Pokémon GO helped boost 3DS and Pokémon games sales

Pokémon GO has been (and still is) a mobile gaming phenomenon. It might be seeing a hefty decline in player numbers, but still manages over 30 million daily users in its second month live. It’s a resounding success for Nintendo – not only on the mobile front by also for sales of their other hardware. Like one would expect, Pokémon fever hit millions hard, and the 3DS was better off because of it.

According to data compiled by SuperData, Pokémon GO is one of the biggest reasons for 3DS hardware seeing a 50% increase in sales year on year. It’s a staggering figure for a console on its last legs, with most who already want a 3DS already having at least on iteration of the console. Unsurprisingly, sales of Pokémon titles on the 3DS increased too. Combined sales of Pokémon Omega Red and Alpha Sapphire and Pokémon X and Y (games from 2015 and 2013 respectively) nearly doubled during this same period.

Other factors might have had small impacts on the data, but it’s likely the sudden resurgence of interest in hardware and software related to Pokémon is all thanks to the overwhelming success of Pokémon GO. SuperData also reports that Pokémon GO quickly became the biggest mobile game launch of all time soon after release, despite numerous technical issues and a limited release window. It toppled previous record holder Monster Strike, and Pokémon GO was one of the biggest contributors to mobile gaming increasing revenue by 10% year on year. And continues to do so today.

Still, it’s a success Niantic needs to carefully monitor as player numbers start falling, especially if many of Pokémon GO’s planned features have yet to hit. The real test, however, will be Pokémon Sun and Moon later this year. Will the latest entry into the Pokémon franchise benefit from the new interest in the digital critter hunting craze?

Last Updated: August 25, 2016