Nintendo starts fiscal year off with a bang

First quarter results put the company's good fortunes in perspective as sales double, profits quintuple.

Right about this time last year, Nintendo was touting its surging financial fortunes. The release of the DS Lite had the company posting a massive 85 percent jump in revenues year-over-year for its first fiscal quarter. Meanwhile, profits had risen more than 10 percent from the same period the year before.

Today Nintendo released first-quarter results for its current fiscal year, and the numbers are even bigger thanks to the success of the Wii. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, Nintendo reported revenues of 340.4 billion yen ($2.8 billion), an increase of more than 160 percent over the prior year's first-quarter tally of 130.9 billion yen ($1.1 billion). Profits likewise soared, with the company winding up 80.3 billion yen ($667.4 million) in the black for the quarter, a 416 percent increase over the previous Q1's 15.6 billion yen ($129.3 million).

During the quarter, the DS enjoyed continued strength, selling nearly 7 million systems in the three-month period, bringing the lifetime-to-date total to 47.3 million units sold worldwide. Nintendo attributed the US releases of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl as helping the DS games rack up worldwide sales of nearly 3.6 million for the quarter. The company also said older DS releases like Nintendogs, Brain Age, and New Super Mario Bros. continued to sell well.

On the console front, Nintendo sold more than 3.4 million Wii systems for the quarter, bringing the system's lifetime total to almost 9.3 million systems sold worldwide in less than eight months of release. Super Paper Mario and Mario Party 8 were the top new releases for the system for the three months, with Wii Play and Wii Sports (which does not come bundled with the system in Japan) leading catalog sales.

The success of both the Wii and DS prompted Nintendo to boost its financial forecasts for the full year. The publisher now expects total revenues to hit 1.4 trillion yen ($11.6 billion) instead of a bit over 1.1 trillion yen ($9.5 billion). Net profits are also projected to top the previous 175 billion yen ($1.5 billion) estimate and reach 245 billion yen ($2 billion).

453 Comments

  • wiidominance

    Posted Sep 1, 2007 5:17 am PT

    Now why would anyone care about a game company doing so well financial you ask ? Well, it matters, since I own a Wii, this assures me as a customer that I am about to see many games coming to the Wii soon, unlike the old days of Cubism (not to be confused with the art movement) ..

  • NewSugar

    Posted Aug 19, 2007 8:45 am PT

    Nintendo are proving with their systems that gamers want are more interested in the gameplay than the dazzling graphics, it's whats in the box not what it looks like that counts. I've recently played on the Wii for the first time and had a great evening with my friends (even non gamers) playing Wii sports till the early hours... Nintendo have had a bit of a rough patch over the last few years with the growing competition of firstly Sony and now Microsoft but have managed to hold their own in the handheld market (rightly so) but It's good to see them back making games consoles for gamers and not just products for marketeers, take note Sony and Microsoft..

  • ChucklesMginty

    Posted Aug 19, 2007 4:05 am PT

    What Cassius2K said

  • Cassius2k

    Posted Aug 14, 2007 11:57 am PT

    Im glad Nintendo are doing so well. Been a big fan of them since they released their first console. They have always looked after their customers, perhaps Sony & Microsoft could learn a few things from them. They always push things towards what the customers want & how to improve on how games are played. I wish them luck.

  • MartyD82

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 2:46 pm PT

    I've actually seen a lot of PS3 Fanboys making comments like, "When GTA4 or MGS4 come out, the PS3 will zip past the 360 and Wii and be on top." I'm not saying that's necessarily untrue, but that's the exact same thing Nintendo 64 fanboys were saying nine years ago. "When Zelda, Perfect Dark, etc. come out, your PSX's will be nothing but scrap." Of course, we all know that's not how things turned out.

    The PS3 may just be too far behind right now to really be able to catch up, since as history's shown, it's difficult to sway the public away from a system once it's achieved massive popularity. Especially when it's basically whomping the competition. I know some people will say "Sales don't matter," but they do. Because often third party companies will produce games for the system with the largest installed userbase. The PS3 may, right now, be getting games like MGS 4. But these are games that were in development before the current console war even started. In other words, back when many developers predicted the PS3 would be the dominant gaming system, based on Sony's track record with the PS2 and PSX, while the Wii would basically be another GameCube. The Wii. on the contrary, has shocked a lot of 3rd party publishers with its success, and will likely be getting a lot of surprise hits and exclusives in the future. It's possible that, despite its inferior technology, third party companies may turn to the Wii because of its success and because of the way a lot of companies are discovering what they can do with the game's innovative controller (which may, in the long run, mean more than fancy graphics and sounds because of how new/original it is). I don't really understand why people are complaining about its inferior hardware anyway, since the PS2 was technologically inferior to the GameCube, the PSX was technologically inferior to the N64, and even though the SNES ultimately won the 16-bit wars, the technologically inferior Genesis certainly didn't go down without a fight. Video game graphics haven't evolved as much during the 2000's as they did during the 90's. And the current crop of next-gen games (on any console) don't really look THAT much better than what was on the PS2, X-Box and GameCube.

    Just my two cents. I'll pick up a PS3 if it receives enough exclusive titles to keep me interested. But so far, I'm supporting Nintendo and Microsoft this generation.

  • antiblah

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 11:03 am PT

    im still astonished that i actually put the wii for reserve when it first came out, i had my doubts like ne1 else. Everyone else was talking about the ps3 and blah blah blah. when i went to the mid-night release of the wii, it was me and like 20 other people. nothing crazy at all...all was said and done and every1 was out of the store in like 30-40min....and now no1 can freakin get a wii...and im still playing it sweating from playing the game that came with it!! and its what like 10 months later?!?!? i havne't even considered getting a ps3....mainly due to the price
    but what im saying is nintendo knows how to get up and brush itself off and get back in the game.. clap clap nintendo for bringing back fun into games...i just hope they dont get full of themselves with all that money in the bank like alot of people do

  • MartyD82

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 9:02 am PT

    Wow. You actually have to wonder whether the Wii's success could result in the downfall of a lot of video game companies. A lot of companies were banking on the PS3 to be the dominant gaming platform this generation. Because of this, a lot of big-name titles like Metal Gear Solid 4 and Final Fantasy XIII are still PS3 exclusives. If these games end up not selling due to the PS3's surprisingly small userbase, a lot of prolific developers could be in serious trouble. I've actually seen quite a few third party developers, including EA, admitting that they were too quick to dismiss Nintendo after the disappointing sales of the GameCube (which, criticism aside, is a great system IMO - and this is from an owner of all three competing last-gen systems).

    Somehow, despite being a fan of the PSX and PS2, I've always thought that Sony would eventually crash under their own weight. Much like what happened to Sega about twelve years ago with the Saturn and, too a small extent, even the Genesis. Cockiness has always dethroned once-dominant video game hardware manufacturers (including Nintendo with the N64). It seems like the same thing is now happening with Sony.

  • crwarrior129234

    Posted Aug 9, 2007 10:54 pm PT

    WHyyy are Wii's still sold out!!??? :_((((((((( Im sad!! I have my 300 bucks in hadn for a wii and a game and no one will take it from me!!!! WHY. Ship more Wiis stupid nintendo!!!

  • sirpyke29

    Posted Aug 9, 2007 3:35 pm PT

    I am glad they are doing well, but it would be good to see some good solid 3rd party games to back the wii out or we will have ourselves another Gamecube...which I hope doesnt happen

  • Omihalcon

    Posted Aug 8, 2007 11:29 pm PT

    Wow...better put that money to good use

  • okgenuine

    Posted Aug 8, 2007 1:43 pm PT

    It's because Nintendo did right by people who can't shell out a bunch of money. It's good for business. Who needs high def games when developers can't even remember how to make decent stories because they drool when they see shiny graphics. Welcome to the real world.

  • BradBurns

    Posted Aug 8, 2007 1:53 am PT

    Yeah! Nintendo keeps rolling in the dough! It's awesome! It's like they don't even have to make games cuz their hardware makes major profit for them as well! Go Nintendo keep making money and NOT making games! Yes! Just the thought of this year's 3 games made by Nintendo being forced to last you for ten years is an awesome thought! Maybe by late 2008/early 2009 they might make a racing game! And keep your fingers crossed for a teaser to a new Zelda title for the Wii at E3 of 2012! But wait, EA will keep us busy with loads of nongames/casual games, like Boogie!

  • mkDSpro63

    Posted Aug 5, 2007 5:27 pm PT

    yay! this is way better than then "The Adventures of The Purple Lunchbox". but i still enjoyed gamecube ^^. GO WII AND DS!!

  • 69

    Posted Aug 4, 2007 5:07 pm PT

    Good to see nintendo having the banner year they deserve. Im not really a fanboy to any 1 system, but if i had to lean 1 way or the other, it'd prolly be towards Nintendo, just for everything they've done for this industry.

    PS. i cant wait to get my hands on SM Galaxy. When SM64 came out, it gave me a whole new type of gameplay experience that was never truly available in the past, and i couldnt stop grinning for days. With its crazy sense of 3d, SM Galaxy looks to be a true(er) next gen sequel to SM64. (unlike SM Sunshine)

  • elpokemon

    Posted Aug 4, 2007 8:34 am PT

    It's good to know nintendo's back!!! **** u Sony!!!!!!

  • jetavandam

    Posted Aug 3, 2007 7:26 pm PT

    Wii win! Pronounce We Win!

  • kid_rock995

    Posted Aug 3, 2007 5:17 pm PT

    Hmm... Now that it has the Money in the bank... It can start dishing more titles out. Possibly a bit more adult? MMORPG would be nice. One can only wish and hope.

  • Howdy704

    Posted Aug 2, 2007 11:53 am PT

    Yeah nintendo is kicking some major butt in sells and overall good will towards it. I played the system a couple times and found that everyone enjoyed the system as well as my girlfriend.

  • cheddar101

    Posted Aug 2, 2007 11:04 am PT

    Nintendo wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii yeahy wii all the way

  • HaloArchAngel

    Posted Aug 1, 2007 8:28 pm PT

    Long Live NINTENDO, the Underdog WINS this Round. Now all we need is a Picman & Animal Crossings Wii Version.

  • edhc44

    Posted Aug 1, 2007 10:34 am PT

    After reading some posts before mine, I see as a cool thing that more and more people are ackowledging the Wii. I mean, you hardly see a post downplaying it (except for those who still refuse to see the truth and always will)... Not that I'm saying that everyone should buy the system, but one must be very bold (and pretty stupid) to disrespect it by now.

  • edhc44

    Posted Aug 1, 2007 10:15 am PT

    After the DS became a huge hit, I never had any doubts on the Wii. They had no reasons to try and compete head-to-head with Sony and MS since they did it last gen and were crushed. And I like the way they're giving it back to the customer. The recently annouced Zapper being given for free is very cool. Ok, that's just a plastic support for the Wii-mote and nunchuck, but playing Metroid Prime 3 with that sounds much more confortable than the standard way.

    I myself don't have a Wii yet, only played Wii Sports for a few hours at a friend's and I must say I liked it a lot. Like someone said here, put some of this money on online (I've been hearing some bad stuff about their network) and I'm sold. Heck, who am I kidding, now that I have a 360, I just know I'll by a Wii by Christmas. Given that I can find one.

  • CleitonSL

    Posted Aug 1, 2007 9:35 am PT

    Nintendo is making good money..and after Metroid, Galaxy, and SSBB, it'll put Wii even higher than the others....

  • Dualmask

    Posted Aug 1, 2007 7:28 am PT

    No company deserves it more than Nintendo. Congrats to them for sticking to their guns and being different. It's good to know that there are now different ways to go in the game industry instead of all consoles being so similar (Xbox/PS2/GC). 360/PS3 have similarities and differences but are basically the same console with different features, so getting one of them and a Wii guarantees a varied gaming experience for years to come.

  • AlekzW

    Posted Jul 31, 2007 9:33 pm PT

    Ay no mames!! Nintendo se va a pudrir (más) en lana en Navidad!!

    I hope they use all that extra money for making even better games. Investment in a better online infrastructure could be cool, like Xbox Live.

  • kgsoloman5000

    Posted Jul 31, 2007 3:10 pm PT

    I just pre-ordered super mario galaxy today!!

  • BubbyJello

    Posted Jul 31, 2007 11:35 am PT

    Dang, after SSBB comes out they are going to be in the money.

  • SuperJim20

    Posted Jul 31, 2007 10:38 am PT

    Nintendooo,pleaseee give me 1 000 000$,and i'll buy more games for Wii =]]]] Nintendo is a drug!!! Only thing nintendo needs.. ..is a good games,give me moreee hardcore games like RE4!!! I'm sick of mini mini mini mini games

  • Fourswordsmen

    Posted Jul 31, 2007 8:51 am PT

    Oh I can't wait for metroid prime 3, SSBB, and Super mario galaxy, the only problem is I don't have a Wii.
    Soon enough I will have it and eat all your souls in ONLINE SSBB!!!

  • Brain_Fart

    Posted Jul 31, 2007 6:06 am PT

    Dayum, about time Nintendo got it's glory back. I just hope the 3rd party support ramps up now, there's practically no excuse with these growing figures. Keep up the good work Big N!

  • nintendoexpert

    Posted Jul 31, 2007 1:25 am PT

    Keep up the good work, Nintendo!

  • neithermanc1

    Posted Jul 30, 2007 10:38 pm PT

    From the very beginning the only certainty was a Wii in my living room the first day it was available. Thank god I was lucky enough to get a pre-order, for now I get to experience the Nintendo goodness whenever I want. Put this money towards garnering more 3rd party support and nothing... NOTHING will stop Nintendo. Perhaps it will even be possible to bring the Final Fantasy series back where it belongs... well, one can dream anyhow.

  • bloomper

    Posted Jul 30, 2007 9:41 pm PT

    i'm one of them people in 3 months :S

  • vatterott

    Posted Jul 30, 2007 1:25 pm PT

    LOLZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Undugrownd

    Posted Jul 30, 2007 9:07 am PT

    Now I'm afraid that Nintendo is just gonna brag about their success and stop making quality games like Sony did with the PS2.

  • melante

    Posted Jul 29, 2007 7:55 pm PT

    Great!! Keep it up!!

  • mushroom_idol

    Posted Jul 29, 2007 3:55 pm PT

    Nintendo is the best thing out there. I really hope they can keep this up into the future so everyone can have the same amount of fun we had. Nintendo rules and everyone has to face that fact!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • RebornJeremiah

    Posted Jul 29, 2007 3:35 pm PT

    @Stonetowerghost:

    Cause ten years ago the world is still on the hi-fi trend and not on the wi-fi.

  • Fdragonx

    Posted Jul 28, 2007 6:03 pm PT

    Man, nobody saw this coming. I think Nintendo is probably even taken back by it's runaway success. I hope they don't forget the gamers who put them back on top!

  • Stonetowerghost

    Posted Jul 28, 2007 6:41 am PT

    Holy ****! Jeeze, Nintendo! Why didn't you think of the DS and Wii 10 years ago?

  • XBASX

    Posted Jul 27, 2007 8:56 pm PT

    Golden years for Nintendo. And they deserve it. Everbody was sceptic at first, now look what happend. It's nice to see that Nintendo's goal is finally achieved. And that goal isn't just grapichs like Sony always want to achieve. I kinda laugh at them now.

  • -Squirrel-

    Posted Jul 27, 2007 10:41 am PT

    Yea you know Nintendo is on lighting if they are leading console sells before the first Mario or Smash Bros. has even come out. As far as a DVD player for the Wii, I would really rather not have one in the Wii. I have more then enough DVD players already, and DVD players have always been known to cause problems with disc reading in previous consoles. Just get that hard drive out sooner rather than later Nintendo and I will be a happy lil' squirrel.

  • HyruleanLink

    Posted Jul 26, 2007 9:15 pm PT

    Good to here.

  • wii-g

    Posted Jul 26, 2007 7:23 pm PT

    its good that nintendo is leading, im a nintendo fan, but they could have added a DVD player and some more space but its still a great system!

  • ahyumifan

    Posted Jul 26, 2007 4:58 pm PT

    Of course, they currently winning the handheld and home console market with monstrous sale counts. I don't think this will be cooled soon. Heat Up Nintendo!!

  • sacatash

    Posted Jul 26, 2007 3:03 pm PT

    Wow! Nintendo already has 9.3 million consoles worldwide. That is a phenomenal statistics, considering that back to school, thanksgiving and chrismas has not arrived yet. At this pace, assuming they can sell an average of 1.5 million console for the rest of the year, they would have: 5 months multiplied by 1.5 equal 7.5 million plus 9.3 totalling roughly 17 MILLION consoles worldwide!! I think Nintendo will get the market lead by the end of the year because of Super mario galaxy, metroid 3 and super smash bros.

  • Arkk_Angel

    Posted Jul 26, 2007 1:51 pm PT

    I remember years ago when the Wii (then revolution) was first revealed to the world. I nearly cr@pped my pants with excitement. I begged to invest in Nintendo, but fortune didn't come my way. Lo and behold!!! ::sigh::

    Welcome back Nintendo! Remember the hardcore fans that kept you afloat as you struggled in your ventures!

  • reactionsok posted Jul 26, 2007 10:53 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    reactionsok

    Posted Jul 26, 2007 10:53 am PT (hide)

    OBJECTION!!!!!!!!

advertisement

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!