The House of Mario expects to lose a little more than previously thought. Bloomberg reports that Nintendo now projects to lose $837 million, increased from the previous estimate of $258 million made in October 2011, in the fiscal year ending this March. The Kyoto, Japan-based company blames a strong yen for having to reduce its financial forecast even further. But that's not all.Nintendo also expects fewer sales in this fiscal year, a downgrade from $10.2 billion to $8.5 billion, according to Bloomberg. Everything seems to be on the downturn for the Mario maker, including shipped units and software: Nintendo projects 14 million 3DS units shipped during the year (versus a previous forecast of 16 million), and 38 million pieces of 3DS software shipped, down from a previously expected 50 million.
Wii hardware shipments for 2012 are expected to reach 10 million, while software remains at 100 million. Despite the sad news, Nintendo remains confident, saying that the strong Christmas season for the 3DS, thanks to games like Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7, will be supported by more strong games lined up in 2012. But Nintendo remains confident for a another reason.
Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo, confirmed to Japanese reporters that the long-awaited Wii U will launch globally in 2012. Of course, no date was provided, just that the console with tablet-like controller will hit several countries this year. Bloomberg, like many news outlets, chalks Nintendo's losses up to the advent of smartphone and tablet gaming. Alas, don't expect to see "Mario Mobile."
[Via Gamasutra]
Are you surprised by Nintendo's downturn in numbers? Do you think the 3DS and the Wii U can turn things around for the Mario creator into 2013? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.