The latest figures published by Enterbrain place lifetime sales of 3DS at over 1 million units in Japan, with Nintendo's latest handheld hitting the landmark figure in 13 weeks.

Compared to the pace set by the original DS, however, 3DS is trailing by some distance.

 

Andriasang reports Nintendo's DS took 4 weeks to pass 1 million units sold, selling at more than three times the rate of 3DS as a result.

To 3D or not to 3D

Whether the handheld's slow take up is down to a comparative lack of interest, or the general financial situation Japan currently finds itself in isn't clear.

Year-to-date figures from Enterbrain rival Media Create would suggest the latter is likely having a greater bearing, with the firm proclaiming 3DS as the top selling console in Japan in 2011 to date.

Nintendo's handheld has outpaced the second placed Sony PSP by around 50,000 units so far.

Elsewhere around the globe, the strength of the handheld's performance at retail is less clear.

VGChartz estimates worldwide sales to date are just shy of 3 million units, though the handheld is being outsold by DS in North America, and by both DS and PSP in Europe.

The site claims UK sales have surpassed 250,000 units.

[source: Andriasang]