Despite a widely criticised launch, sales of the Nintendo 3DS - post price cut - indicate a recovery. 

In the US, it managed to sell 4 million units in 2011, with two of its top selling titles coming in the form of Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7, each selling 1 million units a piece.

Roll on 2012

"One of the strongest software lineups in our history helped Nintendo have a great holiday season and to close 2011 with a full head of steam," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales and marketing.

"Not only have the new Mario and Zelda titles already broken records, but with strong reviews and satisfied customers sharing their positive experiences, all three [also refering to Wii version of Zelda] are also shaping up to be the latest long-tail titles from Nintendo.

"Couple that with a massive first and third party lineup in the first part of the year and the prospects for 2012 are extremely promising."

DS on up

With Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime claiming that the device had sold just over 2.37 million by the start of December, it would seem that the Christmas period has seen total sales almost double.

Overall, Nintendo also sold 3.4 million DSs and more than 4.5 million Wiis during 2011, bringing the installed base for Wii and Nintendo DS in the US to 39 million and more than 51 million, respectively.

[source: Business Wire]