A revelation in Japan, a success in the States... but just how well has the DS done in Europe? That and other handheld figures after the jump...

In the wake of announcements detailing blushing success for its handheld systems in Japan and the US, today Europe was officially added to that list.

In a press release, Nintendo of Europe shared that, since its March debut, the DS has found its way into the hands of over 3.5 million European gamers. Sales of the system have been particularly galvanized in recent months by the revolutionary Nintendogs (1.6 million sold across Europe since October) and Christmas darling Mario Kart DS (over 800k since a late November release.) Now counting European totals, worldwide DS system sales can now be reliably placed well above 13 million.

Not to be comepletely overshadowed by the DS, the GBA itself recorded a smashing success as sales of Pokemon Emerald alone have reached an impressive 1.2 million since October.

With the holidays having proven successful for the Nintendo Handheld Empire wordwide, attention now focuses to how they can continue this success in 2006. The European lineup is already looking heavy with promise. Due in late March, Animal Crossing Wild World will be the next title to take European DS owners online. Already a phenomenal success in Japan (and with reports of scarcity in American stores hinting at similar popularity) the game could potentially take Europe by storm - especially if sales of Nintendogs are any indication.

As has been the case all over the world, female gamers and "non-gamers" have proven just as eager as established players to pick up titles they can easily be engaged in. Additionally, owing to unprecedented longevity in the Japanese market, Europe will soon be recieving Prof. Kawashima's Brain Training: How old is your brain?. The title has been a huge hit among a wide spectrum of Japanese users, most notably the older crowd. Nintendo is hoping to duplicate that range of interest in other territories (the title is also scheduled for American release.)

Unstated in the press release however, are the looming presences of Metroid Prime Hunters and the true Pokemon sequel... both expected to be WiFi Connection compatible. The term "buckle up" may be well appropriate here... 2006 should be an exciting ride for portable gaming fans.