Nintendo DS Breaks Game Boy Advance Sales Record

Last week, the number of Nintendo DS sales gave the company something to smile about, as the handheld sold over 653,000 units from November 18 -November 24. These numbers set a new sales record as Nintendo of America sold more products during the Thanksgiving week than any other period in the company’s history. During the same week in 2005, the Game Boy Advance sold 600,000 units and this was without strong competition in the portable gaming market.Rounding out the week for Nintendo, crowds of shoppers also purchased 350,000 Wii systems along with millions of games and accessories.

“As shoppers look for ways to maximize their limited holiday spending money, they turn to gifts that can be used by the entire family,” commented George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “Wii and Nintendo DS offer something for every member of the family. They’re the most fun video game experiences at the most affordable price.”

Those are some great numbers, but it makes me wonder why there is no shortage of the DS while plenty of areas around the globe are complaining of Wii shortages. Why would they produce more handhelds than consoles? Maybe this will be Nintendo’s wake-up call and they can get production rolling into overdrive so that kids of all ages will be able to squeal with delight when they see a Wii sitting under their tree this Christmas.

Via: GamesIndustry.biz