As is customary at any major new product launch, queues for Nintendos latest gizmo the 3DS were reportedly snaking around the block over the weekend across Japan.
The much anticipated successor to the best-selling handheld console to date (and second overall only to Sonys PlayStation 2) went on sale in Nintendos domestic market on Saturday morning for ¥25,000 and promptly sold out by noon.
Not altogether unsurprisingly, the initial stock of 400,000 units was swallowed up in treble quick-time on opening day, as many of the glasses-free gaming sets passed into the hands of gleeful pre-order customers.
Second wind
According to reporters and bloggers on the ground, though, a second wave of 3DS devices was already making its way to retailers on Sunday, ensuring disappointed punters whod missed out first time around could grab a slice of the 3D gaming action the following day.
This follows on from a promise by Nintendos president Saturo Iwata that a continuous supply to stores would prevent the large scale shortage evidenced at previous DS launches.
Nintendo expects to shift 1.5 million 3DS machines in total in its home country by the end of March, with the company predicting 4 million shipments worldwide in the same timeframe.
Pirates of the Far East
And despite Nintendos 'best anti-piracy technology yet', another familiar presence in the immediate aftermath of a product launch has reared its ugly head once more.
In a YouTube video posted mere hours after the first 3DS left a Japanese shelf, two hackers demonstrate a DS version of New Super Mario Bros being played on a 3DS via the infamous R4 card.
The 3DS itself will be released in Europe on March 25th - at prices determined by individual retailers - and be available in US shops two days later for $249.99.
[sources: Andriasang/PCMag]
News
With a degree in German up his sleeve Richard squares up to the following three questions every morning: FIFA or Pro Evo? XBox 360 or PS3? McNulty or Bunk?
Top Stories
as
News
May 15th, 2024
Nexon banks on big Dungeon & Fighter Mobile China launch as Q1 revenue declines
Feature
May 14th, 2024
Matej Lančarič's Squad Busters deep dive: Under the skin of 2024's biggest launch yet
Feature
May 14th, 2024
53 top mobile games in soft launch: Squad Busters, Battle Guys: Royale, Plants vs. Zombies 3, LEGO Hill Climb Adventures, and more
Events
Valencia Indie Summit 2024 | Europe | May 16th |
Mobidictum Meetup Berlin May 2024 | Europe | May 16th |
Digital Dragons | Europe | May 19th |
GamesBeat Summit 2024 | North America | May 20th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Nordic Game Spring 2024 | Nordic | May 21st |
Impact 2024 - Indie Games | May 23rd | |
Morocco Gaming Expo | Africa | May 24th |