Japanese Retail Favors DS
Latest poll suggests big things for Nintendo's new hardware.
November 21, 2004 - Nintendo's all-new DS system appears to be in strong favor with the retail community in Japan. A survey conducted by weekly game publication Famitsu reveals that retailers are more excited about the DS than they are the PSP and, surprisingly, even Dragon Quest VIII.
The survey, which appears in the 12/3 issue of the magazine, asked ninety-eight retailers to list the holiday products that most excite them. Based on these results, Famitsu assigned points to the various products to create a top ten list.
DS scored 295 points, making it number one on the list. It was followed by Dragon Quest VIII at 292 points and the PSP at 201 points. Following the top three were Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (88 points), PS2 software in general (56 points), the slim PlayStation 2 (53 points), Tales of Rebirth (39 points), Gran Turismo 4 (33 points), the Dragon Quest "Slime" controller (31 points) and Halo 2 (28 points). Yes, Halo 2 was beaten by a pointy, blue controller.
Looking specifically at hardware, the magazine asked retailers which of the two portables they were most excited by. 61.6% named the DS, with 19.2% naming the PSP. The remaining 19.2% wouldn't answer either way.
Coming out on top in a winter season that sees the release of new Sony hardware and a new Dragon Quest game (as well as a new Dragon Quest controller) should spell good things for the DS. If retailer predictions are right, the system's 12/2 Japanese launch should be lots of fun. Stay tuned to IGNDS for more in the coming weeks!