The big question with any localization is always how well it’ll sell on release. It’s just one of those factors that never seems to be consistent. Well, if you’re Nintendo of Europe, you’re probably pretty happy. Fire Emblem: Awakening is officially a hit, debuting in third place, behind multiplatform juggernauts Bioshock Infinite and Injustice: Gods Among Us in the UK. Granted, it’s one small market in the hodgepodge that makes up Europe, but it’s an encouraging sign that these games still have a very passionate strong audience.
Oh, and that sexy, exclusive Fire Emblem 3DS XL? It added a pretty ridiculous boost to hardware sales; there was an increase in XL hardware sales of 49%, with sales of the limited edition model accounting for 31% of the 3DS’s younger brother. When you add this to Fire Emblem: Awakening‘s success in the US, as well as the halo effect from the critical acclaim the game received, Nintendo’s probably patting themselves on the back right now.
