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Reggie Fils-Aimé: The 3DS “continues to be a vibrant system”

Handheld console "absolutely" remains a focus of Nintendo, serving as a "gateway" to the Switch

The Nintendo 3DS is as popular as ever it would seem and -- rather than being completely supplanted by the Switch -- remains a core part of the platform holder's strategy.

Having enjoyed a year-on-year growth in May of ten per cent, and a holiday sales spike of 27 per cent, the 3DS "continues to be a vibrant system", according to Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé.

Speaking with Game Informer recently, Fils-Aimé outlined Nintendo's philosophy toward the system, clarifying that it "absolutely" remains a big focus for the company.

With its sturdy hardware design and substantial back catalogue from an eight-year lifespan, Nintendo is targeting the system at parents with young children.

"It becomes a gateway for these kids that turn ten, 11, and 12 to then jump on to Nintendo Switch," said Fils-Aimé.

"It's a strategy that's working, and we're going to continue to support that platform. We have more games coming, and certainly into 2019, we see it as a key part of our business."

Nintendo's strategy with the 3DS appears to directly reflect its approach to mobile. During an investor relations call last year, director and managing executive officer Shinya Takahashi said that mobile is the gateway to its IPs for younger audiences.

"I believe that smart devices, particularly bigger ones like tablets, are easy for smaller children to use which makes it easier for them to experience Nintendoʼs IP, so we have been planning to create synergy between smart devices and our dedicated video game systems," he said.

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Ivy Taylor

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Ivy joined GamesIndustry.biz in 2017 having previously worked as a regional journalist, and a political campaigns manager before that. They are also one of the UK's foremost Sonic the Hedgehog apologists.