The Nintendo DS family becomes the highest-selling console of all time in the United States...

A Nintendo press release has confirmed that the Nintendo DS has become the best selling console ever in the US, with the family of systems selling over 47 million units since its launch in November 2004.

The DS wasn't the only console to break a record though, as 2010 also saw Wii sell over 7 million units in the nation for its third consecutive calendar year - an achievement not managed by any other console in history.

NOA president Reggie Fils-Aime was further buoyed by Nintendo's 2011 prospects:

"When we look back at 2010, we see consumers time and again turning to the value and enjoyment of our products. When we look ahead to 2011, we see new portable technology and more great Wii games that need to be seen to be believed."

Fils-Aime has recently suggested that Nintendo is expecting US sales to hit 45 million before there's need to "have a conversation about the next generation".