Nintendo DS sales top 2 million in UK

Nintendo has declared that it is now the leader in the UK's home console and handheld markets, with the DS now outselling the PSP by a rate of more than 2.5 to 1.

According to Chart Track data, more than 2 million DS units have now been sold in the UK. Sales have continued to boom following the release of the Lite five months ago, and the success of titles such as Brain Training, Animal Crossing and New Super Mario Bros. - all of which have topped the 1 million sales mark in Europe.

"The ability of Nintendo DS to appeal to both gamers and non-gamers alike through an exciting, fun and innovative portfolio of software has been instrumental in its success in the UK," said David Yarnton, general manager of Nintendo UK.

"Nintendo DS will continue to be the main driving force behind the expansion of the video game market this year."

Lisa Morgan, CEO of high street retailer GAME, added, "Nintendo DS has played an increasingly important part of our business in 2006.

"Not only is the DS performing really well, but Nintendo are following through on their promise of expanding the gaming audience, which is key to GAME too. This is evident in the broad range of people coming into our stores to purchase both DS hardware and software."

Nintendo is currently gearing up for its next hardware release - the Wii, already a sell-out hit in North America, will launch across Europe on December 8.