Nintendo’s glasses-free-3D entry into the world of handheld gaming is off to a pretty fast start, according to figures just released by the company.

According to Nintendo, they have sold more than 4 million 3DS units since its launch in early 2011. What’s even more impressive about this feat is how it matches up with Nintendo’s prior hardware successes. The 3DS wins out when you compare its first 9 months with the first 9 months of the insanely popular Wii.

In 2011, Nintendo sold over 4.5 millions Wiis and 3.4 million more of the DS family. This puts the total 2011 hardware sales at over 12 million, a feat that they have accomplished for five straight years.

“One of the strongest software lineups in our history helped Nintendo have a great holiday season and to close 2011 with a full head of steam,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Not only have the new Mario and Zelda titles already broken records, but with strong reviews and satisfied customers sharing their positive experiences, all three are also shaping up to be the latest long-tail titles from Nintendo. Couple that with a massive first- and third party lineup in the first part of the year and the prospects for 2012 are extremely promising.”

The holiday 3DS sales were bolstered by games like Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7, which became the first two 3DS titles to sell over 1 million units in the U.S.

As far as the Wii goes, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword ended up as the 45th Wii game to sell 1 million copies in the U.S.

In 2012, it looks like the PlayStation Vita will attempt to challenge the 3DS for consumers’ dollars. Sony’s new handheld just launched in Japan and is scheduled to debut in the States on February 22nd.

Have you had the chance to try out the Nintendo 3DS? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.