September 01, 2005

Nintendogs on Fire

Video Game Industry Goes to the Dogs - Literally

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- With sales of a quarter of a
million units in its first week of availability, Nintendogs(TM) is not only
America's hottest-selling video game, but the best-selling new game franchise
ever for a portable system.

Retailers already are reporting that Nintendogs, made exclusively for the
hand-held Nintendo DS(TM), has sold out in numerous locations across the
country, and Nintendo will deliver more shipments as soon as possible. The
three versions of Nintendogs and the DS unit itself consistently rank at the
top of Amazon.com's best-selling list of all video game products.

"Nearly 15 percent of all DS owners bought Nintendogs in just a week, a
virtually unprecedented adoption rate for any title on an established system,"
said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales
& marketing. "And it's also helping sell new DS hardware. Coupled with a
price drop to $129.99, retailers are reporting DS sales up between one and a
half and three times previous levels, and last week DS comfortably outsold our
portable competitors."

Nintendogs lets owners train and care for lifelike puppies using the DS
system's touch screen and microphone. It became a cultural phenomenon in
Japan and launched in the United States on Aug. 22.

People who like traditional hard-core video games have plenty to enjoy as
well. Retailers also report that the new Advance Wars(R): Dual Strike
military strategy game for Nintendo DS has become one of Nintendo's top
sellers.