Nintendo says people have been purchasing 3DS systems in expected numbers, will still coexist with Switch
While Switch is undoubtedly Nintendo’s focus right now, 3DS continues to be sold and software is still being made. In fact, the company said last week that 3DS titles will continue to be made in 2019 and beyond.
When asked if 3DS can coexist with Switch during the Q&A portion of Nintendo’s financial results briefing last week, president Tatsumi Kimishima indicated that this is still the case. One reason for that is due to 3DS’ price point and “ample software lineup”, which are attractive points for parents.
Kimishima explained:
“Consumers purchased Nintendo 3DS systems in numbers we expected last fiscal year. It has an ample software lineup at a price point that makes the system affordable especially for parents looking to buy for their kids. We expect that demand to continue during this fiscal year as well, so we will continue to sell the product.
Given that Nintendo Switch is a home gaming system that can be taken on the go, this situation may change if it grows from being a one-per-household system to a one-per-person system. But the price of Nintendo Switch is not something with which most parents would buy a system for every one of their children in a short period of time. Moving forward, we will work to ascertain what kinds of play people want at which price points, and as long as there is such demand, we will continue to sell the Nintendo 3DS system. I see the product coexisting with Nintendo Switch at this point in time.”
