28th November 2012, 12:50 PM
The DS is still a strong seller, that's for sure. Nintendo is still releasing titles for it, such as Pokemon Black & White 2. The 3DS is selling FAR better than it was originally though, now actually outselling the original DS during the same length launch time frame. I think in a few months the sales will switch over. Price isn't as big a factor as it was when it launched at that ridiculously high price point, and it does stand in stark contrast to even more expensive handhelds such as the Vita and various tablets.
I think the biggest problem is that Nintendo hasn't let people know that the 3DS is something other than a 3D DS. They advertise the 3D constantly, but not the fact that it's a much more powerful handheld. People are still asking store clerks (I overhear this when I'm shopping) "So this 3DS, is it just the DS with 3D or does it do something else?"
I'm actually rather surprised that the Wii U has been selling as well as it has. I was under the impression that a lot of people thought it was another handheld. Even a big gamer friend of mine said they weren't aware the Wii U was anythingmore than a tablet controller for the Wii until a sibling brought one home. That said, at least there I've seen the commercials and it does seem like they're putting that confusion to rest a bit by actually showing the console itself too.
I think the biggest problem is that Nintendo hasn't let people know that the 3DS is something other than a 3D DS. They advertise the 3D constantly, but not the fact that it's a much more powerful handheld. People are still asking store clerks (I overhear this when I'm shopping) "So this 3DS, is it just the DS with 3D or does it do something else?"
I'm actually rather surprised that the Wii U has been selling as well as it has. I was under the impression that a lot of people thought it was another handheld. Even a big gamer friend of mine said they weren't aware the Wii U was anythingmore than a tablet controller for the Wii until a sibling brought one home. That said, at least there I've seen the commercials and it does seem like they're putting that confusion to rest a bit by actually showing the console itself too.
"On two occasions, I have been asked [by members of Parliament], 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question." ~ Charles Babbage (1791-1871)