Indies excited by 3DS launch

It’s only been on shelves for less than one day but independent retailers are already seeing strong demand for the 3DS.

Indies have told MCV they’ve had no problems with stock allocation, while consumers are showing interest in the device.

I’m pleased as a lot of people have come into the store today looking for 3DS products,” said Barkman Computers’ Nick Elliott.

Demand has been strong. We’ve had a lot of people buying 3DS software from us who have already bought the machine from supermarkets.”

Khalid Hussain from Fusion Gamez added: We’ve received plenty of stock. If demand is high and the 3DS is in short supply, then that will be an added benefit to us.”

Others believe interest will pick up over the weekend with children and families heading to the tills.

We’ve sold a few already today, but tomorrow we’ll have a bigger demand and better sales as the weekend arrives,” Seedee Jons owner John Holley told MCV.

Generally people are buying the 3DS with one or two games. We’ve demoed loads today and impressed people – and we’re confident they will come back and buy.

We’re also selling the 3DS for 188.99 as there’s no VAT in Jersey. We beat HMV on piece – by about 64p – to get more customers.”

N1 Games’ Sam Semaan added: I believe sales will pick up once word of mouth escalates as the machine really is fantastic.

It’s a little bit pricey so that could affect sales, but we’re offering it at a competitive price for 210.”

All the indies MCV questioned also spoke highly of distributors for their stock allocation of the 3DS, with Gem, Advantage and Koch all praised.