Nintendo promises 3DS is ‘here to stay’

Despite increased talk of the Nintendo NX console, Big N has assured that the Nintendo 3DS family of handheld devices is "here to stay."

Speaking to the Washington Post, Nintendo executive VP of sales and marketing Scott Moffitt rattled off some impressive sales stats for the 3DS, pretty much assuring a bright future for the handheld system.

"Let me throw out a number that might surprise you. So far, on a global basis, Nintendo 3DS has sold more hardware than PS4 and Xbox One—combined," Moffit said. "Most people find this shocking."

For those keeping track, the Nintendo has sold at least 50.41 million 3DS units since its introduction in 2011. Comparitively, the PS4 has sold just over 30 million units to date; Microsoft's only recent number was 10 million Xbox One units shipped, though estimates put it around 17.1 million units since its launch. Both consoles released in 2013.

Even compared to its own sales, the 3DS is tracking ahead of last year. "So far in 2015, sales of the family of Nintendo 3DS hardware in America are actually ahead of last year’s pace," Moffit revealed.

But with the growing mobile gaming landscape and increased talk of the intriguing Nintendo NX, one has to wonder where the 3DS fits in the mobile gaming space. Earlier this year, the company announced a new initiative to develop smartphone games that will feature Nintendo's iconic cast of characters. The company doesn't seem too concerned about the potential impact that may have on 3DS sales.

"Oviously we don’t deny the impact of smart devices on the gaming market. But it’s a mistake to consider this a zero-sum game. Clearly gaming on smart devices and gaming on Nintendo 3DS can happily coexist, to the benefit of all gamers," Moffit said, reiterating plans to "provide enjoyable experiences" on both smart devices and the 3DS.

"The fact is, playing games on two very different hardware platforms means options for two very different kinds of game play. The inclusion of multiple control buttons on Nintendo 3DS allows a much deeper and more sophisticated type of play."