While Sony’s initial sales of the PS Vita have exceeded expectations and topped 1.2 million units worldwide, Nintendo today announced that its 3DS handheld has sold more than 4.5 million units in the United States alone. The 3DS sales milestone was announced just as the 3DS prepares to celebrate its first full year on the market; the glasses-free 3D system went on sale in North America on March 27, 2011.
According to the NPD Group, which tracks retail sales, the Nintendo 3DS is outpacing sales of the original DS, which has the distinction of being the best-selling gaming platform of all time. In that system’s first 12 months, it sold 2.3 million units, just a hair more than half of what the 3DS has sold in its first year. DS software sold in the first year totaled 5 million units, compared to the 3DS’ 9 million units; and total revenue from hardware, software and accessories totaled $540 million for the DS compared to the 3DS’ total of $1.4 billion. All figures reflect U.S. sales milestones alone.
The platform will enter its second year with a solid game lineup, including the recently launched Resident Evil Revelations, Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Tekken 3D Prime Edition, Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D and the upcoming first-party games Kid Icarus: Uprising and Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir.