3DS gets closer to 3 million units sold, Mario Kart 7 moves 420,000 units

Nintendo's Satoru Iwata has said the firm expects 3DS to sell 4 million units by its first anniversary on the market, as the system gets closer to the 3 million sold mark.

Speaking with will Nikkei, via Andriasang, Iwata said once the system reaches the 3 million mark, it will put it two weeks ahead of the original DS's timeline.

Last week, the firm announced 3DS had surpassed first-year sales of DS in the eight months since its release - the original DS moved 2.37 million units worldwide its first year on the market.

Iwata also said Mario Kart 7 has sold 420,000 units its first week at Japanese retail, which is double the DS version. Specific figures will be revealed tomorrow when Media Create puts out its weekly report.

Nintendo expects such robust sales to aid in profit recovery during its next fiscal term.