Japan Hardware Sales: 3DS XL Comes Out on Top Again, PS Vita Falters

Nintendo's handheld sees a massive uprise this week.


The release of Tomodachi Collection: New Life helped Nintendo in more ways than one: After premiering in its first week with more than 400,000 units, it helped push the 3DS XL to sell 57,089 units in Japan according to new data from Media Create via Gematsu.

Compared to how much the 3DS XL sold last week – 28,139 units – that’s more than a 200 percent increase. Even the regular 3DS didn’t see such great sales, selling 18,833 units (similar to the previous week’s 18,584 units). Meanwhile, the PlayStation Vita sold 15,011 units this week. Compared to the handheld’s sales last week, which was 14,112, it’s clearly going to remain in second place behind Nintendo.

This even after the price cut. Then again, given the dearth of games – with the 3DS having one hit after another with Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, Fire Emblem: Awakening and Animal Crossing: New Leaf in the past few months – it’s somewhat understandable.

Overall, with more games releasing for the 3DS, can the PS Vita make a comeback? It looks doubtful.

3DS3DS XLindustryMedia CreateNintendoPS Vitasony