Nintendo will always be a hard company to read. While they make predictions and projections about sales numbers for all of their various consoles (Wii U, 3DS, and DS) and their first party titles, they usually attempt to color them in some sort of positive light. However, when the cold hard sales numbers are revealed they oftentimes have to "eat crow" and adjust those projections accordingly.
And unfortunately that's what Nintendo has had to do for their year-end projections, which will be finalized on March 31st of this year. Though both the Wii U and 3DS have been selling well, Nintendo now surmises that 4 million Wii U units, rather than the initial 5.5 million, is a feasible number. As well they have slashed their 3DS projects to 15 million units, down from their original 17.5 million.
On the bright side, Nintendo has raised their fiscal year 2012 income projections from ¥6 billion to ¥43.2 billion. GI. Biz suggests that the strong sales of New Super Mario Bros. U and Nintendo Land are major contributing factors to this increased projection. The site notes that software sales projections have also been slashed by about 17.3%.
Late last year we had heard rumblings that the Wii U was selling out across North America, but then actual sales numbers surfaced that suggested the Wii U was slightly behind the original Wii in terms of first month sales. Luckily there were some added factors, like two higher priced SKUs, for Nintendo to fall back on as far as comparisons go, but nonetheless things weren't looking all that impressive.
So while Nintendo might not be hitting the benchmarks they set out for themselves prior to the launch of the Wii U, there is still plenty for the publisher to be happy about. And it only gets better from here, as the company has announced several high profile titles — among them a new 3D Mario and a new Mario Kart — will be making an appearance at this year's E3.
Like with any Nintendo console it may take some time for the Wii U to find its footing but if this initial flow of income can sustain the company, there's no reason to think they won't hit their stride by the holiday season.
Do you think that Nintendo's lowering sales projections are any cause for concern? Have you been impressed with the Wii U and 3DS sales numbers?
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