The all new Nintendo DS is proving a huge hit in both the US and Japan, with retail sales in N. America alone having reached 1 million to date. In Japan, demand for the console is also big and the handheld there has also hit the 1 million unit mark. In order to take advantage of the holiday season, Nintendo has increased total shipment figures to the US and Japan and now they will exceed 2.8 million by the end of 2004.
By Thanksgiving weekend in North America, more than 500,000 units had sold through in just one week following the US launch. This led to stocks running out in retail outlets across the country as more than 90 per cent of the units shipped were sold. In Japan, sales of Nintendo DS exceeded half a million systems in just four days after launch.
The Nintendo DS will launch in Europe in Q1 2005. In addition to a collection of 1st party games for the console, more than 100 developers are currently working on games for Nintendo DS including Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Activision and SEGA. Electronic Arts has created a number of games especially for Nintendo DS including The Urbz: Sims in the City, Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf, Madden NFL 2005, Need for Speed Underground and GoldenEye: Rogue Agent.
Gerhard Florin, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Electronic Arts Europe comments:
EA recognises the growing consumer appetite for gaming outside the home, and the Nintendo DS will be a great choice for gamers who want a new handheld experience. Our games have been custom designed to make use of the new console's unique features, such as the touch screen. This was a natural step for EA to take in collaboration with Nintendo and we're delighted to be a major launch partner when the console comes to Europe next year.
The Nintendo DS launched in North America on 21st November and in Japan on 2nd December. Nintendo DS will be launching across Europe in Q1 2005 - stay with MegaGames for details in early 2005.
