North American 3DS sales have "slowed considerably" since the initial launch window, according to Lazard Capital Markets analyst Colin Sebastian.
In a research note distributed yesterday, the analyst suggested the new portable's honeymoon period is over, but he said the upcoming Easter holiday could lead to a jump in sales.
"Based on our recent checks, we believe that sales of the 3DS have slowed considerably since the initial launch window, although the Easter holiday could provide a near-term boost," Sebastian said.
PSP overtook 3DS to become Japan's bestselling console during the week ended April 3, representing the first time 3DS hasn't topped the country's weekly rankings since launching in late February.
Comments
15 comments so far...
Imaduck on 12 Apr '11 said:
It's just got a fairly mediocre lineup for launch, it'll take off soon
weredog on 12 Apr '11 said:
Surely this is to be expected? The launch line up isn't exactly mind blowing and with many games not really on the immediate horizon people are just not ready to stump up the cash yet. Once the games start coming and the 3DS is actualyl able to really show off then I'm sure sales will pick up. It's an incredible device with tons of potential but, at the moment, it's just that. Potential.
me4pd on 12 Apr '11 said:
Even mediocre might be a bit generous. But anyway, it will pick up no doubt. Could do with more demo boothe things instead of those ads.
dm_1782 on 12 Apr '11 said:
I have one but its not surprising really, I was in two minds about buying one because it seemed so pricey. There is a financial crisis going on after all. The only reason I got mine at launch was because it came with a free game so it made up for the price of the console which I probably ended up paying £170 for. The launch line up also isn't a great one with only a handful of games being worthy of purchase but I would say by July things will definitely pick up.
stealth on 12 Apr '11 said:
all systems slow down after launch. Every single one. How this is news............
And 500k is lowballing it
Other analysts think its as high as a million sales.
Grogerian on 12 Apr '11 said:
Well of course they will, no new games are coming out, the 3DS has no web browser, no netflix, no DLC yet. Of course it's going to slow. This isn't really shocking.
Once games get a hold, LoZ:OOT, Starfox, Kid Icarus, Mario, Animal Crossing, Paper Mario, etc. The system will skyrocket at this point. Several people are waiting for the game library to build up. Lets face it the game library of 15(?) games right now certainly is not impressive. Even then I have had fun playing almost each one (Steeldiver, Nintendogs, SSFIV 3D, and Bust a Move) which impresses me since I'm not much for games that don't attract me right away.
After this we have Christmas (This is when this system might be sold out in numerous locations).
Anyways, the 3DS sales slowing means nothing at this point in time. If the 3DS sales are just as slow by the time Christmas comes around and the library is built up (Yay, Animal Crossing!), and also the 3DS will be a bit more seen; people will see how impressive it is themselves and won't have to listen to some of these really poor reviews.
Slightly off topic Nintendo has also stated they are going to get into the FPS market with the 3DS, and I think this may attract some more people as well.
Balladeer on 12 Apr '11 said:
milky_joe on 12 Apr '11 said:
This isn't a unique situation, everything has a high first week and then slips down and settles at a natural level.
Dragovian on 12 Apr '11 said:
I'm happy with mine, but they definitely need a price drop and/or Mario Kart. At the moment I'm getting a Saturn/Dreamcast/GameCube feel, ie. only gamers are interested in it. I guess the 3D aspect didn't excite the masses as much as some of us thought it might.
alan666 on 12 Apr '11 said:
it's to do with the launch games i think, there isn't that many games for the 3DS at the moment
cdrepoman on 12 Apr '11 said:
It'll pick up once the price drops. It's expensive to buy one now so people are staying away from it but with better games and a smaller price it'll start selling.
Balladeer on 12 Apr '11 said:
Situation doesn't look like it'll improve any time soon either.
boskersrevenge on 12 Apr '11 said:
Um, this is Nintendo?
Amazing that people think this will be different, although I don't have much of a leg to stand on as I thought as much as well, last year... then, like the Wii, sense kicked in and I realised that we're heading for the exact same thing.
Which, in my book, isn't so bad. I like Nintendo for what Nintendo do but prepare for a few droughts.
KippDynamite on 12 Apr '11 said:
Is it a thing for people to recieve game consoles on Easter? I don't understand his prediction . . .
bazz2k on 12 Apr '11 said:
This is because in my opinion the 3ds is rubbish.
Not enough of an evolutionary step from the ds to make the masses rush out and buy it!
No suprise to me, I think it will be a failure in the long run and i really believe the NGP will win this battle!
Only my opinion (I must state this is opinion and not fact after a telling off from the moderators from previous posts! Although they were surely obviously one persons opinion and never really stated as fact!)