Reggie on 3DS digital success, sales, more Wii U software launches as Nintendo prepares for E3, focusing on games, Amazon situation
Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime commented on a whole bunch of interesting topics while speaking with the media today.
Most items revolved around the 3DS – including the success of digital sales, sales milestones, and the eShop – but Reggie also commented a bit on the Wii U, Nintendo’s focus on titles as opposed to non-gaming entertainment, and the company’s situation with Amazon.
You can find a roundup of Reggie’s comments below.
Reggie on 3DS digital sales for Nintendo…
“We have 15 Nintendo-published titles available, both physically and digitally [on the 3DS]. So far in 2013, of those 15 available in this format, 11 percent of sales have come through full digital downloads of those games.”
Reggie on 3DS sales in the US…
“When the NPD numbers come out later this week, you’re going to see life-to-date 3DS game sales surpass 20 million units in the US. And that’s just physical. It doesn’t include digital sales. … So far in 2013 – through April 15 – 3DS game sales are up 55 percent versus last year, counting both physical and digital.”
Reggie on the 3DS eShop’s success…
“Through that connected experience, consumers have downloaded more than 41 million items from the eShop – everything from full games to applications like Nintendo video, DLC, demos, free items, and more.”
Reggie on the Wii U’s situation…
“What I would say about Wii U – and what Mr. Iwata has said – is that the pace of launches has been slower than we hoped. But as we prepare for E3, the pace of launches for Wii U is going to dramatically increase.”
Reggie on focusing on games rather than non-gaming entertainment…
“We believe consumers buy our systems first as a gaming system, then enjoy the other entertainment options, so that’s why we’re putting such a big emphasis on the gaming software.”
Reggie on Amazon and Nintendo’s relationship when it comes to selling hardware…
“We have programs we make available to all retailers. So then in the end, it becomes a decision by the retailer how they want to participate. Right now, Amazon is focused on selling software, but has decided not to sell hardware.”
Other notes from Reggie:
– Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon sales stand at 415,000 thus far (likely just the US)
– Over the next 9 months, “the pace is going to be dramatically ramped up.”
– 67% of all 3DS owners have connected to the Internet thus far
– Fire Emblem: Awakening has sold 240,000 units in the US thus far
– 1/3 of Fire Emblem’s sales are from digital
