Super Mario Galaxy's First Week Sales: 500k

[Heretic Machine]

Apparently Nintendo has some early sales figures for their hot new game, Super Mario Galaxy, and the news is good for the big N. According to Gamesindustry.biz (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=30856) (among other sites, and a press release), Super Mario Galaxy has sold 500,000 units. This makes it the fastest selling Mario game in the history of the franchise.

Super Mario Galaxy had the strongest one-week debut of any Wii game to date and has also become the best-selling Mario title ever in its first week, with US sales of more than 500,000, based on internal sales figures...
It totally deserves it, but fastest selling Mario game ever? That really puts the Halo sales figures in perspective.

[bapenguin]

Wow, I mean...I know that's REALLY good but it just seems kind of low considering the product and platform.

Come on 6.5 million people, why the hell haven't you bought what is one of the best games of the year?

[jromero]

well, to be fair usually mario games launch with whatever system at that time. Galaxy had the unique opportunity to come out a year after launch. clearly it made a difference.

[Draconis]

Bapenguin has a point. It is one of the best games of the year. I myself am waiting to get it in hopes that the GF will try and snag it for me for Christmas. I dunno, I just want a game that has that "Christmas Feel" upon playing it for the first time.

I'm weird, I know. I want the first time I play Super Mario Galaxy to be entirely memorable and be permanently stuck in my memory as a game my Girlfriend got me for Christmas, that I enjoyed immensely and will always cherish.


It will be interesting to see what the total sales of SMG will be come the end of December. It really will be.

[Gorvi]

Man, it's sold more here in one week than it has in Japan in nearly 3 weeks. That's a little surprising.

[Vandenh]

Also in Europe not so amazing... but I think Mario Galaxy will probably stay in that top 10 list for months. It should easily break 2M IMHO.

[Lind]

Game of the Year, possibly even Bestest Gaem Evah :)

[LiquidRain]

For those of us without elephant memory, how much did Halo 3 do in its first week?

[TrackZero]

well, to be fair usually mario games launch with whatever system at that time.

Not since 1991.

Edit: Sorry, 1996.

Edit Edit: Well, if you count the DS, 2004. ;)

[Heretic Machine]

For those of us without elephant memory, how much did Halo 3 do in its first week?

I think it was something like 2 million on it's first day.

[roboninja]

Very nice sales for the game that is the main reason I want a Wii.

[TrackZero]

For those of us without elephant memory, how much did Halo 3 do in its first week?

First week was 3 million. (Or 2, but I believe that was on launch night.)

[LiquidRain]

I'm weird, I know. I want the first time I play Super Mario Galaxy to be entirely memorable and be permanently stuck in my memory as a game my Girlfriend got me for Christmas, that I enjoyed immensely and will always cherish.
Until you break up with her. Then it will be a cold, hard reminder.

Man I'm such a killjoy. :D

[Switcher]

Yeah, but to be fair, leading up to Galaxy's release, Nintendo didn't hire multiple squadrons of sky-writers, or develop a new machine to start in-dream advertising while people sleep like Microsoft did for Halo 3.

And also, GamerFuel.

[critch]

It totally deserves it, but fastest selling Mario game ever? That really puts the Halo sales figures in perspective.

Sure does. Major entries into the Mario franchise (Not counting the spinoffs, which just add to the pot.) end up with about 10 million+ historically, selling throughout the life of the console. Halo sells incredible at the very beginning, but tends to die off to a trickle very quickly as well. Look to Gears of War for an example of this. It sold 4 million last year. It hasn't reached 5 and likely will only just.

[Heretic Machine]

And also, GamerFuel.

...Is it sad that I really wish that they had brought back the Mario cereal for Galaxy's launch?

Mini-chex with marshmallows, hell yeah.

[jromero]

Not since 1991.

Edit: Sorry, 1996.

Edit Edit: Well, if you count the DS, 2004. ;)

:) that's why i said 'usually'.

[Draconis]

Until you break up with her. Then it will be a cold, hard reminder.

Man I'm such a killjoy. :D


Man, you're so mean. ~Sniffs~ My dreams, my poor poor dreams, shattered.....~Sniffs~

Actually, I'm planning on Marrying her. Just that saving up for a ring is a *****.

[Gorvi]

...Is it sad that I really wish that they had brought back the Mario cereal for Galaxy's launch?

Mini-chex with marshmallows, hell yeah.
That was the split box with the Zelda cereal, wasn't it? Man, I loved that stuff as a kid. :)

[TrackZero]

Sure does. Major entries into the Mario franchise (Not counting the spinoffs, which just add to the pot.) end up with about 10 million+ historically, selling throughout the life of the console. Halo sells incredible at the very beginning, but tends to die off to a trickle very quickly as well. Look to Gears of War for an example of this. It sold 4 million last year. It hasn't reached 5 and likely will only just.

Are you kidding? The first two Halos sold very well over time, because they became "must own" system titles for a large portion of xbox owners. Just like Mario. Why would you compare it to Gears....?

[TrackZero]

:) that's why i said 'usually'.

The cube coming out with Luigi's mansion still burns me.

[51|RandoM]

Halo usually has pretty good legs, but I doubt they're as long as Mario's. It is interesting to note that SMG isn't doing great in Japan, as Gorvi pointed out. I'm starting to think that Japan is transitioning to handhelds in large part.

[Digital Outlaw]

I think that japs like playing shitty games. If a game gets a good mass review, they stay away from it. Its kinda like the clothes over there that they call "fashionable"

[Karmakin]

Halo usually has pretty good legs, but I doubt they're as long as Mario's. It is interesting to note that SMG isn't doing great in Japan, as Gorvi pointed out. I'm starting to think that Japan is transitioning to handhelds in large part.

QFT.

It's pretty clear that the Japanese gaming market really is transitioning to heldheld systems more or less. Now the question is why.

Is it a matter of cost/price?
Is it size/convenience?
Is it a matter of game design, looking for games with a more retro/experimental flair?

Probably a combination of the three.

[Gorvi]

QFT.

It's pretty clear that the Japanese gaming market really is transitioning to heldheld systems more or less. Now the question is why.

Is it a matter of cost/price?
Is it size/convenience?
Is it a matter of game design, looking for games with a more retro/experimental flair?

Probably a combination of the three.
I think that's one of the reasons the new PSP's video out is such a good idea, and why it's seen it's increased sales stay that way. I'd be surprised if Nintendo didn't mimic that with it's next portable or iteration of the DS.

[boratika]

NSMB has had such a long sales tail, especially in japan, that its basically a sales snake. Obviously I can't say for sure that it will be the same for this, but it is highly possible.

In Japan though, from November 1-11 Galaxy only managed 325k. Weird...

I am so amped to get this game. It's released here next thursday, which happens to be the same day as my last exam. May have to rewand myself for a semester well done:D.

[MojoJojo]

Come on 6.5 million people, why the hell haven't you bought what is one of the best games of the year?
'cause I don't like Mario or platformers in general?

[jromero]

The cube coming out with Luigi's mansion still burns me.

and the people said 'Amen'.

[boratika]

and the people said 'Amen'.

Not all of them. Some of them loved that game and still throw it in the Wii from time to time.

'cause I don't like Mario or platformers in general?

You might want to see someone about that condition. I doubt it's fatal, but it could play havoc on your fun intake.

[Mr.Green]

Not all of them. Some of them loved that game and still throw it in the Wii from time to time.

I loved that game! I don't throw it in the Wii though.

[shnastybiznastic]

'cause I don't like Mario or platformers in general?

That sounds like a serious problem. You should talk to your family practitioner.

[Ink Asylum]

Something else to keep in mind when comparing SMG numbers with Halo 3 numbers. A very large percentage of Wii owners are more casual gamers than 360 owners. They are not the kind to bumrush stores on the day of release to pick up the newest game. They probably don't even know the exact release date. This game is going to sell like gangbusters on Black Friday.

[51|RandoM]

I went to Toys R Us for the buy 2 get 1 free deal, picked up SMG, SPM, and MP3. There is a relatively new Toys R Us express in downtown Manhattan that I don't think very many people know about, so they weren't emptied out on Sunday when the sale started.

[Phanto]

Maybe the reason they are transitioning to handhelds is because they are living a life so busy that they don't have too much time to expend in their house playing Wii, or whatver console they might have.

[mkelehan]

Faster than SMB3? Really?

[Schnoogs]

Just for comparisons how many did Halo 3 sell that first day? Wasn't it in the millions?

I guess there really is no accounting or taste!!!

[Yellowman]

Something else to keep in mind when comparing SMG numbers with Halo 3 numbers. A very large percentage of Wii owners are more casual gamers than 360 owners. They are not the kind to bumrush stores on the day of release to pick up the newest game. They probably don't even know the exact release date. This game is going to sell like gangbusters on Black Friday.

Not only that but I bet you are large proportion of the people who bought Halo were aged 18-25 and have their own disposable income. I imagine a large part of the market for Mario has been told to 'wait and see what Santa brings...'

[Baron Samedi]

Just for comparisons how man did Halo 3 sell that first day?

QFT. Halo is all about the men....

[51|RandoM]

I imagine a large part of the market for Mario has been told to 'wait and see what Santa brings...'

I don't agree with this at all. The kids who grew up with Mario aren't kids today and their kids don't even know who Mario is.

I was introduced to Mario by Donkey Kong in the arcades.

[Bone]

Bapenguin has a point. It is one of the best games of the year. I myself am waiting to get it in hopes that the GF will try and snag it for me for Christmas. I dunno, I just want a game that has that "Christmas Feel" upon playing it for the first time.

I'm weird, I know. I want the first time I play Super Mario Galaxy to be entirely memorable and be permanently stuck in my memory as a game my Girlfriend got me for Christmas, that I enjoyed immensely and will always cherish.


It will be interesting to see what the total sales of SMG will be come the end of December. It really will be.
For various reasons, I'm with you on this. One, my wallet... she can't take anymore, Cap'n. Too many good games this year. And now, I'm playing said games, so I've no time to dedicate to Mario just yet. Three... I have a lot of vacation days coming up, so my extended Xmas vacation will be red and green, Mario and Luigi all the way. Woot.

[gzsfrk]

As others have noted, those numbers are good, but far less than I was expecting, given that this was probably the single most anticipated game for the current gen platform with the largest install base. But I do buy into the idea that a LOT of copies are going to be sitting under the tree come Christmas, along with a bunch of new Wiis, likely. However, those sales SHOULD show up in the very near future, as Wiis and many of the top tier games are going to sell out pretty quickly, with reinforcement shipments very unlikely to put a dent in the shortages. So if we don't see a big bump up in sales when this week and next week's numbers are reported, I'll be particularly surprised, even moreso than I am at these numbers.

[Rafer]

Just for comparisons how many did Halo 3 sell that first day? Wasn't it in the millions?

I guess there really is no accounting or taste!!!

Millions. But Halo 2 sold 2.4 in 24 hours (a record) but it's lifetime sales were less than, say, San Andreas, Nintendogs, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, or even New Super Mario Brothers, if Wikipedia is correct (Link) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_video_games#Top_20_console_games_of_all_ti me).

So while Halo 2 and 3 had huge openings it's not really reliable predictor of lifetime sales.

[LiquidRain]

Just for comparisons how many did Halo 3 sell that first day? Wasn't it in the millions?

I guess there really is no accounting or taste!!!
What does Halo 3's ledgers have to do with this?! :confused:

(accounting for taste. :mad: )

[Heretic Machine]

Okay, I have to share this because it is the first funny Mario Galaxy comic I've seen:


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2144/2052444761_928fddac20_o.png (http://www.duelinganalogs.com/?date=2007-11-21)

[kid cabelgo]

I think that japs like playing shitty games. If a game gets a good mass review, they stay away from it. Its kinda like the clothes over there that they call "fashionable"

Did you just call the Japanese "japs"? What are you, a WWII vet, or just a racist?

And I'm sure plenty of Japanese think that the Halo game aren't very good. I think it's a legitimate argument, even if I don't necessarily agree.

[KSmitty]

Honestly as much as I was looking forward to this game, it wasn't a must (immediately) have for me. If not for the TRU deal I probably would have waited for some holiday money/gift cards to pick it up. My definitive Wii game is coming out in February 2008.

[Schnoogs]

What does Halo 3's ledgers have to do with this?! :confused:

(accounting for taste. :mad: )

I'll make sure to screen my questions with you first :rolleyes:

The arrogance of some people.

[DaXIthR]

I think that's one of the reasons the new PSP's video out is such a good idea, and why it's seen it's increased sales stay that way. I'd be surprised if Nintendo didn't mimic that with it's next portable or iteration of the DS.

The DS TV tuner is apparently getting crazy pre-orders.

As others have said, Mario's going to have long legs. The majority of Wii owners aren't checking the release calendar every day. They'll pick up a title whenever they get the chance.

[CptTripps]

Man, you're so mean. ~Sniffs~ My dreams, my poor poor dreams, shattered.....~Sniffs~

Actually, I'm planning on Marrying her. Just that saving up for a ring is a *****.


Just have her watch Blood Diamond, after that movie my wife said she never wants anything with diamonds again. Cha Chuga! Cubic Z engagement ring FTW!

[Chainblast]

I'm sure Super Mario Galaxy will outsell Halo 3 in the long run, though it doesn't really matter to me either way. SMG is one of the greatest games every made and that is good enough for me.

[Micasa]

500,000 in sales in a week, while good, seems like a disappointment for the Wii's largest release to date. If Halo 3 had dropped with sales of 500,000 in the first week, people would have been calling it an utter failure even though the 360 lineup is considerably stronger than that of the Wii.

[Gorvi]

The DS TV tuner is apparently getting crazy pre-orders.
I'd heard that too, but what does that have to do with the PSP's video out function? Or are you saying Nintendo already took a page from the PSP by releaseing a 1 SEG TV tuner after one was already available for the PSP?

[Bone]

Did you just call the Japanese "japs"? What are you, a WWII vet, or just a racist?

That's not the preferred nomenclature, Dude. Asian-Americans, please.

[The Great Gatsby]

That's not the preferred nomenclature, Dude. Asian-Americans, please.

What's wrong with Japs? Just because people put a bad spin on it in the past doesn't mean its wrong. Its just a shortened version of the name. Michael's are Mike, Jimmy's are Jim, Japanese are Japs. Just a shortened version of the word that is only made racist by those who still have the racist mentality to associate it with racism.

Get over it people.

[Monroeski]

What's wrong with Japs? Just because people put a bad spin on it in the past doesn't mean its wrong. Its just a shortened version of the name. Michael's are Mike, Jimmy's are Jim, Japanese are Japs. Just a shortened version of the word that is only made racist by those who still have the racist mentality to associate it with racism.

Get over it people.
Yeah, sure, and the N word is just an alternate pronuciation of negro.

[Bone]

First of all, it was a quote from the Big Lebowski. Second, just because you're over racism doesn't mean the term Japs isn't still loaded for lots of people. Sometimes there is a social responsibility you need to raise yourself up to instead of getting over.

EDIT: I have a Polish friend who would punch you in the mouth if you "shortened" it to Pole.

[Draconis]

Just have her watch Blood Diamond, after that movie my wife said she never wants anything with diamonds again. Cha Chuga! Cubic Z engagement ring FTW!


Actually, I'm rather lucky in this regard. My girlfriend as a general rule, dislikes diamonds. She prefers Sapphires or any other gem that is blue.

Honestly, the gems on the ring don't matter much to her so long as it looks pretty. But I don't want to just buy a cheap ring either. Max I want to spend is 2k, and even then that takes a bit to save up for. So...we'll see what happens down the road.

Have no frigging clue how I will propose but I'll worry about getting the ring first.

[Baron Samedi]

First of all, it was a quote from the Big Lebowski. Second, just because you're over racism doesn't mean the term Japs isn't still loaded for lots of people. Sometimes there is a social responsibility you need to raise yourself up to instead of getting over.

EDIT: I have a Polish friend who would punch you in the mouth if you "shortened" it to Pole.

And what, fanboy is kosher?

[Highlar]

I also think it DOES bear remembering...for sales figures particularly for the "casuals" who are the "primary" Wii owners...that Nintendo really DOESN'T do much to market/advertise their properties. Esepcially it seems the bigger the IP, the less press coverage it gets from Nintendo. Although I hear that Super Mario Galaxy is supposed to have some TV commercials for it, I have yet to see one myself. Metroid Prime Corruption got next to no advertisement. Neither really have ANY big Wii title, or not so big, at that. Most games for Wii will go by word of mouth, same way that the system itself has sold. People will go to someone's house who has a Wii and game (like Galaxy), see how cool it is, and when they can afford it go out and pick it up themselves, which will give Wii games long legs over time, rather than immediate massive sales figures, is what I think.

[LongStepMantis]

That's not the preferred nomenclature, Dude. Asian-Americans, please.

Donnie, you're out of your element.

[oldjadedgamer]

Sure does. Major entries into the Mario franchise (Not counting the spinoffs, which just add to the pot.) end up with about 10 million+ historically, selling throughout the life of the console. Halo sells incredible at the very beginning, but tends to die off to a trickle very quickly as well. Look to Gears of War for an example of this. It sold 4 million last year. It hasn't reached 5 and likely will only just.

Now remember that Mario is a Japanese franchise so it's selling in three territories and Halo/Gears is a Western franchises and sells in only two.

[UV3]

Man, it's sold more here in one week than it has in Japan in nearly 3 weeks. That's a little surprising.

Is this confirmation that the American market is just as viable (if not moreso) for selling Japanese games as Japan itself?

If so, perhaps Microsoft should send a memo out to all the Japanese devs still holding out on the 360 that says something like, "Hey guys look at these numbers. AMERICANS BUY YOUR GAMES!"

Even taking into consideration the differences in demographics between the 360's and Wii's American userbase, I'd wager there's still enough Wii60 overlap to make the point valid.

Until you break up with her. Then it will be a cold, hard reminder.

Man I'm such a killjoy. :D

Thank you for that laugh :D

Dark humor FTW!

[The Ligand]

I think that japs like playing shitty games. If a game gets a good mass review, they stay away from it. Its kinda like the clothes over there that they call "fashionable"

While some may think of Jap as merely a shortening of Japanese, there are many people for whom the term certainly evokes racism. It's not necessary for anyone to intend to be offensive for their words to be offensive to others. That being said, I think TBL is a hilarious movie and the white russian drinking game has gotten as messed up as I've ever been.

[Gorvi]

Now remember that Mario is a Japanese franchise so it's selling in three territories and Halo/Gears is a Western franchises and sells in only two.
Wouldn't that be more the fault of Halo/Gears for not being more appealing to a wider audience? Or are you making the argument again that the Japanese will only buy Japanese games?

[51|RandoM]

If you want to sell a game in Japan the first step is to make a game they actually want to play.

Look at the Musou sales figures on 360... quite clearly there are people willing to buy 360 games as long as you make the right game.

[kid cabelgo]

That's not the preferred nomenclature, Dude. Asian-Americans, please.

Shut the FUCK up Donnie!

Edit: Oh, someone beat me to it.

[nixpayn]

i wonder what it would be without all those modded wiis out there hehe

[Lutheran]

Theres more fun in the first 30 mins of Galaxy then in the whole HALO 3 SP experience IMHO..of course you can play Halo 3 MP for the next 4 years so touche..Halo was well worth the money spent as is Galaxy.

[oldjadedgamer]

Wouldn't that be more the fault of Halo/Gears for not being more appealing to a wider audience? Or are you making the argument again that the Japanese will only buy Japanese games?

Not making any argument but it seems silly to compare a game that is popular in three territories to a game that is popular in two. Games are popular in different territories for what ever reason but it's silly to compare the sales.

Like God of War totally tanked in Japan. Does that mean it's a bad game? No, it's just means that it doesn't sell in that territory but I wouldn't compare Mario or any other Japanese franchise to that game either.

Also, it says more for God of War, Halo, and Gears that they can sell such high numbers without the added sales of the Japanese.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Also in Europe not so amazing... but I think Mario Galaxy will probably stay in that top 10 list for months. It should easily break 2M IMHO.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

2 million? 2 million?

I hope you only mean this year. Mario Sunshine sold 5.5 million, and it wasn't one of the best games of all time.

Mario games have VERY long legs.

[Heretic Machine]

Not making any argument but it seems silly to compare a game that is popular in three territories to a game that is popular in two. Games are popular in different territories for what ever reason but it's silly to compare the sales.

Like God of War totally tanked in Japan. Does that mean it's a bad game? No, it's just means that it doesn't sell in that territory but I wouldn't compare Mario or any other Japanese franchise to that game either.

Also, it says more for God of War, Halo, and Gears that they can sell such high numbers without the added sales of the Japanese.

You understand that this is not a discussion about the quality of Halo versus Mario, right? Halo is just being used as a comparison in the numbers it sold. What is being discussed is the marketability of a non-casual 3D platformer on the Wii. Many have claimed that the Wii's customer base isn't going to be buying games outside of casual games, which doesn't include traditional Mario games.

Basically it boils down to this: Are Wii owners real (or potential) gamers, or are they just hipsters following a trendy product? Fastest selling Mario ever goes a long way towards supporting the Wii as a legitimate gamer's platform.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

I can't way to play this game. First I have to get a Wii. Mario Galaxy, Super Paper Mario, and Twilight Princess ensure that I will have a Wii at home by early Spring. I NEED to play those games! Brawl should be fun too. :p

Those starting to argue Halo vs. Mario - can we have some threads here without that pointless fanboy drivel? Halo sells well up front, Mario sells well over time. Hell, New Super Mario Bros. is still in the top 20 on the charts I've seen, and that game came out two and a half years ago. The titles are on separate systems and in totally separate genres. They are both enjoyed by their respective fanbase. So let's move on!

[Johan]

Man, it's sold more here in one week than it has in Japan in nearly 3 weeks. That's a little surprising.

I believe the Japanese console gaming market is at best stagnant, and at worst in decline.

Handhelds rule Japan.

It is only a matter of time before I get a Wii. Fun stuff.

[Opty]

What Nintendo wants to do with the Wii and DS is to remove the spike aspect of video game sales. Halo 3 is a perfect example of this: 75% of Halo 3's sales have already happened, the rest will trickle out over the 360's lifetime. Nintendo wants games to not only start out selling strong, but stay selling strong for an extended amount of time. Hopefully (for their sakes) that's what happens with Galaxy.

[Chimpbot]

IHell, New Super Mario Bros. is still in the top 20 on the charts I've seen, and that game came out two and a half years ago. The titles are on separate systems and in totally separate genres. They are both enjoyed by their respective fanbase. So let's move on!

New Super Mario Bros came out last year, champ. May 15, 2006 to be precise.
This doesn't entirely invalidate your statement...but still.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

New Super Mario Bros came out last year, champ. May 15, 2006 to be precise.
This doesn't entirely invalidate your statement...but still.

Fine, fine, thanks for the correction Mr. SmartyPants.

[RMan]

500,000 in sales in a week, while good, seems like a disappointment for the Wii's largest release to date. If Halo 3 had dropped with sales of 500,000 in the first week, people would have been calling it an utter failure even though the 360 lineup is considerably stronger than that of the Wii.
It’s the fastest selling Mario game, that’s as far from disappointing as you can get. If it had the marketing of Halo 3, it would absolutely be a disappointment, but that’s because opening sales are always, for every product, more a reflection of the marketing rather than the marketability or long-term sales. I watched a decent amount of TV this week due to the holidays and didn’t see one commercial for it (haven’t seen one period), pretty stark contrast to what Halo gets for pre-release marketing. No game has ever gotten close to Halo’s pre-release marketing budget, therefore they obviously won’t get close to Halo’s opening sales, Halo’s marketing was never about increasing the profit for Halo. SMG is a normal game in that respect, and it’s sales are quite respectable considering this (or, more accurately, not considering the aberration).