IHS Screen Digest believes that the 3DS will have a global installed base of 11.6 million units by the end of 2011. However, they have come out and said that they don’t believe that the console will match the success of the DS.
“While this represents strong performance, growing competition from the iPod, iPhone and Android smart phone and tablets will prevent the 3DS from matching the sales of the previous-generation Nintendo handheld, the DS,” said analyst Piers Harding-Rolls. “Nintendo’s accent on network services in the key US market represents an attempt to convince users to carry their 3DS systems with them at all times and to engage with the platform everyday and in every place.
“This engagement strategy, alongside 3D graphics, camera and video, is key to Nintendo competing with upcoming devices from Sony and also from non-specialist smart phones, entertainment devices and tablets, which offer a legitimate alternative to handheld consoles, added Harding Rolls.
