3DS readily available

When Nintendo launched the Wii in 2006, the system quickly disappeared from store shelves and remained a tough find for consumers more than a year later. The story is markedly different for the 3DS, which launched yesterday in North America, with multiple chain retailers telling GameSpot the glasses-free 3D handheld is in stock at most of their stores.

A representative with specialty retailer GameStop told GameSpot that the company is "very pleased" with consumer reaction to the system and that the chain is "still in stock and fulfilling preorders" of the 3DS. Meanwhile, a Target representative said the department store had "strong inventory levels of the 3DS hardware and software" nationwide. Finally, a Toys R Us spokesman cited the company's "very strong partnership with Nintendo" as allowing it to secure enough systems to meet demand "in most of our stores."

As for what was selling alongside the system, the Target representative singled out Super Street Fighter IV, Pilotwings Resort, and Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars as some of the most popular titles, with the Explorer Starter Kit and Clean and Protect Kit leading the charge for accessory sales. The Toys R Us representative offered no specifics on game and accessory sales but did say the company's "buy one, get one half off" promotion on 3DS games was proving popular, as was its older DS trade-in program.

For more on the 3DS debut, check out GameSpot's 3DS launch center.