Here’s a startling fact. Nintendo 3DS handhelds are flying off the shelves thanks in large part to Pokémon – and there’s not even a new 3DS Pokémon game out yet! Smartphone app Pokémon GO’s incredible popularity has sparked a massive resurgence in the brand, which has lead to increased sales for both the hardware and older Pokémon games.
Nintendo 3DS reached number 1 atop the hardware sales charts in July, selling nearly 80 percent more units compared to last year’s July. It was overall the best-selling video game system that month. The Nintendo 2DS also crossed the 2 million sold mark in the U.S., thanks in part to a price drop.
Renewed interest in Pokémon is a major factor. The most recent releases of main Pokémon titles, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, sold over 80 percent higher than July 2015. They were released nearly two years ago, in November 2014. They enjoyed cracking the top 10 best-sellers list in July at No. 8 and No. 10 respectively.
Meanwhile the first 3DS Pokémon titles, X and Y, sold over 200 percent higher, and they are three years old. This year’s sudden Pokémania is very real.
Credit must also be given to the system’s new release and best-seller, Monster Hunter Generations. Capcom’s latest installment in the action-RPG series was well-received and praised for its accessibility. Monster Hunter Generations was the number one best-selling game in July for any system.
All of this bodes well for Nintendo’s upcoming Pokémon release, Sun and Moon this November. The newest Alola Region Pokémon were announced during Gamescom, including an explosive turtle, a fighting lobster, and a, uh, ghostly sandcastle that steals the life force of its victims.
