Nintendo Announces Yoshi's New Island Release Date, 3DS 2013 Sales Figures

Yoshi's New Island was announced back in April of 2012, and now we finally have a release date for the upcoming game. Yoshi's New Island will hit shelves on March 11, according to IGN. The game will be available in both physical form and in the Nintendo eShop. 

The game is a sequel to the classic Yoshi's Island video game, and fans will once again be charged with guiding Baby Mario across several levels as baddies and the terrain attempt to steal Baby Mario away. Hopefully Nintendo changes the legendarily annoying cries of Baby Mario so that new fans don't have to suffer through the wailing baby noises every time Baby Mario is knocked off Yoshi's back. 

While Yoshi's New Island seeks to be the big 3DS game of the spring, Nintendo has revealed to Gamespot that the handheld console and its many models have sold 11.5 million units just in North America. This is around one-third of the total Nintendo 3DS sales worldwide, which, as of Sept. 30, 2013, was listed at 34.98 million units. These sales figures include sales of the 3DS XL and the 2DS.

The sales of the software for the 3DS are strong as well. In North America alone 16 million 3DS games have been sold in 2013, both in physical and digital forms. This is a 45 percent rise in sales in comparison to 2012. Overall, 122 million 3DS games were sold in 2013 worldwide as of Sept. 30, indicating that the system has a huge fanbase who aren't afraid to buy many different games for the handheld system. Nintendo of America marketing executive Scott Moffitt said he is pleased with the numbers as they show the wide appeal of the 3DS for gamers.

"Nintendo 3DS is a powerhouse with games and experiences that appeal to all kinds of players," Moffitt said. 

With the 3DS surging and the Wii U struggling, it is no surprise that Nintendo would focus on the triumphant handheld system. With many different blockbuster games such as Pokémon X and Y and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds in 2013, it is no surprise that the system is selling millions of units and games. With Yoshi's New Island and Super Smash Bros. 4 coming in 2014, it appears that the success of the Nintendo 3DS is all but guaranteed in the new year.