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Nintendo 3DS lifetime sales reach 11.5 million in US

Nintendo also sold over 16 million packaged and digital games for its 3DS line up in 2013 -- a 45 percent increase compared to 2012.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger

Nintendo

While its not necessarily a major victory, Nintendo's 3DS line appears to have had a stable 2013.

Last year, Nintendo's 3DS line of devices, which includes the 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS, reached 11.5 million lifetime unit sales across the US, the company revealed on Friday. Nintendo also sold over 16 million packaged and digital games for its 3DS line up in 2013, representing a 45 percent gain over the previous year. Through September 30, the last time the company made data available, Nintendo's 3DS line worldwide sales were at about 35 million units.

Nintendo launched the portable 3DS, which provided a 3D gaming experience without the need for special glasses, back in February 2011. It soon followed that up a year later with the 3DS XL, and then Nintendo launched the kid-friendly 2DS in 2013.

Last January, the company issued a statement saying that its 3DS line had reached 7.7 million units sold across the US. Based on that, it appears total US sales of its 3DS line hit 3.8 million units in 2013. That means Nintendo sold nearly 8 million 3DS units during 2011 and 2012. Assuming that's the case -- Nintendo has historically kept specific sales data close to the vest -- 3DS sales appear to be at best, stable.