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Nintendo rules March console hardware sales

It’s business as usual for Nintendo, once again sitting atop the console hardware sales charts.

The NPD Group has released its retail findings for March, revealing that Nintendo has sold a staggering 721,000 Wii console for the month – no doubt selling every unit to hit store shelves. To further add to the regular demand, the release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl has Nintendo fans in a frenzy.

The Nintendo DS carries on with strong, unwavering sales at 698,000 units sold, just behind the Wii.

“Nintendo systems represented 58 percent of all video game hardware sold in March in the United States,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We expect our momentum to continue with big upcoming game launches like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, Mario Kart Wii and Wii Fit.”

Sony’s handheld took a distant, but still respectable third spot with the PSP selling 297,000 units. The success of the PSP during March is likely attributed to the release of God of War: Chains of Olympus and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII for the portable.

Microsoft was finally able to pull ahead of the PlayStation 3 after being behind for the first two months of 2008. The Xbox 360 sold 262,000 units, perhaps as a sign of supplies finally being replenished at retailers.

“Going into March, some key U.S. retailers were still experiencing the trickle down effect of Xbox 360 console shortages,” Microsoft said in a statement. “By the end of March, supply issues had improved and we expect retailers to be fully stocked with Xbox 360 consoles in time for the "Grand Theft Auto IV" launch.”

The PlayStation 3 held its position over the previous-generation counterpart, selling 257,000 consoles. The PlayStation 2 sat in sixth with a still relevant 216,000 units sold.

"Our sales momentum continues to defy what is traditionally a sluggish sales month. PS3 continued the strong momentum with a year-over-year sales growth of over 98 percent. It is proof that, in these economically challenging times, consumers recognize the long-term value of our platforms and the tremendous heritage of our brand in delivering the best entertainment experience,” commented Jack Tretton, CEO of SCEA.

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PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Enigmatic on 4/18/2008 11:10:24 AM , Rating: 4
I expect the Xbox 360 and PS3 to be roughly neck in neck from now on. Monthly sales are quite close. But perhaps the exclusive GTA IV content will allow the 360 to surge ahead next month as well. It will be interesting to see how much benefit Microsoft receives for securing the exclusive content.




RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Drew327 on 4/18/2008 11:37:50 AM , Rating: 2
I agree, I think they will both be even for a while. Although, on the topic of exclusive GTA4 downloadable content- I work for Best Buy in the gaming department. The next customer that comes in and knows about that will be the first.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By MooseMuffin on 4/18/2008 5:01:07 PM , Rating: 2
I think its safe to expect a marketing blitz from Microsoft in the very near future. When the release date rolls around, people will know.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Alexvrb on 4/19/2008 6:40:07 PM , Rating: 2
Drew, the only thing that little piece of data tells me is that most people who walk into a Best Buy are ignorant. So sing us a new song.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By boogle on 4/20/2008 10:49:20 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Drew, the only thing that little piece of data tells me is that most people who walk into a Best Buy are ignorant. So sing us a new song.


They're also the 'masses' who generate the largest income for all 3 parties.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By daftrok on 4/18/2008 11:38:51 AM , Rating: 1
With all of the exclusives coming out for the PS3, I doubt this year will be neck and neck. Granted the 360 has exclusive content and few exclusive games but not as much (nor as diverse) when compared to the PS3.

2008 Exclusives in alphabetical order:
1) Afrika
2) The Agency
3) Big Time Revenge
4) Buzz! Quiz TV
5) Final Fantasy XIII (yes this is confirmed for 2008)
6) God of War III (coming soon on back of Chains of Olympus manual)
7) Haze
8) Infamous
9) Killzone 2
10) LittleBigPlanet
11) Metal Gear Solid 4
12) Metal Gear Solid Online (yes they are separate)
13) Motorstorm 2
14) Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm
15) Resistance: Fall of Man 2
16) Singstar
17) Siren: New Translation (Japan only sad face)
18) Tekken 6
19) WarDevil
20) White Knight Story

More exclusives (http://www.ps3forums.com/showthread.php?t=86124)

I feel this is the year when PS3 will start to catch up (and maybe even tie) the Xbox 360 sales. However there are several factors to consider for this year:

1) Will Microsoft finally cut the price of the 360 to the 199/299/399 price point? If so, will the PS3 get a price drop to compete?

2) Is the failure rate of the 360 hardware going to go down significantly enough to stop people from worrying about it?

3) Will an affordable Blu ray add-on be released in order to try to bridge the gap between the 360 and PS3?

4) Will there be an Xbox 360 with built-in Blu ray?

All and all, this is going to be an interesting year. In my opinion, however, I feel this year is the year for the PS3. No I'm not a fan boy. Yes I love Halo PC and Ninja Gaiden and Gears of War. I just feel that given all the things happening with PS3, this is probably gonna be the year it's going to go to 2nd place.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Elementalism on 4/18/2008 11:43:31 AM , Rating: 4
Well it could be interesting but we are 1/4th of the way through the year and all the PS3 has to show for it is meager 2 back to back sales lead over the 360 in hardware. And an absolute spanking on the software front. The PS3 is going to need to finish strong as hell to make it "The year of the PS3". I think one worrysome fact is COD4 on the 360 outsold Rainbow 6 Vegas on the PS3. That isnt a good indication of things to come imo.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By bgm063 on 4/18/2008 1:06:38 PM , Rating: 2
Not so sure about your assumption. We're not in the holiday season yet and still have a long way to go. That's usually the time of year when the console makers really try to win over customers who are still on the fence about which one to buy. MS could bring about a new service to XBL. Sony could finally get HOME up and going. Nintendo... well, all they have to do is keep doing what they've been doing. While the Wii is no Super Computer, it sure sells and sells like a champ.

So I don't know if the COD4 and Rainbow 6 Vegas comparison is that good of an indication.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Manch on 4/18/2008 3:59:04 PM , Rating: 2
I agree,If games are to be compared, then how about games that are on both platforms and released at the same time:

COD4 (not sure if it was co-released)
ARMY of 2
Rainbow 6 VEGAS 2

anybody have numbers on these? a percentage of games sold vs consoles sold for each system. I figured that might be a fairer comparison since the PS3 launched later than the 360.

I'd like to see a survey though of people that have both consoles and which console they preferr for multi-system titles.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Manch on 4/18/2008 4:19:04 PM , Rating: 2
Since I can't edit!

I realize that the using the late launch of the PS3 would be ufair. If the system had just launched sure but now that factor is pretty much negligible since it has been in the channel for a while now. The only game of the three I listed that's a system seller is COD4. The other two while relatively popular aren't

I pulled these numbers off of simexchange.

For the US only

360 sold to date 9,636,000

PS3 sold to date 3,796,000

For the US only.

AO2 360 1.18mil
AO2 PS3 775K

neither version of the game is selling to the point that "total consoles sold" is a limiting factor.

I don't know how accurate simexchange is but its the only site I could get to from my work PC.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Elementalism on 4/18/2008 4:23:49 PM , Rating: 2
Well I wasnt comparing the games persay. But wanted to point out a game that has been on the market for 6 months outsold the Rainbow 6 on the PS3, a new game.

Unless the Holiday season is simply insane for Sony. They are going to want to start stomping Microsoft in the NA market now if it is going to be the year of the PS3.

So far Blu-Ray sales have dried up and they cant gain any meaningful traction in software sales marketshare in console gaming.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By deeznuts on 4/18/2008 1:46:11 PM , Rating: 1
quote:
Well it could be interesting but we are 1/4th of the way through the year and all the PS3 has to show for it is meager 2 back to back sales lead over the 360 in hardware. And an absolute spanking on the software front. The PS3 is going to need to finish strong as hell to make it "The year of the PS3". I think one worrysome fact is COD4 on the 360 outsold Rainbow 6 Vegas on the PS3. That isnt a good indication of things to come imo.


NPD is only the US. The PS3 outsold the 360 worldwide last year (with all of the 360's humongous hits) and has been killing it worldwide this year. It lost by 5k this month (which is essentially an accounting error, not that I'm alleging one) in the US yet outsells it by 50k+ in just Japan.

I think it's refreshing Sony didn't come out 2 minutes before NPD came out (a la insecure MS) and claim the 5k difference was because they pulled the 80GB consoles to make a new bundle. If anyone remembers, the 80GB was selling quite well, better than the 40GB I think, or at least on par.

Anyone think if they didn't pull the 80GB to make the new MGS4 bundle, they could have sold 5k more? I think so.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Elementalism on 4/18/2008 4:19:26 PM , Rating: 3
US is the biggest market for these units. Killing is a relative term in this regard as the NA market is about 40% larger than the next biggest market. Which if vgchartz is to be believed the 360 still has the edge in total consoles sold in Europe. Japan is a lost cause for any U.S. console maker or game developer. Sony could ship a piece of turd with a controller and outsell anything from Microsoft in that market.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Locutus465 on 4/18/2008 11:52:11 AM , Rating: 4
The 360 console is now the cheapest next-gen console in Europe and if you check my response to crazyblackman you'll see I've posted an artical dated this month stating 360 sales have doubled in Europe.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By bandstand124 on 4/18/2008 11:59:46 AM , Rating: 3
Yes, 360 sales have doubled.

Is it still being outsold by the PS3? Yes.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Locutus465 on 4/18/2008 1:16:09 PM , Rating: 3
Perhaps, but considering the price drops only took effect not all *THAT* long ago this is impressive.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Aloonatic on 4/18/08, Rating: 0
RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By ioKain on 4/18/2008 12:07:30 PM , Rating: 5
Especially if those exclusives are just as cool as Heavenly Sword, Motorstorm, WarHawk.......*rolls eyes*.

I don't know about you guys but Buzz! Quiz TV and Big Time Revenge sound like game of the year contenders to me. PS3 has FF and Metal Gear going for it and thats about it.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By FITCamaro on 4/18/2008 3:15:23 PM , Rating: 2
I don't know about you, but I think I'm going to go buy a PS3 just to play Singstar. SPARKLES!!!!


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By TerranMagistrate on 4/20/2008 11:14:58 PM , Rating: 2
Final Fantasy XIII, Gran Turismo 5 & MGS4 among others will pretty much spank anything coming out for the 360, from the look of the 360 exclusive list.

The fact that the PS3 is easily outselling the 360 worldwide and that its toe-to-toe with the 360 in NA proves that the PS3 has more "going for it" than Microsoft's shoddy offering.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By ioKain on 4/21/2008 12:47:22 AM , Rating: 2
Still waiting for someone to mention those "among others".


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By TerranMagistrate on 4/21/2008 10:48:48 AM , Rating: 2
Then rest easy and wait no more:

-Valkyria Chronicles
-Resistance 2
-Tekken 6
-Final Fantasy vs XIII
-Star Ocean 4
-Killzone 2
-White Knight Chronicles

All these titles and anticipated to be top-notch both here in NA and in Japan. It helps if you consider that most of them are from well established and successful franchises that began on PS1 & PS2.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By ioKain on 4/21/2008 6:28:57 PM , Rating: 2
Killzone was terrible, Resistance was ok at best, Tekken is a big meh with Street Fighter4 and Soul Caliber on the horizon. Rest sound like jap rpgs which is ok if your into that stuff, but hardly big sellers with the exception of FF. Still not the list thats gonna "spank" anything from any company.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By 3v1lkr0w on 4/21/2008 3:59:39 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
PS3 has FF and Metal Gear going for it and thats about it.


Ummmm...God of War 3, White Knight, Resistance 2...maybe these 3 ring a bell for you??? These will also be big sellers and if they all come out this year (like they are said to be) then its going be a good year for PS3. Not sure about "Year of the PS3" but still a good year. Saying Final Fantasy and Metal Gear are the only thing the PS3 has goin for it this year is being ignorant.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By npoe1 on 4/18/2008 2:44:42 PM , Rating: 2
I don't why people always list a bunch of exclusives for PS3 when just 5 of 20 they list are exclusives that most people care.

“Buzz! Quiz TV” come on.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By yost007 on 4/19/2008 11:38:36 AM , Rating: 2
2008 Exclusives in alphabetical order:
1) Afrika
2) The Agency
3) Big Time Revenge
4) Buzz! Quiz TV
5) Final Fantasy XIII (yes this is confirmed for 2008)
6) God of War III (coming soon on back of Chains of Olympus manual)
7) Haze
8) Infamous 9) Killzone 2
10) LittleBigPlanet
11) Metal Gear Solid 4
12) Metal Gear Solid Online (yes they are separate)
13) Motorstorm 2
14) Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm
15) Resistance: Fall of Man 2
16) Singstar 17) Siren: New Translation (Japan only sad face)
18) Tekken 6
19) WarDevil
20) White Knight Story

You don't have to throw in every game you can think of just to try to make it look better. Some of those games are just going to be average to below average games. Not system sellers. Buzz TV, that's why I need a PS3.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By daftrok on 4/19/2008 5:12:51 PM , Rating: 2
It's called variety some people like Singstar and Naruto.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Samus on 4/20/2008 12:23:10 AM , Rating: 2
1) Microsoft may drop the price, but I guarantee Sony won't. They're still losing money on each console they sell. Microsoft has been profiting from XBOX hardware since March 2007.

2) Who cares about failure rate. They have the longest warranty in videogame console history. Three years. By then, the hardware will either be replaced with a new XBOX or the prices will be so low it wont matter. Besides, defect rates for initial PS1 and PS2 consoles were arguably as bad, and people still didn't care.

3) No. XBOX is a videogame console. The HD-DVD drive was a joke in sheeps clothing. MS knew it, and the fans knew it. It's a dead concept to add-on drives now that the HD-DVD add-on has failed. Look at history to revisit how successful add-on hardware has been in the console industry. Sega CD, anyone? Or maybe the 4MB RAMBUS upgrade for N64?

4) No. XBOX is a videogame console. It plays videogames. The remote prospect that it will be an entertainment console is soley dependant on live content via the internet. A few years from now, when everyone has 20Mbit internet access, these bluray discs you speak of will resemble floppy's to the new generation of technojunkies.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By TerranMagistrate on 4/20/2008 11:26:47 PM , Rating: 2
Yea, widely available 20Mbit connection, like in a decade or two from now. Try being realistic...

Also, Sony was already breaking even on 40GB models late last year following its release. So your claim that Sony is still losing money on all PS3s sold holds no weight. Sort of like the rest of your failing argument.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By 3v1lkr0w on 4/21/2008 4:16:35 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Microsoft may drop the price, but I guarantee Sony won't. They're still losing money on each console they sell. Microsoft has been profiting from XBOX hardware since March 2007.


Do you know where you got this information??? I thought the 360 was still losing money.

quote:
Who cares about failure rate.


I do! I hate the fact that the 360 has been said to have a 33% failure rate.

quote:
They have the longest warranty in videogame console history. Three years. By then, the hardware will either be replaced with a new XBOX or the prices will be so low it wont matter.


They have a 3 year warranty because it would be cheaper to 'fix' them than to repair they problem in the first place. I dont know about you, but I dont care if the 360 was 20 dollars, I will never feel happy buying a system that fails 33% of the time.

quote:
XBOX is a videogame console. The HD-DVD drive was a joke in sheeps clothing. MS knew it, and the fans knew it. It's a dead concept to add-on drives now that the HD-DVD add-on has failed. Look at history to revisit how successful add-on hardware has been in the console industry. Sega CD, anyone? Or maybe the 4MB RAMBUS upgrade for N64?


Dont know about you, but I loved the Sega CD...why you ask??? Cause if it wasnt for that, the Playstation would have never came to be. ^_^

quote:
A few years from now, when everyone has 20Mbit internet access, these bluray discs you speak of will resemble floppy's to the new generation of technojunkies.


Yea, we will download all our games, and the XBox will still only have 120 GB harddrives, until they notice 120 isnt alot when you downlaod 4.5 - 9 GB games, then they will release a 1 TB drive for 800 dollars, more than 3 times the price of a normal TB drive.

Also, I dont know if 33% is correct or not, but I do remember reading it somewhere.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By 3v1lkr0w on 4/21/2008 3:24:38 AM , Rating: 2
I think its sad that the 360 and PS3 are fighting for 2nd place when they should be fighting for 1st.

I love my Nintendo, it has some great games, but they are to far and inbetween. IMHO it shapping up to be a better selling Gamecube. Not enough good games, but the few they had were Grade AAA.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By stepone on 4/18/2008 4:56:38 PM , Rating: 2
Does anyone else find that when they look at any console sales stats that they simply skip over the wii figures & go straight for the 360 & PS3 sales figures?

I certainly do & didn't really notice until just now... It's almost as if im not registering that the wii is in the mix at all.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Locutus465 on 4/18/2008 5:18:29 PM , Rating: 1
Yes but I see it as more of a why bother commenting we already know Nintendo owns the current gen.


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By bangmal on 4/19/08, Rating: 0
RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By Samus on 4/20/08, Rating: -1
RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By ioKain on 4/21/2008 12:51:56 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Nobody buys Wii for the same reasons they buy an XBOX360.


No one buys the Wii to play video games? Man, guess I've been using my Wii wrong. What exactly am I supposed to do with it besides play games?


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By 3v1lkr0w on 4/21/2008 4:19:12 AM , Rating: 1
quote:
What exactly am I supposed to do with it besides play games?


Dont you know??? Real Nintendo Fans use it to brainwash everyone into buying one. Play games??? HA!!! ^_^


RE: PS3 XBOX 360 Sales
By ioKain on 4/21/2008 6:35:55 PM , Rating: 1
Btw, for you slow kids, here's the definition of generation:

gen·er·a·tion (jn-rshn)

a. A stage or period of sequential technological development and innovation.

The Wii is definitely an innovation in gameplay. Nowhere do I see anything about graphics in the definition. Your "Wii is not a next gen console" is a tired and lame excuse. Whether you agree or disagree, no matter. Nintendo is going to continue to pound that ass.


Heh
By Elementalism on 4/18/2008 11:18:52 AM , Rating: 1
Back to third place in hardware sales. I am curious what the software sales are like. I am going to guess more raping of the PS3 at the hands of the Wii, 360, and PS2.




RE: Heh
By Elementalism on 4/18/2008 11:23:13 AM , Rating: 5
Here is the top 10 for March.

1. Wii Super Smash Bros. Brawl - 2.7 million
2. 360 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 - 752,300
3. 360 Army of Two - 606,100
4. Wii Play - 409,800
5. PSP God of War: Chains of Olympus - 340,500
6. PSP Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII - 301,600
7. Wii Guitar Hero III - 264,100
8. 360 MLB 2K8 - 237,100
9. 360 Call of Duty 4 - 237,000
10. PS3 Army of Two - 224,900

PS3 again with a single title at #10. Outsold by the 360 1.83 million to 224,900 or 8:1. The wii outsold the PS3 3.73 million to 224,900 or 15:1.


RE: Heh
By homerdog on 4/18/2008 12:00:23 PM , Rating: 2
I guess they count Wii Play when it's bundled with a remote? I know I never would have bought that game if there had been any regular remotes in stock.


RE: Heh
By BansheeX on 4/18/08, Rating: -1
RE: Heh
By Locutus465 on 4/18/2008 1:15:32 PM , Rating: 4
How long until this runs out as being an excuse for the PS3 being 3rd place?


RE: Heh
By Elementalism on 4/18/2008 1:34:55 PM , Rating: 5
Until the PS4 is announced.


RE: Heh
By BansheeX on 4/18/08, Rating: -1
RE: Heh
By Locutus465 on 4/18/2008 3:24:29 PM , Rating: 1
Well, first of all I guess you learn something new every day because the PS3 is most definiatly competing aginst the Wii and losing badly (much like the 360). So then I guess based on what you just posted you agree that the PS3 will finish this round of the console wars 3rd?


RE: Heh
By BansheeX on 4/18/08, Rating: 0
RE: Heh
By Zapp Brannigan on 4/19/2008 6:10:34 AM , Rating: 4
your a bit of a tool, aren't you? Nintendo's demographic is, basically, everyone. You don't think sony wants to sell the ps3 to everyone? Of course they do, if they don't they are fools but more importantly, they wouldn't have made the ps3 an all-in-one super multimedia machine. By doing that it's obvious they are trying to sell it to everyone, not just gamers.

The PS2 has sold over a 100 million consoles and rising. Unless the PS3 at least matches that it's a disappointment, if it doesn't even get 50 million it's a failure.

You can desperately pigeonhole it in any demographic you like, but the PS3 is not gonna match the sales of the PS2, making it a failure, while the 360 is gonna exceed the sales of the Xbox, thus making it a success, no matter were it comes in your precious polls.


RE: Heh
By 3v1lkr0w on 4/21/2008 5:41:51 AM , Rating: 1
i dont think he is saying the PS3 isnt tryin to target everyone, I think what he is saying is that the PS3 and 360 are more of a gamer system and the Nintendo is more of a casual system.
When mommy goes out to buy little jimmy a gaming system, do you think shes going for the 500+ PS3 or the more casual 250 Nintendo???
Its not that they are aimed at different groups of people, its just that different groups of people are drawn towards it more or less.
PS3 and 360 = Real Gamers/Hardcore Gamers
Nintendo = Casual Gamers/Hardcore Gamers

I have all 3 and I really only play my Nintendo once every few months (aka when a grade AAA game comes out), my PS3 and 360 are on almost every day.


RE: Heh
By Locutus465 on 4/21/2008 9:43:52 AM , Rating: 3
And you don't think Nintendo would like to grab the attention of every gamer out there? Do you seriously beleive that? If that's the case could you explain to me why they're trying to push more Resident Evil and FPS games on the console? All consoles are targeted at all types of gamers because at the end of the day they want to sell as much as possible, Nintendo did a better job with the causual gamer this time around which is why they're winning.


RE: Heh
By Undaunted on 4/19/2008 1:19:58 PM , Rating: 3
I've heard this argument before and it is not true. Neither Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo are trying to limit who they target. They are all targetting everyone (they want the most sales), but they are going about it differently. Sony and Microsoft tried to come out on top by pushing graphics, but Nintendo went for inventing a new controller. They have found out that the majority of people don't care as much about graphics as they do about gameplay. (The long life of the PS2 makes this clear.)


RE: Heh
By BansheeX on 4/19/2008 3:03:54 PM , Rating: 1
Nonsense, absolute nonsense. Are you trying to tell me that in the 80s and 90s, they were marketing to more than just children with the NES and SNES? That those systems were in retirement homes, that busy parents and 33 year old women with kids were chatting it up in the office about trying to find an NES for the entire FAMILY for Christmas? None of those things were happening in the old days. None of them. These are the kinds of people that had never been marketed to. Throw them a game with a learning curve like CoD4 or Soul Calibur and they will lose interest in three seconds. Give them short, familiar games Tennis or Bowling and make the controls familiar to life, and these people will play what they otherwise would have shunned. Nintendo doesn't even make "Nintendo" a part of the system name, something they always used to do. It's just "Wii" in a giant Apple-like box. The whole marketing strategy has changed.

And if you think for one minute after looking at the $600 launch price and content ratings of the PS3, that the PS3 was an everyman's system with no target demographic intended to compete with Nintendo for the market of young children, parents of young children, the elderly, busy socialites, basically anyone but 15-45 technologically spendthrift competitive males, or that the Wii with its utter lack of online FPS play and high tech appeal even tries to take that segment from the 360/PS3, then you are living on another world with a pet Unicorn named Repunzel.


RE: Heh
By Alexstarfire on 4/18/2008 7:19:39 PM , Rating: 2
If it'll never be an even comparison then how come the Wii has been out the same amount of time as the PS3, but has already outsold both consoles? Time does make a difference, but Nintendo has proved that even that can be overcome.


RE: Heh
By FITCamaro on 4/18/2008 3:10:57 PM , Rating: 3
When are you going to stop using its later release date as an excuse as to why its game attach rate is way lower than that of the 360s?

People buy more games for the 360 than any other system. I mean Army of Two on the PS3 sold less than a baseball game. And the 360 version of the same game sold nearly 3 times as many copies. Both are pretty sad.

The 360 is a games console first, foremost, forever. The PS3 was a way for Sony to push Blu-ray first and a games console second. The 360 may have or have had its flaws, but there's no denying its the dominant force in console gaming.


RE: Heh
By hduser on 4/18/2008 4:04:18 PM , Rating: 2
I'd say Xbox live is a big reason for the higher attach rates and some people only using PS3 as a bluray player only kills the PS3 attach rates.

Although I can see a come from behind scenario with the PS3 if Sony were to come out with the right killer exclusives. So far the exclusives haven't impressed me too much. Drake was a nice game but too short(makes you think what use is the bluray for if it means short but highly detailed games). I didn't enjoy Ratchet and Clank as when it was on the PS2. IF MGS4 or FF disappoints, then Sony will face a harder uphill climb.


RE: Heh
By Manch on 4/19/2008 7:16:58 PM , Rating: 2
Exactly, xbox live is a big reason. I bought COD4 for the 360 because live works and it works great(well for the most part). Unless the PS3 version has something I really want I tend to buy the 360 version. I like the controller on the 360 for FPS's better and again LIVE. If and when Sony gets their online stuff together that may change my mind.


RE: Heh
By Hiawa23 on 4/18/2008 4:26:21 PM , Rating: 2
the attach rate has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that the 360 launched in 2005, & the PS3 launched in 2006. I could be wrong, but attach rate is measured also by how many games are bought with each console sold. I own both & the 360s attach rate should be better than the PS3. 90% or better of the multiplatform games are better on the 360 than the PS3.

I don't get it when gamers start listing all the exclusives for the consoles as this is pointless. Out of all those PS3 exclusives someone listed the 360 still has more games coming out on it I will buy, & I don't really separate multiplatform games from exclusives. Games are game in my book, some I have the option to buy on both consoles & generally I buy these on the 360 for LIVE, community functionality & achievements, & of course, I get the PS3 & 360 exclusives for whichever console they are on, but the only PS3 exclusives I like are NG Sigma, Resistance, Uncharted, Motorstorm & the game with the hot chick of which I can't think of the name. Those are the only games I own for the PS3.

Multiconsole gaming is the only way I roll. I don't particularly pull for anyone, I love the 360 for it's games & online, PS3 for it's exclusives that take advantage of the Blu ray format & the Cell, &, well, the Wii, I like VC, can't really get with the controller or the Gamecube's slighly enhance visuals, but great for family gaming.

Who sells the most is really no concern to me. The PS2 sold the most consoles last gen, but I thought it's hardware was crap for everyone other than the Sony teams or very few AAA devs, & the Xbox was my favorite last gen cause it had the most games, & services I liked. That's all I go by.


RE: Heh
By Reclaimer77 on 4/18/2008 9:55:29 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
but the only PS3 exclusives I like are NG Sigma


Actually its just an HD version of the Xbox exclusive NG. Big whoop.


RE: Heh
By BansheeX on 4/19/2008 11:13:54 PM , Rating: 2
While gameplay is indeed a great thing, it honestly hurts when the console's dvd drive is so freaking loud that it totally annoys you the whole time you're playing. The PS3 used quieter, high-density blu-ray for games, and it can play next gen movies, too, at the same low noise levels. There's more to enjoying a game than just the game itself. You have to take other factors into account. Would you enjoy a movie better in a theater where everyone's talking or in an empty one? By 360 fans' logic, that shouldn't matter to enjoyment since the film itself hasn't changed.

For a netplay analogy, the 360 theater wants to charge for popcorn. In the PS3 theater, it's free.


RE: Heh
By LatinMessiah on 4/18/2008 6:09:12 PM , Rating: 2
I agree with your last sentence.


RE: Heh
By piroroadkill on 4/19/2008 9:31:25 AM , Rating: 2
I don't think he said one console selling more than another means it's better - it simply means it sold more, and that's all that's important


RE: Heh
By quaiky on 4/21/2008 4:06:54 AM , Rating: 2
Thats just the US anyway. Japan was allways ps3 country, in europe PS3 started autselling 360 last summer and worldwide ps3 has been outselling 360 since december.
So it seems that xbox only has the us left where they have a close tie to ps3 over the last months.

if vgcharts numbers are right then outside US ps3 has allready caught up with 360 overall sales and is leading now. From start off this year ps3 is selling 30-70k more than 360 worldwide each week, while it will still take some time to catch up on 360 install base it really loosk like ps3 is slowly working its way there.


What caused such a spike in Wii sales?
By BigToque on 4/18/2008 12:11:29 PM , Rating: 2
My understanding is that the Wii has been selling 350-400k per month.

Could Smash Bros. Brawl really have added an additional 300k in sales for one month?




RE: What caused such a spike in Wii sales?
By FITCamaro on 4/18/2008 3:11:47 PM , Rating: 2
If I had the spare money, I'd have gotten one to play it.


By Master Kenobi (blog) on 4/18/2008 3:41:51 PM , Rating: 2
If I could get my hands on a Wii i would have gotten one too. :P


By Locutus465 on 4/18/2008 3:42:37 PM , Rating: 2
Online is the only way....


Why....
By cleco on 4/18/2008 11:00:49 AM , Rating: 2
Do people still buy PS2's from retailers? I'm sure you can find a working used one with bunch of games on Ebay a lot cheaper than getting it from Wal-Mart




RE: Why....
By oab on 4/18/2008 11:15:58 AM , Rating: 2
Yes, obviously they do. 216,000 were sold in retail stores


By MrBlastman on 4/18/2008 11:26:03 AM , Rating: 3
So much for those rumors that Nintendo is holding back supply due to our weak currency...

721000 Wii's is a LOT of consoles. Moreso that in previous months and our dollar continues to decline.

Looks like another win month for Nintendo.




Hold On
By AlphaVirus on 4/18/2008 1:55:46 PM , Rating: 2
Are these US sales or worldwide sales?

From VGChartz.com it has PS3 listed as outselling the 360
http://vgchartz.com/hwcomps.php?cons1=Wii®1=All...

If there is something I am missing, please inform me.




Yes and....
By sjvlad on 4/18/2008 2:36:31 PM , Rating: 2
I just had my third 360 red ring on me over the weekend. I may like the games out for the XBox more, but damn am I getting tired of having to keep shipping it back to MS for replacement.

The PS3 is looking very tempting after this.....




ROFL
By bill3 on 4/18/2008 9:57:39 PM , Rating: 2
I was wondering if you would actually do it Yam.

To be fair, Wii set a record this month, most sales ever in a month other than december or november, so honestly it might have actually been more natural to lead with Wii this one month.




xbox vs ps3
By destrorexe on 4/22/2008 9:29:32 AM , Rating: 2
it all comes down to who does something new and who has the most features for their system...




By 3v1lkr0w on 4/21/2008 3:14:12 AM , Rating: 1
It because everyone has bought about 3 systems due to RRoD. ^_^

Ok so thats not true, but it would be funny.




Misleading headline
By the goat on 4/18/08, Rating: -1
RE: Misleading headline
By Marcus Yam on 4/18/2008 11:18:39 AM , Rating: 5
A lead in sales is still a lead in sales.

While I would love to revisit memory lane, chronicling the complete history of console sales since inception, it's probably impractical to do so on a monthly basis.

Using the handy search function located in the upper right hand corner, I was able to retrieve the NPD console sales data for March 2007 by using the string "NPD console."

FYI, here is the link to the story one year ago:
http://www.dailytech.com/Nintendo+DS+PlayStation+2...


RE: Misleading headline
By mholler on 4/18/2008 11:31:59 AM , Rating: 3
Perhaps a line graph showing unit sales to date since Jan07? It would just be nice to have some type of reference showing the current standings in the console race and recent trends.


RE: Misleading headline
By BladeVenom on 4/18/2008 11:37:16 AM , Rating: 2
If you must have a graph, http://vgchartz.com/


RE: Misleading headline
By adam00 on 4/18/2008 11:22:36 AM , Rating: 2
Is the NPD statistical numbers? I thought it was actual units sold... it which case statistics has nothing to do with it.

does anyone know?


RE: Misleading headline
By shaunbed on 4/18/2008 12:01:43 PM , Rating: 1
I am not a PS3 fan but it is unlikely that the sales figures are exact. The method of counting sales and the reliability of the data of the companies counting sales are in question.

5000 units is probably well within the margin or error and the report probably should say that sales of both systems are practically even barring a link to a reliable source that can support an unusually low margin of error. By stating that the Xbox is outselling the PS3, the author is unnecessarily biasing the article.

Of course, if someone wrote on the same post on article claiming the PS3 was outselling the Xbox, they probably would be downrated (as I may be for hinting at a bias). The PS3 seems to be a much more popular system among consumers than the Xbox360. Price is probably the only reason it is not significantly outselling its competition in the US. I would like to think the reason was better games but I feel that is unlikely.


RE: Misleading headline
By zombiexl on 4/18/2008 12:28:10 PM , Rating: 2
As a consumer (who happens to have a 360, a PS3, a Wii, and a DS), I'd say prefer the 360 over the PS3 (unless i'm watching a bluray).

That's not to say the PS3 isnt a good system, I just have more games that I like on the 360. I've actually started buying games on the PS3 that are available for the 360 just so i dont feel like i wasted my money.

All that said.. Most of my friends and family own a 360, 2nd place is a Wii and honestly i'm the only one i know with a PS3. Now i know the Wii is outselling without a doubt, but i think 360 and PS3 will continue to shift back and forth based on game releases.


RE: Misleading headline
By Murst on 4/18/2008 12:01:57 PM , Rating: 2
I don't think even MS and Sony know the exact number of units sold (only units shipped). NPD takes a sample from many different retailers and then uses that data to attempt to determine about how many were sold nationwide. It certainly isn't exact, and a 2% difference may be within the margin of error. The only significance of being ahead by such a small margin is bragging rights.


RE: Misleading headline
By DFranch on 4/18/2008 12:22:33 PM , Rating: 2
I don't know about that assumption. In my case My 360 was purchased on black Friday in 06. I did not get it until Christmas. I hooked it up on 12/26/06. The warranty date for my unit started on black Friday not when I first hooked it up. I think MS is well aware of when each unit is sold.


RE: Misleading headline
By Murst on 4/18/2008 1:02:47 PM , Rating: 2
Your warranty is based on the date on your receipt.

If there is any dispute as to the warranty period on your 360, MS will ask you for a recepit.


RE: Misleading headline
By crazyblackman on 4/18/08, Rating: 0
RE: Misleading headline
By Locutus465 on 4/18/2008 11:50:21 AM , Rating: 2
X-Box 360 sales double in Europe, artical dated April 08, 2008.

http://www.strategyinformer.com/news/842/xbox-360-...


RE: Misleading headline
By Murst on 4/18/2008 12:06:34 PM , Rating: 2
Even though sales of the 360 doubled in europe after their price cut (its the cheapest current-gen console there atm), they still are being outsold by the PS3 by pretty significant margins.

So yes, the XBox 360 is selling much better right now in Europe than it did before the price cut. However, MS needs to do more, b/c at the current pace, the PS3 will pass the 360 in total units sold by the end of the year in Europe.


RE: Misleading headline
By Locutus465 on 4/21/2008 9:49:27 AM , Rating: 2
Yes but this is a major step forward and a good base to build on. Not to metition the fact that the 360 (out side of two months where supply issues existed) had been outselling the PS3 anyway. The gap closed on the European market this will further help Micrsoft's cause. As much as PS3 fanboy's hate to admit it, microsoft is going to come out of this generation's console war in a *MUCH* stronger position and sony is going to have to reexamin their stradegy for next gen. I'm not saying Sony was way off base this time around, or that their machine was crud. But clearly they made some mistakes that gave Microsoft way too much room to build a base in the world of gaming.


RE: Misleading headline
By omnicronx on 4/18/2008 12:36:39 PM , Rating: 2
According to Vgchartz you may be right.. by the end of March the PS3 was outselling even the Wii in both europe, and what VG designates 'other countries'. Although in Japan sales actually declined all of march, and as the article shows, they did no fair too well in the America either.

Then again, I do not really trust any of these numbers, except the fact that the Wii/DS combo seem to be owning the market right now.


RE: Misleading headline
By Locutus465 on 4/18/2008 11:39:21 AM , Rating: 2
It is infact significant... I know many people were taking the 2 month lead of the PS3 as a sign that with the bluray victory the PS3 would take off and leave the 360 in the dust. I think what march shows is that this just isn't the case. Looks like one of the big reasons why the PS3 took a 2 month lead was actually due to an x-box 360 supply shortage.


RE: Misleading headline
By Fusible on 4/18/2008 11:54:12 AM , Rating: 2
The shortages were announced right before the NPD numbers came out, and showed that 360 was behind in sales for those 2 months. Also a win is a win no matter how tight it is. In sports theres never an almost won or we nearly had scenario, only the loss remains.


RE: Misleading headline
By Hiawa23 on 4/18/2008 12:56:45 PM , Rating: 2
It is infact significant... I know many people were taking the 2 month lead of the PS3 as a sign that with the bluray victory the PS3 would take off and leave the 360 in the dust. I think what march shows is that this just isn't the case. Looks like one of the big reasons why the PS3 took a 2 month lead was actually due to an x-box 360 supply shortage.

I agree 100%. I can't wait to get on IGN with all the Sony homers, cause you would have thought it was Xmas time the last couple of months as they were all celebrating that the Blu Ray victory over HD DVD has now put the PS3 in a position to over take the evil Microsoft's 360, based on the first two months of the year sales data. Personally, I really don't care. I own all three consoles, Xbox 360 clearly has the most best games I like as I own nearly 40 for it, only bought the Wii for my 10 year old, & I really don't like that at all, it's good to see Nintendo back on top just like when we were kids, there are just no games at all I want or like for the Wii other than playing Wii Sports with my daughter.


RE: Misleading headline
By Murst on 4/18/2008 1:06:05 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
I can't wait to get on IGN

Wow...


RE: Misleading headline
By jpeyton on 4/18/2008 12:57:18 PM , Rating: 2
Between the NDS and Wii, Nintendo moved 1.4 million hardware units in a first quarter month!!!

Strictly from a business standpoint, I never expected this kind of domination to continue into the Wii's second full year of sales.

The Wii will surpass the X360 in a few months as the best-selling system in N. America, completely erasing that 1 year headstart Microsoft had.


RE: Misleading headline
By Hiawa23 on 4/18/2008 1:29:36 PM , Rating: 2
The Wii will surpass the X360 in a few months as the best-selling system in N. America, completely erasing that 1 year headstart Microsoft had.

I may be in the minority here, & maybe totally wrong, but I really don't see the Wii as direct competitors to the 360 or PS3. Seems geared towards a totally different market, Nintendo should be making money hands over fist as they basically took the Gamecube & repackaged it & put it in an attractive package. I am in noway knocking the Wii, as I have enjoyed the family gaming time it has given me & my daughter, as I have no PS3 or 360 games that interests her, as I only like Sports, action, FPS, generally games not appropriate for a 10 year old. I could be wrong but it's just the way I look at it.


RE: Misleading headline
By hduser on 4/18/2008 4:29:50 PM , Rating: 2
I would agree with you. Wii isn't next generation hardware wise but at the same time it is providing something that the 360 or ps3 doesn't provide. More kid friendly games and controllers that pretty intuitive controller that draws in the casual gamers. I find myself playing it less and less lately. Underwhelming graphics and the controllers hurts my wrist on games where I have to point to the screen constantly.

I wish Nintendo would add Final Match Tennis from the old Turbografx system to the virtual console library. If anyone who as played it would know what I'm talking about.


RE: Misleading headline
By Alexstarfire on 4/18/2008 7:22:48 PM , Rating: 3