3DS launch beats DS in US, UK figures coming tomorrow

Nintendo of America has confirmed that 3DS has set a US launch sales record, but has failed to provide solid figures for the console's release.

"US day-one sales numbers for Nintendo 3DS were the highest of any Nintendo handheld system in our history," said the firm, speaking following Sunday's North American launch.

"Nintendo worked hard to get as much product as possible to retailers on day one to meet demand, and we will continue with these efforts moving forward."

NPD will provide subscribers with US figures in mid-April, but will not release the figure publicly.

DS sold 500,000 units in its American launch week at the end of 2004.

Nintendo UK is expected to release numbers for the British launch via press release tomorrow. Chart-Track issued a figure to subscribers on Monday following 3DS's Friday launch in Europe, but refused to comment publicly on the sales on the phone.

We can't tell you the number as Chart-Track owns its copyright, but we were told on Monday that the tracker was still collating sales as some retailers weren't available to provide data on Sunday.

The highest 3DS software exclusive in the UK chart this week was Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition. The Capcom fighter took fourth place.

The London-based Metro today published the headline, "Nintendo 3DS launch sales flop in UK?" saying "rumours" are "suggesting that it sold considerably less than expected".

Nintendo's James Honeywell said on the record before the machine released in Europe that there were 140,000 pre-orders in place in the UK and that 3DS could sell 200,000 in its opening weekend.

3DS's predecessor, Nintendo DS, sold around 87,000 units in its first weekend in 2005.