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DS 'fastest-selling platform in Europe'

Nintendo handheld breaks the 10-million mark with 1.7 million units shifted in the run-up to Christmas.

Two months before the second anniversary of the DS portable in Europe, Nintendo has released figures which claim that the handheld has become the fastest-selling games hardware in Europe, with 10 million units sold in 22 months.

In November, the company announced that it had shifted 7 million units and that six of the portable's games had sold 1 million copies apiece.

The company credits much of the success of the platform to its Touch! Generations games, which are aimed at nontraditional gaming audiences and include Nintendogs and Dr Kawashima's Brain Training (Brain Age in the US).

Titles for the Nintendo DS scheduled for release in Europe in 2007 include Mario Slam Basketball, Star Fox Command, Actionloop, and Final Fantasy III. These form part of the 67 games due to ship during the first quarter of 2007.

Nintendo's European marketing director, Laurent Fischer, commented, "Its appeal to both gamers and non-gamers means it has expanded the gaming population significantly...something that was unimaginable a few years ago."

114 Comments

  • ryokinshin6x3

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 1:53 pm GMT

    although i woudl never buy one, like one or most of the games for it, plus me having a psp i will say it is a great handheld

  • Greydawg

    Posted Jan 24, 2007 8:40 am GMT

    I guess this is the best place to ask-------PLEASE, if anyone works anywhere that sells DS Lites, do you have any idea when we might be able to purchase one? And if you have no idea, can you please post that as well? .
    I already have a PSP, and I love it-----it's not for everyone, but it's not fair to bash it either. But now I can't find a DS Lite, so it's hard to have an opinion on it except for being very frustrated with waiting this long. And you know what? There are severl PSP games I haven't played while waiting to get a DS Lite, and by the end of this week, I'm giving up on getting a DS Lite, plain and simple. Sorry Nintendo-----I've been looking for 2 months, it's a month AFTER Christmas already, and still no dice, no dates, and no DS Lite...

  • hovan316

    Posted Jan 23, 2007 3:41 pm GMT

    To Greydawg:
    Dude, I just wrote you a PM. I got a new one (black) at EbGames in downtown Montreal for 149.99$ Can.

    Hope you find one soon...G-luck!

    Does anyone know if it's a good idea to shoot "the" firmware on to my DS and use a GBA SuperCard + a 4 gig SD Media Card and load all those lovely DS and GBA roms on it??? And we all know the rest...play games for free...
    My friend will be doing this tomorrow on his regular DS...did anyone try it yet?
    He has a DVD-R with 75 DS games on it already...just ready to be uploaded on his SD media card!!! :-P

  • Generic_Dude

    Posted Jan 23, 2007 1:02 pm GMT

    Not really surprising... it's got some great games and it's cheap. If you think it's success is runaway now, wait till the end of Q2... Phantom Hourglass anyone?

  • GrimBee

    Posted Jan 23, 2007 11:34 am GMT

    "In short the psp is for a long ride but things like waiting at a corner is more for a ds."

    If they get the battery to last more than 2.5 hours, you might be right

  • GrimBee

    Posted Jan 23, 2007 7:48 am GMT

    Its going to get even crazier when zelda comes out for it.

    In europe, stock of the wii is alright, pink, black and white.
    I BET that they will release a gold zelda exclusive versions somewhere along the lines. At least, I hope that they do. A gold DS lite with triforce logo, nice.

    How many did the PSP sell in the same time span?

  • Greydawg

    Posted Jan 23, 2007 7:22 am GMT

    "hovan316 To Greydawg:
    I just bought my DS Lite last Friday, at EbGames...they had about 20 in each color. "
    .
    WHAT?!? You have got to be kidding--------were they new or used? Where are you located? I have made so many phone calls and checked so many websites, all having zero DS Lites for sale. I was even in my local EB Games store last Friday afternoon and they had none.

  • AHDOAH

    Posted Jan 23, 2007 7:17 am GMT

    GIJames248

    How about this give me both your DS lite and PSP because I like them both
    and you can be ignorant

  • gatsbythepig

    Posted Jan 23, 2007 7:01 am GMT

    I am really not suprised, are you?

  • razu_gamer

    Posted Jan 23, 2007 5:25 am GMT

    don't forget phantom hourglass is coming.

  • Dolacide

    Posted Jan 23, 2007 1:24 am GMT

    Wow I remember when everybody was mocking Nintendo for a duel screen handheld, well I guess Nintendo has had the last laugh.

  • pencilpusher69

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 10:49 pm GMT

    faridmon GIJames248
    "Funny, I'm probably going to sell my DS Lite and buy a PSP because I hate Nintendos emphasis on "non-games" and casual games."

    Either you don't own a DS, or you're completely ignorant of the DS's library, which is well over double the size of the PSP, and contains many, man, many hardcore, that is NON-CASUAL, games.

    Either way, I'm calling bs.

    But hey, go get yourself that fancy paper-weight that is the PSP. It's not going to be around long, but you and your hardcoreness NEED that one MGS game.

  • lbivol

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 9:52 pm GMT

    blueflamedino
    I have to admit, though their games barely reach hardcore, they are so simple that they can get addicting. Unlike a psp which like carying a full console that is portable, the ds acts like a handheld for quickbursts. In short the psp is for a long ride but things like waiting at a corner is more for a ds.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    OMG!!!!!!!!! What an Idiot!!!!!!! What a jerk!!!!!!!
    Castlevania PoR & DoS barely reaches hardcore?!?!?!?!
    Castlevania PoR & DoS SO SIMPLE?!?!?!?!
    Advance Wars DS not hardcore?!?!? Advance Wars DS not deep?!?!?
    Advance Wars NOT FOR A LONG RIDE?!?!?!?!
    A handheld for QUICKBURSTS?!?!?!?! What the F**k IS THAT? are u 5 years old, Blue Flame Dino ???
    Or shoul i call u BARNEY THE DINOSAUR?
    Or maybe Pink Flame Dino?!?!?!

  • cobrax80

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 9:47 pm GMT

    the DS keeps on winning

  • hovan316

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 8:36 pm GMT

    To Greydawg:
    I just bought my DS Lite last Friday, at EbGames...they had about 20 in each color.

  • robfield

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 8:07 pm GMT

    Now Nintendo knows how to sell a system.

  • getoconnection

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 7:17 pm GMT

    faridmon you know a real hardcore gamer when play desgeae for 300 hours, pahantom brave 200 hours and level 10 000, you finish Ghost n' ghoblins with ease and apreciate Xenosaga epesode 3 and Baten Kaitos origins.
    now a guy like that loves the DS, and yeah thats me, how is that for Nintendos emphasis on "non-games" and casual games.
    and you think the PSP is for hardcore gamers? blasphemy, am going as far and say even the 360 is not hardcore gamers' system (well intill Castlevania SotN), emphasising on graphic and not gameplay a real-man hadcore gamer gameplay, well it's more hardcore than the PSP.
    you happy now?
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I agree. Try getting 100 percent on every stage of the original Yoshi's Island, the last great 2d game. You haven't lived until you've executed the double jump over a bed of spikes, trying to avoid that flying shy guy, aiming your last egg at that last red coin. These babies now-a-days don't know what hardcore is.

  • LoWpS

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 6:39 pm GMT

    hope the DS success foreshadows the Wii's success. i mean, it is kinda like playing on a big DS, anyway, but with motion sensor too. *crosses fingers*

  • faridmon

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 6:25 pm GMT

    GIJames248
    Funny, I'm probably going to sell my DS Lite and buy a PSP because I hate Nintendos emphasis on "non-games" and casual games.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    you know a real hardcore gamer when play desgeae for 300 hours, pahantom brave 200 hours and level 10 000, you finish Ghost n' ghoblins with ease and apreciate Xenosaga epesode 3 and Baten Kaitos origins.
    now a guy like that loves the DS, and yeah thats me, how is that for Nintendos emphasis on "non-games" and casual games.
    and you think the PSP is for hardcore gamers? blasphemy, am going as far and say even the 360 is not hardcore gamers' system (well intill Castlevania SotN), emphasising on graphic and not gameplay a real-man hadcore gamer gameplay, well it's more hardcore than the PSP.
    you happy now?

  • getoconnection

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 5:57 pm GMT

    ert47
    Shame there aren't really any good games on the console
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    You are obviously in the minority with your way of thinking.

  • CT-Link

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 5:18 pm GMT

    yeah...go nintendo ftw..lol

  • games_pot1

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 5:12 pm GMT

    Ya nintendo is doing really good lately.

  • getoconnection

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 5:08 pm GMT

    GIJames248
    Funny, I'm probably going to sell my DS Lite and buy a PSP because I hate Nintendos emphasis on "non-games" and casual games.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    You don't own one because if you did you would appreciate the games for the system. If you do you got it for a reason. Stop complaining.

  • getoconnection

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 5:02 pm GMT

    Proven franchises + tested gameplay + innovation = TOTAL PAWNAGE TO ALL

    NIN TEN DO!!!!

  • dr3b

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 4:52 pm GMT

    It sucks that you guys are having such a hard time getting a DS. I just bought one and there were about twenty more on the shelf.

  • Archais121

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 4:47 pm GMT

    DS is good and so is Final Fantasy I'm not suprised but I am pleased...

  • Re_ensurer

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 4:28 pm GMT

    DS is a hit.

  • Gmacrusher

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 4:13 pm GMT

    Its a good game that helps your brain...why wouldn't it sell!!

  • mikesea

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 3:59 pm GMT

    Is there a release date for Final Fantasy III in Pal Regions?

  • IpodHero176

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 3:51 pm GMT

    Go nintendo!

  • DS_fan_atic

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 2:31 pm GMT

    I knew this thing would be a hit....ohhh I love being right

  • Greydawg

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 2:28 pm GMT

    I guess this is the best place to ask-------PLEASE, if anyone works anywhere that sells DS Lites, do you have any idea when we might be able to purchase one? And if you have no idea, can you please post that as well?

  • hovan316

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 2:25 pm GMT

    DS is the best handheld out there right now!!! Why? Cause the games are just plain fun and it really doens't feel like a console. Sorry PSP...

  • TristanH12

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 2:23 pm GMT

    Remarkably Amazing

  • hovan316

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 2:21 pm GMT

    DS IS the handheld system to get. Why? Cause the games are just plain fun and don't look like a full experienced console games!!!

  • GuardianofRice

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 2:18 pm GMT

    @Greydawg: It's also been a problem for me. No DS's anywhere at all although it's ironic how I did find a stockpile of PS3s...

  • comthitnuong

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 2:03 pm GMT

    this is little surprise. The ds is doing great

  • Kurtisadei

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 1:53 pm GMT

    Great news for a system that some consider may be a console on its own with its rich library of games.

  • elektrixxx

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 1:30 pm GMT

    Well it's not like it has any competition!

  • Greydawg

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 1:19 pm GMT

    cancer_777 ------- read below---------I've been having the same problems since NOVEMBER, both in retail stores and online. Maybe they took all our DS Lites and sold them in Europe? Or maybe they were all bought for eBay? .

    I guess this is the best place to ask-------PLEASE, if anyone works anywhere that sells DS Lites, do you have any idea when we might be able to purchase one? And if you have no idea, can you please post that as well?

  • santiagochile

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 1:18 pm GMT

    You forgot Starfox, Yoshi's Island, Trauma Center, tetris, animal crossing, mario hoops, etc. There are SOOO many games for the DS, it's impossible to play all the good games available!

  • blueflamedino

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 1:15 pm GMT

    I ave to admit, though their games barely reach hardcore, they are so simple that they can get addicting. Unlike a psp which like carying a full console that is portable, the ds acts like a handheld for quickbursts. In short the psp is for a long ride but things like waiting at a corner is more for a ds.

  • MarioTennisMan

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 1:10 pm GMT

    ert47 "Shame there aren't really any good games on the console..."

    Lets see... Castlevania DoS and PoR, MP:Hunters, MKart, FFIII, Advance Wars, New Super Mario Bros, Meteos, etc. Show me your list of amazing PSP games... Metal Gear Solid, Lumines, and thats about it.

  • WR_Platinum

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 1:00 pm GMT

    NoLimitJay1
    "I still don't think have the games on the D.S. qualify as really games; if you like the game Nintendog, then you like dogs. If you like dogs, then you should play withA REAL dog"

    By that logic, Madden isnt a real game. If I like football, I should go play with a football, right? Give me a break.

    _______________________________________________

    Idk whats more stupid, the misused on you're first sentence, or your "logic" of if u like this then you should play the real life thing instead of a hand held.

    Anyway on this matter, Nintendo doesn't DOMINATE the handheld industry, they OWN the handheld industry. The PSP doesn't even come close and that Zune thing whatever its called wont even touch the surface of dominence. >=)

  • cancer_777

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 12:56 pm GMT

    Has anybody else been trying to get the DS online in the US??? I want one but can only buy it online and all the major stores are out of stock =( (except for ebay but I wont pay that much)

  • ultimate_zero

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 12:54 pm GMT

    I still can't find Ds's in my area.

  • REVOLUTIONfreak

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 12:45 pm GMT

    Lets see here.... that means the DS has sold about 32 million units worldwide

  • ert47

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 12:37 pm GMT

    Shame there aren't really any good games on the console...

  • datniccah187

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 12:35 pm GMT

    Hmm Nintendo Europe...doin big things, thats a lot of DS's.

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