Nintendo’s 3DS may have faced challenges during its first year on the market, but following a price drop and the introduction of blockbuster exclusives it has been producing incredible numbers. And it hasn’t slowed down, either. 2013 was its best year yet, and by a huge margin.
In a press release, Nintendo has stated that the 3DS topped 11.5 million units sold in the U.S. during 2013. Additionally, 16 million 3DS games, digital and physical included, were delivered to customers during the year, a 45% increase over 2012.
Nintendo also noted that the 3DS game library was extremely successful with seven 3DS exclusive titles achieving an average Metacritic score of 85 or better. No other platform came close to that figure.
2014 isn’t quite as chock full of exciting exclusives, but there are enough to keep 3DS owners invested. Games like Square Enix’s Bravely Default, Super Smash Bros., and Yoshi’s New Island will undoubtedly pave a road of success for the new year.
The addition of the 2DS also means that the handheld’s software library is more affordable to access than ever before. I wouldn’t be surprised if its software sales increase year-over-year during 2014 as its install base increases.
