players, but to reel back people who had left games and to make video games enjoyable for those who had not played games at all."
Spong.com
The announcement comes on the heels of the Japanese release of Microsoft’s Xbox 360, which despite a run on sales in North America was welcomed by consumers in Japan with a reception that was anything but warm.
Stores in Japan reported consoles available hours after the game system’s release. In North America people are still waiting to get their hands on the console, which is in limited supply. Some have resorted to buying units via eBay for hundreds, even thousands above retail pricing.
Related:
Report: Nintendo DS Downloads at E3
Sony Dismiss Nintendo DS as a "Gimmick"
Pink, Blue Nintendo DS Hitting Europe in October
Xbox 360's Second Week in Japan: Outsold by GameCube
Japan Gives Xbox 360 Tepid Welcome
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