In today's WSJ article on the new Nintendo 3D device, it mentions DS has sold "more than 125 million units" with sales peaking in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009. Sales for this fiscal year (ending March 31, 2010) are forecast by Nintendo to be at 30 million units (vs 31.2 million units the year before).
I think if the new 3D device results in a complete end to manufacturing of the DS line in 2011, DS sales should top out at 155 million world wide. If sales continue through FY ending 2012 at 50% of current (post the next gen release), DS would be at 170 million. I'm thinking sales will decline a lot faster if the new 3D version is meant to be a complete replacement.
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I think if the new 3D device results in a complete end to manufacturing of the DS line in 2011, DS sales should top out at 155 million world wide. If sales continue through FY ending 2012 at 50% of current (post the next gen release), DS would be at 170 million. I'm thinking sales will decline a lot faster if the new 3D version is meant to be a complete replacement.