Iwata: Wii has recovered from slowdown

Having confessed his concern about the health of the Wii in the latter stages of 2009, Nintendo president Saturo Iwata has now told Reuters that has machine has recovered from its downturn.

The statement comes after it was revealed that the Wii sold a massive 3m units in North America in December alone. That news follows yesterday’s strong European sales figures.

The Wii also pipped PS3 in the annual Japanese sales charts thanks to a strong close of year – at one stage it had looked as if the PS3 may have emerged as the 2009 home console champ in the region.

I think it’s now safe to say the Wii has recovered from slowdown,” Iwata told Reuters.

It’s a combination of factors. Towards December, our software line-up got stronger. Also, the price cut certainly helped, although it is not the sole factor.

But I’m not sure if it’s prudent to use words like revival and recovery lightly before making absolutely certain we can maintain this momentum. So, I steer clear of such words today.”