If you thought Nintendo’s foray into mobile gaming meant certain doom for the firm’s handheld 3DS console, then think again.
In an interview with the Washington Post this week, the gaming giant sent out a clear message: “The 3DS is here to stay.”
In fact, according to the firm’s marketing chief Scott Moffitt, sales of the dual-screened console are actually up on last year.
Perhaps more surprisingly, Moffitt says, the total number of 3DS units sold exceeds the combined tally of Xbox One and PS4 consoles shifted overall.
He said: “Nintendo 3DS is here to stay. Let me throw out a number that might surprise you. So far, on a global basis, Nintendo 3DS has sold more hardware than PS4 and Xbox One – combined. Most people find this shocking.”
Despite finally giving into pressure to release smartphone games, Nintendo seems convinced the titles will be able to co-exist with the dedicated console games, saying they enable ‘very different kinds of game play.’
Moffitt added “Obviously we don’t deny the impact of smart devices on the gaming market. But it’s a mistake to consider this a zero-sum game. Clearly gaming on smart devices and gaming on Nintendo 3DS can happily coexist, to the benefit of all gamers.
“The fact is, playing games on two very different hardware platforms means options for two very different kinds of game play. The inclusion of multiple control buttons on Nintendo 3DS allows a much deeper and more sophisticated type of play.”
The first mobile game from Nintendo will be a social experience called Miitomo and will be out in March. The firm has promised three more games by that time, but is yet to reveal revealed specifics.
Which of the firm’s franchises would you like to see optimised for smart devices? Is Mario Kart Mobile too much to ask?
How do you feel about the future of the 3DS with Nintendo’s plans to bring its major franchises to smart devices? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
