February Looks Like a Perfect Storm for Nintendo
With the way things are shaping up, it looks like Nintendo will experience a perfect storm for a huge month in February. This week, Nintendo announced that the New Nintendo 3DS XL model will hit the shelves on February 13. This includes two new special editions. Also, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D hits the shelves on February 13. What else is on the horizon? A new wave of Amiibo figurines will hit the shelves in the same month. The Amiibo craze has really caught on; and the added attraction for the New Nintendo 3DS XL is that the new portable console model will have Amiibo compatibility. With all of these factors coming together, February should be a great month for Nintendo.
While sales of the Wii U console have generally been a little slow for Nintendo, sales for the portable consoles and the different versions of the DS have been consistently strong. Per Nintendo’s hard sales data, the 3DS sold 45.42 million units as of last September. As of Sept. 2014, the regular DS (and DS Lite) sold 154.01 million units. With the recent launch of the Amiibos and a new Super Smash Bros. game for the 3DS, the time is ripe to release a new 3DS model. Considering the current popularity and viability of the Amiibo figurines, it is absolutely essential to create a new 3DS model with Amiibo compatibility. The New Nintendo 3DS XL model has that Amiibo compatibility. Considering the general popularity of Nintendo portable consoles, coupled with the Amiibos, it is likely that the New Nintendo 3DS XL will be a strong seller. Fans who like Amiibos will be able to play the 3DS XL with the new 3DS version of Super Smash Bros. and a whole new wave of Amiibos. That constitutes a license to print money for the month of February.
Another strong move is the launch of the 3DS XL with The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D. Majora’s Mask was a very popular installment of the franchise, and now players will players will be able to relive the game for the 3DS. Not to mention, new players and youths who love the 3DS will be introduced to it as well. Releasing a special Zelda version of the New Nintendo 3DS XL is another smart strategy.
It might be too early to call this a comeback year for Nintendo, but things are definitely looking up for gaming giant. The New Nintendo 3DS XL is due out on February 13 for $199.99. The Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Edition 3DS XL bundle will be available exclusively at GameStop for $229.99 on the same date. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D will be available on February 13.