Iwata: Nintendo looking to top DS sales with 3DS, no Wii successor soon

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, speaking ahead of his GDC keynote tomorrow, has said that the company is aiming to top sales of DS with 3DS.

Speaking in an interview with the Asahi Shinbum (via Andriasang), he made a note that DS has sold 140 million units and been used by 300 million people. But Iwata wants to go higher.

"We'd like to increase this even further with the 3DS," he said.

He also dropped the first hints of a Mario game for 3DS, explaining some of the gameplay and 3D mechanics. An example given is that Mario can run into the screen and "strike blocks that are floating in the air."

"We're making software that is packed with the kinds of surprises and enjoyment that the 3DS can deliver," Iwata added.

He continued that the release of NGP by Sony will end up decreasing the consumer base if 3G usage fees are to be paid.

On the subject of Apple and the success developers have had with the iOS platform, Iwata said: "We're at a period where it will be difficult to keep the value of our content if we are unable to offer experiences that can't be had on Smartphones."

In a separate interview (via GAF), he also said not to expect a Wii successor anytime soon, saying the machine has been out for four years and that sales in the US are still strong.

Iwata is due to speak at GDC tomorrow evening UK time as its main keynote, where it's expected he will focus on 3DS. Steph Nunneley and Nathan Grayson will be in the audience for VG247. Find more details here.