Nintendo Gets ‘Pokemon,’ ‘Super Mario Run’ Boost; Switch Console Critical For Success
Nintendo's sales of its 3DS handheld games console have significantly risen because of "Pokemon" and "Super Mario Run." The Japanese company did not pledge to become a mobile gaming company, but it had hoped that the games released on smartphones could make people patronize their other products.
In 2015, Nintendo has announced to enter the mobile gaming market but has struggled against stiff competition with Sony and Microsoft according to a report by CNBC. The Wii U has sold only 13.56 million units since it was released in 2012. Meanwhile, PlayStation 4 has already sold more than 50 million units by the end of 2013.
"Pokemon Go" is developed by Niantic and The Pokemon Company wherein Nintendo has a share of more than 30 percent. "Pokemon Go" was an instant hit earning more than $142 million. The augmented reality game has also drove gamers to the company's other console products.
According to Polygon, Nintendo's handheld 3DS sold 6.45 million units. However, "Pokemon Sun" and "Pokemon Moon" has generated almost 15 million units. To this, Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, said that Nintendo's strategy is working.
The strong effect of "Pokemon Go" is undeniable as people were willing to pay $180 for a device just so they can play "Pokemon." "Super Mario Run" has also generated 78 million downloads around the world.
Though only five percent of the player has decided to pay $10 to unlock the next level in "Super Mario Run," Nintendo seems happy with the result. Toto added that the company is expecting an increase in March when the game is released in Android devices.
2017 will be a crucial year for Nintendo as it will release the upcoming Switch device. Toto said that the company will have a difficult time if the new console will not succeed. Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console which will allow people to play game in their home or on any portable device.
