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Nintendo Q3 2015: 3DS Hits 50 Million, Wii U Hits 9.2 Million

By Daniel George

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As the stock markets close over in Japan, the Nintendo Q3 2015 earnings report has been released by the company. Overall, things are looking good for the Japanese gaming company, as they have posted just over 45 billion yen in net income over the final three months of the calendar 2014. The Nintendo Q3 2015 results also forecasted a final estimation of 30 billion yen over the fiscal 2015 year, ending on March 31st, 2015.

Furthermore, we have some additional clarity when it comes to the sales of Nintendo hardware and software. The Wii U, while still yet to crack the double digits despite both the Xbox One and PS4 breaking that barrier, has reached 9.2 million units sold to retailers. Based off of estimations from last quarter, just over 1.7 million units were sold to retailers over the past three months worldwide. 52.87 million Wii U software units have also been sold to date, which would create an estimated 5.7 attach rate.

52.87 million Wii U software units have also been sold to date, which would create an estimated 5.7 attach rate. Considering recent financial reports, it would suggest that Nintendo moved an impressive 11.19 million software units over the past three months, already surpassing the Wii U’s fiscal 2015 projected software sales total. As a reaction, they have projected a further 5 million Wii U software titles to be sold between now and March 31st, 2015.

With the Nintendo 3DS, sales have been less than optimal. It’s unclear how the news that the New Nintendo 3DS XL will be launching soon in North America and to non-Embassador Europe has affected hardware sales, but the 3DS has now reached more than 50.4 million units. As great as that milestone is, Nintendo has sold more than 4.5 million 3DS’ over the past 9 months compared to April – December 2013, despite the Japan launch of the New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL. As such, the 12 million 3DS Fiscal 2015 projection has been cut down to 9 million.

The 3DS software releases haven’t met Nintendo’s expectations, either. Despite almost 216 million software titles moved on the Nintendo 3DS, the 30 million units sold over the final three months of 2014 still undercuts 2013’s sales output. As such, the 3DS attach rate is at a paltry 4.31, despite being on the market for almost 4 years. The 3DS Fiscal 2015 software projection has been reduced from 67 million units to 61 million due to the slump.

With all that said and done, the overall story is that Nintendo has reported profitability for 2 quarters in a row. In a time where both Sony and Microsoft can’t say the same about their gaming divisions, it’s important to remember that Nintendo solely creates games and gaming accessories. It’s partly how Pokemon ORAS could sell 9.35 million units in just five and a half weeks worldwide, or how a half of Wii U owners own Mario Kart 8, and a third own Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

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As February 13 approaches, the New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL will begin the handheld’s (presumably) final phase heading into the future. Later in the year, amiibos will have more functionality with Nintendo products. We may hear more about the company’s Quality of Life projects. Even if the Wii U won’t come close to touching the PS4 or Xbox One’s final hardware sales total to close out the 8th generation, 2015 could prove to be a bold new step in Nintendo’s gaming venture into the 21st Century.

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