While the Wii U is struggling, 3DS sales manage to grow by 45%

While Nintendo’s Wii U sales continue to struggle, its 3DS handheld console is another story. The game giant announced today that more than 16 million 3DS games were sold in 2013, a 45 percent spike from the year before. In addition, lifetime sales of the 3DS, 3DS XL and 2DS consoles surpassed 11.5 million in the U.S.

Nintendo has now sold more than 11.5 million “3DS family” units in the United States alone, the company announced today. Worldwide, Nintendo has sold more than 34.98 million systems as of September 30, meaning the U.S. market makes up about one-third of all sales. Importantly, Nintendo counts 3DS XL and the 2DS as part of the “3DS family.” Gamers also bought a record number of 3DS games in 2013, Nintendo said. The company sold over 16 million combined packaged and digital 3DS games last year in North America, an increase of 45 percent compared to 2012.