Animal Crossing: New Leaf Practically Sold Out In Japan

It goes without saying that Animal Crossing: New Leaf is popular. Denizens of countless nations have had to bite their bottoms lips and narrow their eyes in unvocalised envy as Japanese gamers have tucked into the 3DS exclusive’s delights. But it seems that Japanese gamers have flocked to the title in such staggering numbers that Nintendo have been unable to keep up.

Siliconera has helpfully translated the newest broadcast to come out of Japan, in which Satoru Iwata apologises to fans and explains the delay in getting new copies of the game to store shelves.

This game’s really hit the ground running in its homeland.

Less than a month after its Japanese debut, Animal Crossing: New Leaf has been swiped from the shelves by countless Japanese gamers. The sales have outpaced Nintendo’s predictions for the game, and though this is a good thing, it’s left them somewhat on the back foot.

It’s been explained that the amount of data the game shunts around when saving necessitates a very specific kind of 3DS gamecard, for which Nintendo are having to acquire more components. Harrowingly, this is a process that is said to take several months.

In other words, Satoru Iwata has stood before the people of Japan today, hissed an incredulous whistle through his teeth, shook his head in true mechanic style and uttered, “It’s the parts, guv. Can’t get the parts.”

The good news, of course, is that this is (barely still) 2012. In today’s enlightened times, the enterprising Japanese 3DS gamer about town can happily download Animal Crossing: New Leaf from the 3DS eShop. Hurrah, digital distribution!

Either way, it’s a double whammy of both good and bad news for Nintendo, since high sales are always good, but a lack of ability to produce more of a popular product is sure to be something of a blow.

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By Tony White on 30 November 2012

Salubriously silly indie-novelist Tony likes Nintendo, doodling cartoons and various rambunctious shenanigans. His handheld of choice is the Cosmo Black 3DS, he tweets nonsense over on @HeyTonyOfficial, and a Norwich coffee shop has named a sandwich after him.