The cynical among us, myself included, think that the Nintendo 3DS is now in lame duck mode. Titles are running scarce, and if the portability of the Nintendo Switch proves to be a hit, then there is no need for Nintendo to keep focusing on the aging power.
However, Nintendo is still intent on telling people that its console still has plenty of years ahead of it. In its recent financial report, Nintendo suggests that it has “many other unannounced titles” and that the two businesses will run parallel to one another.
As for the future of the Nintendo 3DS business, Nintendo 3DS family hardware has continued to spread through our markets, reaching sales of 62 million units worldwide. Our efforts will focus on the opportunities to take advantage of this install base.
We will continue to introduce new titles that players can enjoy for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. We have heard speculation that Nintendo Switch will replace the Nintendo 3DS, as both are game systems that can be played outside the home, but Nintendo 3DS has unique characteristics that differ from those of Nintendo Switch. Furthermore, the price points and play experiences offered by the two systems are different and we do not see them as being in direct competition. We plan to continue both businesses separately and in parallel.
This slide shows the major announced games for Nintendo 3DS that have been recently released or that are announced for release later this year in our markets. We will have several follow-up titles from popular franchises on Nintendo 3DS and we are developing many other unannounced titles to continue to enrich the software lineup going forward.
There are also many strong third-party titles on the way for Nintendo 3DS. For example, Capcom will release Monster Hunter XX in Japan on March 18.
Also, Square Enix has announced that the latest entry in the Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest XI is in development for Nintendo 3DS. Both titles are sure to be highly anticipated by fans of the series. There are many other games coming from developers, so we hope to maintain last year’s momentum and continue to provide exciting experiences through our Nintendo 3DS.
Fire Emblem and Dragon Quest do make a good case
Wow, that’s a pretty vigilant attempt to make a point. We get it, Nintendo! You’re keeping the Nintendo 3DS around. Fine!
The other titles might be a bit ho-hum, but if you’re going to wave Fire Emblem, BOXBOY, and Dragon Quest in my face, then I guess I’ll… wait a minute!!?! Did Nintendo just publically acknowledge the existence of Dragon Quest XI… in English?!
What’s that supposed to mean? Does it exclusively mean Japanese fans in that statement or worldwide fans? Are they using Japanese sales figures to assure their worldwide investors?
Come on, Nintendo. If you’re sitting on something juicy, we’d all like to know about it. I’ll even stop referring to the Game Boy’s similar fate if we are assured Dragon Quest XI is coming in English under your watch. My mouth, it’s frothing. Somebody stop me!
