The launch of the handheld has smashed all previous console records in the UK. Opening two-day sales of 87,000 units comfortably beat the 67,000 achieved by the GBA in 2001, and also the GBA SP's 47,000 from 2003. More over the DS also dispatched the previous record holder the which notched 69,000 in 2002, whilst the only managed 52,000, the 46,000.

Three DS titles made into the all-formats top ten (oh how the would have loved that at debut), 64 DS at four, Wario Ware Touched at five and Rayman DS at ten. All in all twelve of the sixteen launch titles made it into the all-formats top-forty chart, a very good start for the DS.

Indeed, Nintendo will be heartened by the DS' strong entry into Europe, where the console first went on sale last Friday, especially after some analysts predicted a tough time for the machine in the style-conscious Eurozone. More on the fledgling handheld's progress soon.

By Luke Guttridge