Super Mario 3D Land sells 5 million, Zelda: Skyward Sword sells 3 million

It's hard to believe Nintendo isn't profitable when you look at their software sales figures, with multiple million sellers from Mario, Zelda, and Kirby.

Andrew Yoon

January 27, 2012 5:30 AM

It's hard to believe Nintendo isn't profitable when you look at their software sales figures. The holiday season has been quite generous to Nintendo, with worldwide sales of their three most recent AAA games all reaching the millions.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, seen by many as Nintendo's own swansong for the Wii, has sold 3.42 million copies since launch. Super Mario 3D Land, Mario's first foray onto the 3DS, has sold 5.03 million copies since launch.

3DS had a number of other first-party million-sellers. In spite of launching in December, Mario Kart 7 has already amassed 4.54 million sales. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D has pushed 2.49 million copies.

On the DS, Kirby's Mass Attack managed to reach 1.01 million in sales. The rest of the heavy-hitters are from the back catalog, including Pokemon Black & White (14.4 million), New Super Mario Bros. (28.7 million), and Mario Kart DS (22.3 million).

Kirby also performed quite well on the Wii, with Kirby's Return to Dream Land selling 1.21 million copies. Back catalog titles are so performing well on the Wii, including Mario Kart Wii (31.9 million), New Super Mario Bros. Wii (25.4 million), and Super Mario Galaxy (10.4 million).

Andrew Yoon

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

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January 27, 2012 5:30 AM

Andrew Yoon posted a new article, Super Mario 3D Land sells 5 million, Zelda: Skyward Sword sells 3 million.

It's hard to believe Nintendo isn't profitable when you look at their software sales figures, with multiple million sellers from Mario, Zelda, and Kirby.
- Anir
  
   reply
  January 27, 2012 5:43 AM
  
  Help me Shack!
  
  I got a 3DS just now, and I'm gonna choose one of either Zelda : OOT or Super Mario 3D Land
  
  I'm short on cash so my chief concern is getting the maximum value - in terms of both gameplay quality and game length.
  
  So which one gets your vote?
  - Anir
    
     reply
    January 27, 2012 5:44 AM
    
    To clarify, I've never played Zelda OOT before.
    - Gwyndion
      
       reply
      January 27, 2012 5:48 AM
      
      Zelda... if you haven't played it then you are in for a real treat. You can always pick up Mario later... you need Zelda RIGHT NOW.
      - AndrewYoon
        
         reply
        January 27, 2012 6:03 AM
        
        I'd say Mario 3D Land, because it shows off the 3D-ness of the system a lot better. You can always pick up OoT on VC on Wii.
        
        Anir
        
         reply
        January 27, 2012 6:17 AM
        
        Thanks for the input, I dont have a Wii. Only PC master race and my 3DS.
        
        skankcore
        
         reply
        January 27, 2012 10:08 AM
        
        These are my two gaming systems as well, no complaints here.
        
        skankcore
        
         reply
        January 27, 2012 10:07 AM
        
        I got this for Christmas and it's been my most played game since. Finally beat every level with every coin and gold flag. Now I can get back to Ocarina.
    - catman1027
      
       reply
      January 27, 2012 6:43 AM
      
      Even if you have played it before zelda is the clear choice. It's a great game.
    - Mecha Tofu Pirate
      
       reply
      January 27, 2012 9:48 AM
      
      Then get Zelda
  - owlyfan45
    
     reply
    January 27, 2012 9:44 AM
    
    I'm thinking Zelda may give you more bang for the buck, in terms of hours of gameplay. Honestly though, judging by reviews, you're going to get a winner either way.
  - frogopus
    
     reply
    January 27, 2012 10:02 AM
    
    Ocarina translates really well into stereoscopic 3D for the same reason that Ocarina was such a good showcase for 3D graphics on the N64. The overhaul to the graphics are tastefully done, and the touch and motion controls really make it the best version you could play.
    
    I'm still waiting to pick up 3D Land myself, but I had to choose and went with OoT.
- Anir
  
   reply
  January 27, 2012 6:40 AM
  
  Anyone?
- Anir
  
   reply
  January 27, 2012 11:03 PM
  
  Thanks all - Zelda it is :)
- Boxelder
  
   reply
  January 27, 2012 11:26 PM
  
  Glad Skyward Sword did well, I think it was my GOTY in retrospect, beating Dark Souls oddly enough, factoring in fun.