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Nintendo must be over the moon. Their DS console, which many people predicted would have a hard time at retail, has broken the UK launch week sales record. 87,000 units were sold over the weekend, beating the GBA’s 67,000 in 2001 and the 47,000 the GBA SP sold at its launch.
The DS’ success is a massive plus for Nintendo, with Sony’s PSP now officially delayed in Europe for a number of months. Compared to home console launch sales the DS also did brilliantly. The Nintendo GameCube managed 69,000, the Xbox managed 52,000 and the PlayStation 2 managed 46,000. It is worth pointing out that these consoles were released at a much higher price point that the Nintendo DS, and strong launch week sales don’t equal a successful life for a new console. Any new Nintendo hardware is bound to sell well, but that takes nothing away from the console’s initial success.
With a less than spectacular line-up of games on the horizon it may be hard for Nintendo to continue this success, but only time will tell. For a look at our Nintendo DS launch coverage check out the Nintendo DS Launch Zone.
