Press release
Figures released today courtesy of the UK’s leading independent music, video and software performance and sales tracking company, Chart Track, show Nintendo UK is now the 2006 UK market leader in video games hardware surpassing all competition in both the home console and handheld console markets. Chart Track Data also confirms its Nintendo DS handheld console is now in the hands of over two million people across the UK*.
Nintendo has also revealed that its software too continues to go from strength to strength with Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? Animal Crossing: Wild World and New Super Mario Bros., currently being enjoyed by over one million people across Europe. **
The successful launch of Nintendo DS Lite and the huge success of Nintendo’s range of Touch! Generations games has secured Nintendo’s lead in the UK handheld market, in just five months following the launch of the hugely successful Nintendo DS Lite, combined weekly sales of Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite in the UK continue to cumulatively outsell handheld rivals by a rate of over 2.5:1***.
Commenting on the success of Nintendo DS this year, Lisa Morgan, CEO, GAME Group Plc said: "Nintendo DS has played an increasingly important part of our business in 2006. Not only is the DS performing really well, but Nintendo are following through on their promise of expanding the gaming audience, which is key to GAME too. This is evident in the broad range of people coming into our stores to purchase both DS hardware and software. Going into 2007, with a great range of software for release, we will continue to work with Nintendo to the best of our ability to broaden the market further".”
David Yarnton, General Manager, Nintendo UK added: “The ability of Nintendo DS to appeal to both gamers and non-gamers alike through an exciting, fun and innovative portfolio of software has been instrumental in its success in the UK, with many more Touch! Generations games launching this year and into 2007, Nintendo DS will continue to be the main driving force behind the expansion of the video game market this year.”
* Estimates and Source – Dorian Bloch Chart Track UK. Installed base total NDS/NDL to w/e 12 November 2006.
** Source – Nintendo of Europe. Sell Through Data up to w/e 12th November 2006.
*** Estimates and Source – Dorian Bloch Chart Track UK. Installed base total NDS/NDL vs. in
