Wii U, Amiibo Sales Highlight Nintendo’s December, Making 2014 A Great Year For Nintendo

Nintendo seems to be on a roll, having posted record sales for their Wii U console as well as the hotly anticipated amiibo figures.

According to a press release by the company, 2014 was a great year for Nintendo, as hardware sales (Wii U and handheld) were up more than 29 percent compared to figures in 2013. Software sales were up more than 75 percent. That’s great news for Nintendo fans, as the Japanese game company has struggled to sell their Wii U console to fans since its initial launch a few years ago.

This news also comes after the NPD group released, as reported by Joystiq, their December 2014 numbers, in which Nintendo’s Wii U and 3DS were well represented thanks to the great sales of Super Smash Bros Wii U/3DS. Mario Kart 8, a Wii U exclusive, also did well, selling over 1.7 million physical and digital units.

With sales of the Wii U trending upwards, the console looks poised to have a stellar 2015. Exclusives such as Splatoon, Star Fox Wii U, and The Legend of Zelda Wii U make the console an enticing buy, especially for a console that has been begging for games. Also coming to the Wii U is Xenoblade Chronicles X, which should arrive sometime this year.

All of the Wii U numbers pale in comparison to the massive sales machine that is the amiibo. Announced during E3 2014, they have been unable to stay on the shelves. Some of the figures, which connect with your Wii U console, have even been given limited runs and are now fetching outrageous prices on eBay. According to the press release, sales have been double that of Super Smash Bros Wii U, which has sold 1.3 million physical and digital units.

While the Wii U has started to rise, the company’s handheld has been holding its own as well. Super Smash Bros Wii U sold well, though the 3DS version has surpassed well over two million units sold alone. Combine that with the release of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire and you’ll have 3DS software sales hovering around the five million mark on just those three games. Also announced was The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D as well as a corresponding New 3DS bundle, which already has scalpers holding regular gamers hostage.

After a record 2014, what do you think? Did you just buy a Wii U? Are you planning on grabbing one? Sound off in the comments below.

[Image via arstechina]