The Nintendo DS has broken sales records set by its predecessor, Gameboy Advance while the Wii continues to climb. In the past week alone, (November 18-24) more than 653,000 Nintendo DS portable video game systems and more than 350,000 Wii systems were sold.

“Nintendo DS set a new all-time sales record for Thanksgiving week, eclipsing the previous mark of 600,000 Game Boy Advance systems sold during the same period in the United States in 2005. Nintendo DS remains on track to be the top-selling video game system of 2007,” Nintendo said in a statement Tuesday.

According to Nintendo, thirty-five percent of consumers said they plan to spend less than they did last year, citing a survey conducted by Opinion Research Corp. A USA Today/Gallup Poll showed that 25 percent of Americans expect to spend less on gifts this year than they did in 2006.

In spite of record gasoline prices and some analysts forecasting a below-normal holiday season, it appears as if video games are carrying the day.

“As shoppers look for ways to maximize their limited holiday spending money, they turn to gifts that can be used by the entire family,” said George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “Wii and Nintendo DS offer something for every member of the family. They’re the most fun video game experiences at the most affordable price.”

Both systems are available now worldwide. Wii has an MSRP of $249.99, while Nintendo DS has an MSRP of $129.99.

About The Author

John Guilfoil is the editor-in-chief of Blast: Boston's Online Magazine and the Blast Magazine Network. He can be reached at [email protected]. Tweet @johnguilfoil.

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