Recession? What recession? In the 2008 fiscal year that ended March 21, 2009, Nintendo has reported an 8.5% rise in its net annual profits, making just under 279.1 billion yen ($2.83 billion).

Sure, it's a far cry from the 47.7% rise the company posted the previous year, but, keep in mind, that previous year was chock full of Wii hysteria and DS envy, and was preceded by a console lull that happened as the Wii was being developed. In other words, it would have been shocking had Nintendo not had a huge 2007 fiscal year. The fact 2008 showed gains over 2007, particularly in this economy, is a big deal.

In fiscal '08, Nintendo moved 26 million Wii consoles and 31.2 million DSes. Add to those astonishing numbers the fact that the year saw 62 Wii and DS titles (both first and third party) reach one million copies sold life-to-date, and you've got some mighty impressive record profits in the middle of a craptacular economy. Nice work, Nintendo!