Nintendo Boosts Sales Forecasts

The popularity of Nintendo's DS games has led the company to boost its sales and profit forecasts.

Japan’s Nintendo has raised its sales forecasts for the fiscal year ending in March from ¥900 billion to $966 billion ($8.13 billion), an increase of 7.3 percent. Why? The enduring popularity of it’s Nintendo DS handheld game system, but also the success of its Nintendo Wii gaming console.

Industry analysts say the announcement reflects Nintendo’s success in broadening the appeal of its game systems outside what’s seen as the traditional gaming audience. In addition to traditional racing, arcade, and adventure games, Nintendo has sought to make its systems appeal to women, adults over 40, and even senior citizens with games like Brain Training and Sodoku; some seniors are embracing the Wii, even setting up Wii-based bowling leagues in senior centers and group living facilities.

Overall, Nintendo says it expects a foreign exchange operating profit of about ¥20 billion (about $168 million) for the fiscal year, reversing a previous forecast which had the company posting a ¥10 billion loss.

Nintendo will release detailed earnings information on April 26.