3DS sales surge in August from price drop

We knew the decision to slash the price of the 3DS would stimulate sales, and now we have the figures to back that up. Nintendo reports that it sold more than 235,000 Nintendo 3DS systems in the United States during the month of August. Approximately 185,000 of those sales came after the price drop hit on Aug. 12. All told, the 3DS enjoyed a very strong 260 percent increase in sales for the month.

From the Nintendo press release:

"Consumers are responding very positively to the new suggested retail price of $169.99 for the Nintendo 3DS," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "With Star Fox 64 3D and the new Flame Red color launching tomorrow, and Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 arriving later this year, Nintendo 3DS will offer consumers cutting-edge entertainment and tremendous value this holiday season."

With the holiday gift season almost here, it will be interesting to see whether this the beginning of a sustained sales run for the 3DS, or simply a release of pent up desire to purchase from the group waiting for a price drop.