Analyst expects 8 million 3DS to ship during its first year at retail

Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey expects Nintendo to ship over eight million 3DS to the western market during its first year at retail.

According to the analyst in his latest research note: "We're assuming Nintendo can sell-in 8.17 million 3DS units to the Americas and Europe through the company's fiscal '12 period (March ending).

"We believe initial sales of the 3DS will be amazingly successful when you consider a global addressable market of nearly 150 million and 65 million DS and PSP installed bases, respectively.

"We also anticipate an elevated buzz environment surrounding a glasses free 3D experience; combinated with initial supply shortages and a strong line up of launch games that will likely appeal as much to adults as to the traditional pacifier wielding DS player."

Nintendo itself expects 4 million units to ship during the handheld's first month a retail, and earlier reports state the firm plans to ship 900,000 units of 3DS during the fist few weeks in the UK.

3DS is out March 25 in Europe and March 27 in the US.

Via CVG.