Nintendo 3DS first-party software sales up in early 2013

Nintendo's 3DS is on a "torrid pace" early on in 2013. Through the first four months of the year, Nintendo has sold more than 2.1 million first-party 3DS games in the U.S. alone. That's a 52% increase over the same period last year. In comparison, it took 30 weeks for 3DS first-party software sales to reach 2 million in 2012; that same feat has been accomplished in 18 weeks in 2013.

Contributing to the early success of the 3DS was a "strong launch" for LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins which has sold nearly 94,000 combined physical and digital copies since its launch on April 24. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon sold more than 140,000 combined units in April and has now sold more than 530,000 total copies.

Looking ahead, there are still plenty of exciting 3DS games to look forward to including Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D on May 24, Animal Crossing: New Leaf on June 9, Mario and Luigi: Dream Team on Aug. 11, as well as new titles in the Pokémon, Mario Golf and Legend of Zelda franchises. Nintendo is hosting a Nintendo Direct presentation today that will provide updates on many of these upcoming 3DS games so be sure to check back at 10:00am ET.