Nintendo expects strong Q4 for 3DS

The tools are in place to ensure 3DS has a very merry Christmas, says Nintendo.

The platform holder showed off its blockbuster Q4 3DS line-up – which includes Super Mario 3D, Mario Kart 3D, Resident Evil and Metal Gear – to press and retail at a showcase last month.

And the firm says it has a major part to play in arresting the market slump this Christmas.

It is an amazing line-up for Christmas,” UK and Ireland marketing manager James Honeywell told MCV.

All our retail partners have been to see it, and they’ve been equally impressed and quite buoyed by the potential for Christmas. We have all the tools we could possibly need to have the best Christmas we could possibly have. It’s difficult times out there and to have a line-up like this gives people energy as we move towards Christmas.

Nintendo always has a big role to play [in the market]. Most of the expansion we’ve seen in recent years has come from Wii and DS. We’ve seen loads of new consumers coming in and buying huge amounts of software. We see that happening again thanks to our line-up.”

Nintendo also let store owners go hands-on with Star Fox 64 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising, Luigi’s Mansion 2 and Sonic Generations.

It’s one of the strongest line-ups we’ve had at peak season,” added Honeywell.

Shortly after Nintendo’s showcase, the platform holder announced a suprise price cut for the 3DS, which comes into effect next week.