Despite a faltering start, Nintendo’s 3DS could become the big seller this Christmas, according to a report in MCV.
The Metallic Red handheld in particular has been flying off the shelves, with most retailers running out of stock. Units of the Aqua Blue edition are also running low.
According to MCV, the 3DS was “comfortably the biggest selling games machine last week, shifting just shy of 70,000 copies”.
The increase in demand follows a price cut in August, alongside the release of Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. Leading in to the festive season, retailers have engaged in a price war, with the machine now available on the high street for as little as £119.
Speaking to MCV, GAME Group's category manager for Nintendo Iain Johnson said: "It's great to see Nintendo's peak marketing campaign in full swing, this combined with the launches of Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 have taken 3DS to a whole new level, making it this Christmas' "must have" present."
"We have seen strong sales so far and have high expectations for the final few weeks before Christmas. Well done Nintendo, Mario strikes again," he said.