It’s no secret that the Wii U didn’t have a particularly smooth launch. The console has long been considered a non-starter and barely a contender when compared to Sony and Microsoft’s significantly more powerful devices. But times may be changing, and if last month’s NPD numbers are any indicator Nintendo could wind up closer to the top of the next console war than you might expect.
The company’s latest release, Mario Kart 8, managed to become the second bestselling game in the month of May, landing just ahead of MLB 14 and Wolfenstein: The New Order, and just behind Watch Dogs. This might not sound like a terribly impressive feat until you consider that the game launched on the 30th, giving it only two days to earn its place for the month. It also of course launched on the Wii U which has its own connotations in the industry.
Obviously having a best-selling game on a non-best-selling system implies there will be hardware sales, and that’s definitely the case. Nintendo is reporting that the game effectively boosted Wii U sales by 85% for the month, and in theory it’s just getting started.
The cherry on top is that Nintendo just wrapped up a pretty impressive showing at E3 this year. The company drew huge crowds with greatly anticipated games like Super Smash Bros. and Hyrule Warriors which will both be launching later this year. Not to mention the stir caused by the reveal of next years excellent looking Zelda title.
NOA President Reggie Fils-Aime is obviously feeling pretty good about their situation. In an interview with the Seattle Times he specifically addresses the console’s sales in relation to Sony and Microsoft’s platforms:
The dirty little secret is if you look at life-to-date numbers, between Sony and Nintendo they’d be pretty close in terms of PS4 vs. Wii U, with Xbox coming in third place. I think it’s going to be a three-horse race for the balance of this cycle.
Nintendo certainly feels that the Wii U has a long and robust life ahead of it. It’ll be interesting to see if that’s truly how everything pans out. Right now? It’s looking pretty good.
