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Story by Stephany Nunneley

Thu, Dec 01, 2011 | 15:34 GMT

3DS passes year one sales of original DS in eight months

NOA’s Reggie Fils-Aime has said 3DS has surpassed first year units sales of the original DS in the eight months since its release. The original DS moved 2.37 million units worldwide during its first year on the market.

Speaking with Time, Reggie said the handheld has seen “positive momentum” since digital content became available when the eShop launched, with the price reduction and the release of Ocarina of Time also contributing.

Reggie also said Nintendo has been able to “fuel that fire” with Pokemon: Rumble Blast and Star Fox as well.

“In this business, great, compelling software drives hardware,” he said. “As long as we continue to make great content, we’ll continue to have very strong performing handhelds.

“The second idea that it reinforces is that by really understanding our handhelds, we’re able to create games like Super Mario 3D Land, which really takes advantage of everything the technology has to offer.

“So for us, we think what we’re seeing with 3DS and Super Mario 3D Land is a validation of our strategy, which says ‘We’re going to make great content, we’re going to make it uniquely for our platform’ and through that combination we’re going to drive the install base and compel consumers to make room in their pocketbooks for this dedicated technology.”

In October, NOA announced 3DS had moved 1.65 million units in the US alone since its release, and was “on track to surpass the first-year total of Nintendo DS.”