April NPD Numbers

[pirateTITAN]

Well, the April numbers have been released (http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/npd-gta-iv-mario-kart-drive-us-game-industry-sales-to-123-billion-in-april/?biz=1), with the Wii really being the standout in number of systems sold, followed by the DS, which is surprising considering the launch of GTA IV. The PS3 and 360 are in almost a dead-lock, and the PS2 is still chugging along.

Hardware:
Wii - 714.2K
Nintendo DS - 414.8K
PSP - 192.7K
PlayStation 3 - 187.1K
Xbox 360 - 188.0K
PlayStation 2 - 124.4K

Software:
1. GTA IV – Xbox 360 – 1.85 million
2. Mario Kart Wii – Wii – 1.12 million
3. GTA IV – PS3 – 1.00 million
4. Wii Play w/ remote – Wii – 360K
5. Super Smash Bros. Brawl – Wii – 326K
6. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue – PS3 – 224K
7. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness – DS – 202K
8. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time – DS – 202K
9. Guitar Hero III – Wii – 152K
10. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare – Xbox 360 – 141K


GameDaily BIZ has received the April video game sales data from The NPD Group, and as expected Rockstar Games' GTA IV and Nintendo's Mario Kart Wii really drove the market. Total industry sales were $1.23 billion, up 47 percent, bringing sales year-to-date to $5.47 billion. Considering the incredible year that was 2007, it's amazing to see the U.S. game industry already tracking up 31 percent through April in 2008. This will truly be another outstanding year.

Hardware sales in April grew 26 percent to $426.2 million while software sales exploded, jumping 68 percent to $654.7 million. Accessories sales also grew 39 percent to $154 million.

The Xbox 360 and PS3 were also dead even, posting sales of 188K units and 187.1K units, respectively. Surprisingly, neither console topped 200K even with the talk of GTA IV boosting sales. In terms of hardware, Nintendo completely dominated once again. The GTA-less Wii sold 714.2K units while the DS sold 414.8K. Rounding out hardware, the PSP sold 192.7K and the PS2 sold 124.4K.

On the software front, the Xbox 360 version of GTA IV racked up 1.85 million units compared to 1.00 million for the PS3 version. So as it turns out, the GTA sales breakdown from leading retailer GameStop was almost exactly right (if you do the math, you'll get about 65 percent vs. GameStop's 64 percent). Sandwiched in between the two versions of GTA was Mario Kart Wii, which sold 1.12 million.

I expect a spike in the HD consoles for May, but I'm still surprised that the numbers were so low considering that GTA was probably the biggest game in terms of launch numbers this year.

[frederec]

I think it's interesting to see the PS2 continue plugging away. I wish I hadn't also recently seen things like this (http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q2-2008/051508a.html), where publishers talk about shying away from the PS2 because it's getting harder to convince stores to carry new PS2 games. I find statements like that odd when things like Persona 3: FES have been doing as well as they have.

[Baron Samedi]

Good to see Brawl & the PSP continue to sell well.

[Variable Gear]

Good to see [Game] and [System] continue to sell well.

[Baron Samedi]

With Wii Fit due out this month, I can't wait to see May's numbers.

[Evil Avnovice]

http://www.videogamesblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/ds-prints-money.gif

http://www.1pstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/wii-money.gif

[Talon-]

Here are some comparison from last month's numbers via Gamasutra (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18678).

Wii - 714.2K (from 721K)
Nintendo DS - 414.8K (from 698K)
PSP - 192.7K (from 297K)
Xbox 360 - 188.0K (from 230K)
PlayStation 3 - 187.1K (from 257K)
PlayStation 2 - 124.4K (from 216K)

Things that make you go hmm...

[Food Nipple]

I expect a spike in the HD consoles for May, but I'm still surprised that the numbers were so low considering that GTA was probably the biggest game in terms of launch numbers this year.

I expect the the HD consoles to continue selling at their mediocre pace until someone cuts their price to a more reasonable level.

[Johan]

Go NINTENDO! :D

[Evil Avnovice]

And pirateTITAN, your sig is on. :p

[Shadowstorm]

360 sells software like crazy.

[Food Nipple]

Here are some comparison from last month's numbers via Gamasutra (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18678).

Wii - 714.2K (from 721K)
Nintendo DS - 414.8K (from 698K)
PSP - 192.7K (from 297K)
Xbox 360 - 188.0K (from 230K)
PlayStation 3 - 187.1K (from 257K)
PlayStation 2 - 124.4K (from 216K)

Things that make you go hmm...

Last month was a 5 week reporting period, this month is only 4 weeks so that's not an accurate comparison. The 360 and PS3 sales are pretty much the same week to week as they were last month.

[OldEnoughToKnowBetter]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I don't expect to see a huge spike in HD system sales in the May numbers. I don't beleive that GTAIV is big system seller, yes it is flying out the doors at retail, but it is selling to people that already own one of the systems. Like those of us on EvAv. This release will 'just' serve to increase the already extremely ridiculous 360 attach rate.

[Deadend]

GTA IV and Mario Kart released at the end of the month, lets see how may looks.

GTA IV doubled the numbers of Mario Kart. Which proves my point.

The point is that GTA IV is awesome.

[Zanzibar]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I don't expect to see a huge spike in HD system sales in the May numbers. I don't beleive that GTAIV is big system seller, yes it is flying out the doors at retail, but it is selling to people that already own one of the systems. Like those of us on EvAv. This release will 'just' serve to increase the already extremely ridiculous 360 attach rate.

But...but...GTA4 is so good, it makes me want to buy a THIRD X360 system!!

[oldjadedgamer]

Why is the PS3 on top of the 360?

Wow, on the no hardware bump for either system due to GTA4. MS REALLY needs to drop the 360 price. And what up with Sony getting the super low numbers after Blu-ray won. They are still the same numbers they had last year with less games and a format war going on.

[Ix Quantum xI]

Why is the PS3 on top of the 360?


Cause so far its sold more in 08 ;)

[Talon-]

Last month was a 5 week reporting period, this month is only 4 weeks so that's not an accurate comparison. The 360 and PS3 sales are pretty much the same week to week as they were last month.

That makes a lot more sense. Thanks for point that out, Nip. ;)

[trip1eX]

Wow. Pretty farkin' amazing month for Nintendo all-around. The Wii outsold the 360 and PS3 combined 2-1.

[pirateTITAN]

Why is the PS3 on top of the 360?

Wow, on the no hardware bump for either system due to GTA4. MS REALLY needs to drop the 360 price. And what up with Sony getting the super low numbers after Blu-ray won. They are still the same numbers they had last year with less games and a format war going on.

Aww man, my bad. I manually ordered the list but I guess I overlooked the two consoles.

Could a kind Red please switch up the PS3 and 360 so they're in the right order? And thanks to the Red who took out my signature too.

And thanks for the info Nipple, that does explain some things, and makes me cringe in horror even more. The Wii sold almost as much in even less time:eek:.

[pomeroy]

Why is the PS3 on top of the 360?

Wow, on the no hardware bump for either system due to GTA4. MS REALLY needs to drop the 360 price. And what up with Sony getting the super low numbers after Blu-ray won. They are still the same numbers they had last year with less games and a format war going on.

I don't get why that's such a wow. GTA4 was out for what, 2 days of these numbers?

[Alex]

Bill Harris just posted his in depth analysis (http://dubiousquality.blogspot.com/2008/05/console-post-of-week-they-said-what.html) of the numbers. It's very interesting reading.

[oldjadedgamer]

I don't get why that's such a wow. GTA4 was out for what, 2 days of these numbers?

The date goes until May 3rd so 5 days. Basically, it's first week of sales.

[Baron Samedi]

Bill Harris just posted his in depth analysis (http://dubiousquality.blogspot.com/2008/05/console-post-of-week-they-said-what.html) of the numbers. It's very interesting reading.

Not bad. But it still worth noting the 360's high attach rate and the number of million sellers it boasts. Still, 360 needs a price drop (and reliable system) fast.

[Phanto]

I didn't know Mario Kart has sold around 1 million thats pretty nice considering GTAIV was released 1 or two days later.

Can't wait for those price cuts I might actually buy a PS3 when they are sub $200 and a new sku is released with a larger hard drive and the console itself is made more skinny.

[ElfShotTheFood]

I expect a Nintendo press release soon, trumpeting the Wii as the best-selling non-HD system in the United States.

[Talon-]

I believe the PS3's on top of the 360 because its cumulative sales for 2008 are higher, which is why the order is Wii, DS, PSP...

[agentgray]

As always Bill Harris says it best. Always.

http://dubiousquality.blogspot.com/2008/05/console-post-of-week-they-said-what.html

[bapenguin]

More proof that Microsoft and Sony need to cut the price of their console.

[Siraris]

http://next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10518&Itemid=2

Of all the months to say that Sony is being "squeezed out" they pick one where they "won" by like 900 consoles? That's pretty funny.

Does this mean Microsoft has been shot out of a canon because they were outsold 7-1 by the Wii?

[Gorvi]

http://next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10518&Itemid=2

Of all the months to say that Sony is being "squeezed out" they pick one where they "won" by like 900 consoles? That's pretty funny.

Does this mean Microsoft has been shot out of a canon because they were outsold 7-1 by the Wii?
Aaron Greenberg has been taking the "asshat quote award" for the consoles lately. It's rather amusing.

[roboninja]

So is HD-consoles the new term for trying to pretend the Wii is not stomping both the 360 and the PS3?

I mean, combine both the 360 and PS3 numbers, and you barely get half of the Wii's.

More proof that Microsoft and Sony need to cut the price of their console.

Absolutely, 100% correct.

[Food Nipple]

I mean, combine both the 360 and PS3 numbers, and you barely get half of the Wii's.


Why stop there, you can combine the 360, PS3, PSP, and PS2 numbers, and the Wii still has them beat combined.

[DarkDaY]

good on Nintendo, problem I see with this trend is, Nintendo is going to continue to see thats its all right to release a system and make little to no games for it.
I miss the nintendo of old, when it had my favorite games on it.
Shovel ware.

And its easy to see why, its a cheep impulse purchase for the new city yuppies who have wii parties, there are many kids under 10, and they managed to target the soccor mom, and even 50 and up mom.

Thats a lot of new consumers. Now only if they can sell some games for it other than wii play, and golf.

Im happy for your success Nintendo, but im mad at you right now, if it wasnt for the greatness of the ds, I would be freaking fuming.

as far as ps3 and xbox360, meh, I dont really care that much as long as the games keep coming, but damn if the 360 isnt a beast for moving software.

[Johan]

Nintendo gets shit it doesn't deserve; I'm happy for them. They have the two largest selling gaming devices, EASILY and by far! Also, not counting Wii Play w/remote, they have three Wii and two DS games in the top ten; HALF the top ten in software! The 360 may have a better overall attach rate, but Nintendo is doing just fine selling hardware AND software.

Kick ass, Nintendo. I love it.

[Deadend]

Everyone wants a Wii still.

It's the American Idol of gaming (oh yes I did!)

[Norse]

CoD4 for 360 still on the list? WOW! That's pretty damn impressive.

[Wolvie]

Damn the 360 and PS3 are really close in systems sold.

[Wslove]

I expect a spike in the HD consoles for May, but I'm still surprised that the numbers were so low considering that GTA was probably the biggest game in terms of launch numbers this year.

I used to work in Marketing at a games publisher and got the NPD numbers every month. If you look at GTA sales they really aren't that impressive from a "Wow they sold 40 million units" perspective. What is impressive about their numbers is that they start off strong, like a million or two numbers wise, and then they drop off to sell 300 to 500 thousand.

And they'll continue to sell that much for the next two years.

That's what's impressive about GTA sales. Staying power.

[Wslove]

Make that 300 thousand to 500 thousand per month.

When did the Edit button go away?

[H.Bogard]

Even allowing for the difference between production shipments and sales into retail, that is an incredible gap. By Sony's own projections, over twenty-seven months into its lifepsan, the PS3 will be selling, at best, at roughly half the rate of the PS2.

That's a wipeout, no matter what Sony claims.

From Dubiousquality.

[Yellowman]

good on Nintendo, problem I see with this trend is, Nintendo is going to continue to see thats its all right to release a system and make little to no games for it.
I miss the nintendo of old, when it had my favorite games on it.
Shovel ware.

And its easy to see why, its a cheep impulse purchase for the new city yuppies who have wii parties, there are many kids under 10, and they managed to target the soccor mom, and even 50 and up mom.

Thats a lot of new consumers. Now only if they can sell some games for it other than wii play, and golf.

Im happy for your success Nintendo, but im mad at you right now, if it wasnt for the greatness of the ds, I would be freaking fuming.

as far as ps3 and xbox360, meh, I dont really care that much as long as the games keep coming, but damn if the 360 isnt a beast for moving software.

Yawn. 360 is a frat boy console that pushes it's testerone soaked jock strap right down your throat. And that's before you even get online!

Face it, tons of gamers bought the Wii. It is a gamers system, not some yuppie fad, just not the kind of games with bald space marines, 'cool' characters, browns and greys etc etc...

[Chameleo]

Yawn. 360 is a frat boy console that pushes it's testerone soaked jock strap right down your throat. And that's before you even get online!

Face it, tons of gamers bought the Wii. It is a gamers system, not some yuppie fad, just not the kind of games with bald space marines, 'cool' characters, browns and greys etc etc...

AMEN to that.

i'll take style over polygon counts any day.

[Disgustipated]

Yawn. 360 is a frat boy console that pushes it's testerone soaked jock strap right down your throat. And that's before you even get online!

Face it, tons of gamers bought the Wii. It is a gamers system, not some yuppie fad, just not the kind of games with bald space marines, 'cool' characters, browns and greys etc etc...

Let's make sweeping generalizations, shall we? The 360 is not a "frat boy console", it is a gamer's console. It's up to the user to determine what kind of games they want to play. That's why it's a platform. This may be hard for some of us to understand.

This also determines that the Wii isn't stricly a kiddy console; no, No More Heroes, among other games, definitely throws a monkey wrench in the "kiddy console" argument.

[KJAX]

Let's make sweeping generalizations, shall we? The 360 is not a "frat boy console", it is a gamer's console. It's up to the user to determine what kind of games they want to play. That's why it's a platform. This may be hard for some of us to understand.

This also determines that the Wii isn't stricly a kiddy console; no, No More Heroes, among other games, definitely throws a monkey wrench in the "kiddy console" argument.

If you haven't already grabbed it, I suggest getting No More Heroes for $20 at Circuit City this week. Or better yet, grab their ad and go buy it elsewhere via pricematch. And now, back to the thread.

As far as I can see, XBOX 360 is doing just fine in terms of moving the software off the shelves. The first months of the year are typically a slow time for hardware sales and their numbers show that trend. Kudos to them for cutting their prices last fall.

As for Sony, the situation is better than it ever has been with the $399 console here in the states. All other factors typically being equal, it typically comes down to price. And the $399 console has revived Sony's fortunes. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that the PS2 sales continue to add to their bottom line. What has hurt their bottom line (and yeah, this does need to be repeated) is their myriad of SKUs for their systems that simply were not thought through well enough. I'm sure the PS3 will be fine in the long term. The MGS4 release will reveal this.

As for Nintendo, very little needs to be said. Both the Wii and DS continue to defy tradition, but especially the Wii. The price point is right, the controller is fun, and the people love it. Yes, it is the American Idol of consoles. :D

[Disgustipated]

If you haven't already grabbed it, I suggest getting No More Heroes for $20 at Circuit City this week. Or better yet, grab their ad and go buy it elsewhere via pricematch. And now, back to the thread.



If I had a Wii, I'd go for it. Might recommend it to a few people.

[silv]

If you haven't already grabbed it, I suggest getting No More Heroes for $20 at Circuit City this week. Or better yet, grab their ad and go buy it elsewhere via pricematch. And now, back to the thread.

As far as I can see, XBOX 360 is doing just fine in terms of moving the software off the shelves. The first months of the year are typically a slow time for hardware sales and their numbers show that trend. Kudos to them for cutting their prices last fall.

As for Sony, the situation is better than it ever has been with the $399 console here in the states. All other factors typically being equal, it typically comes down to price. And the $399 console has revived Sony's fortunes. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that the PS2 sales continue to add to their bottom line. What has hurt their bottom line (and yeah, this does need to be repeated) is their myriad of SKUs for their systems that simply were not thought through well enough. I'm sure the PS3 will be fine in the long term. The MGS4 release will reveal this.

As for Nintendo, very little needs to be said. Both the Wii and DS continue to defy tradition, but especially the Wii. The price point is right, the controller is fun, and the people love it. Yes, it is the American Idol of consoles. :D

I don't think MGS4 will be the saviour of the PS3 that everyone is thinking it will be. The people who want MGS4 enough to buy a PS3 already have one.

[Farsight]

I just wonder what's driving all these Wii sales. There's very little to play on the Wii, and the best quality games are primarily sequels to games that haven't helped Nintendo stay out of 3rd for years.

I haven't played (with) my Wii in months, maybe not at all in 2008. If not for the little red light, I wouldn't even be sure it was plugged in.

The Wii appears to have reached a point where it simply sells because it sells. Kudos to Nintendo's marketing: they've turned an underpowered machine with gimmicky controls (true until we see consistent proof otherwise) into the market leader. When the next-gen rolls around, expect Sony and MS to unviel commercials featuring the new Soniimote / 720WHAM! controllers being enjoyed by everyone who never plays their systems: The elderly, infants, retards, cats, dogs, and girls!

[DarkDaY]

Yawn. 360 is a frat boy console that pushes it's testerone soaked jock strap right down your throat. And that's before you even get online!

Face it, tons of gamers bought the Wii. It is a gamers system, not some yuppie fad, just not the kind of games with bald space marines, 'cool' characters, browns and greys etc etc...

well, hmm...I really dont know how to respond to something like this.
Last time I was in university was 10 years ago. But ok.
I rarely go online with my 360, and did I mention I have a wii? I do but lent it to my mom. She had never played a game before in her life now she has wii parties with her friends all realistate and investors. Good on Nintendo for getting into that market as many of them have got their own now.


One year leter they still only have wii sports, and I bought her tiger woods.

I never called it fad, I really just want more focus on the the games that made them great. Not more crap shovel ware.

I love nintendo, I love Sony, I love MS, when it comes to video games.
You on the other hand sound like a fanboy in your response so Ill leave it at this and skip over your other posts, thx for the heads up.

[DarkDaY]

Let's make sweeping generalizations, shall we? The 360 is not a "frat boy console", it is a gamer's console. It's up to the user to determine what kind of games they want to play. That's why it's a platform. This may be hard for some of us to understand.

This also determines that the Wii isn't stricly a kiddy console; no, No More Heroes, among other games, definitely throws a monkey wrench in the "kiddy console" argument.

dont waste your breathe, very rarely do the Nintendo fanboys get to come out swinging so give them their time on the stage, its rare indeed when the sony/ms boys are not up there fighting. I think however they must by lonely when they finally do get a chance at the mic and find out no one is listening
or cares.

I mean, what gamer over 25 could really knock Nintendo, far as im concerned they are and will be my fav company of all time. Fanboys can never see that there is a possibility that the poster in question might actually love the company its complaining about, they respond with knee jerk reactions to anything that might possibly contest their platform of choice.

Wierd. They all rule, they all suck

[Gorvi]

The low PS3 and 360 numbers are pretty surprising to me. I'd have thought over 300k at least for both with the launch of such a big game.

[tiremfej]

I haven't played (with) my Wii in months, maybe not at all in 2008. If not for the little red light, I wouldn't even be sure it was plugged in.


Sounds like a personal problem too me, maybe you should get checked out by a doctor? I would...haha

I'm sorry, I couldn't let that quote get by.

[DarkDaY]

The low PS3 and 360 numbers are pretty surprising to me. I'd have thought over 300k at least for both with the launch of such a big game.

Seems to me that last gen, and the one most remember who are playing now, ie, the younger gen, where playing the ps2.

This gen we have 2 high powered machines that are very similar to the average consumer, almost too similar. So they share the market.

The wii is so different compared to the others and cheaper, its like bizzaro world, everything flipped.

if the average sales for sony and ms combined is around 500 k it makes sense to me.
Last gen the ps2 would have hovered around 400 and xbox around 100, Im just throwing out numbers but I think ya get my point.

In the end I think its going to be a shared market between them due to all the similarities, hardware/games to the average consumer, you know, the ones that make up the majority of the numbers.
The wii targeted everyone else THEN us. Knowing our loyalty would carry over regardless.

[Yeti2005]

What a very boring NPD. I mean there's nothing here for people to start flame wars with. The PS3 and 360 are even. The Wii is on top (as usual). GTA sold well which was expected. Here's hoping next month will shake things up a little ;)

[Hellstorm]

http://uppix.net/9/3/d/20a9f87f82cfe68cced9b4dbafe19.gif

http://uppix.net/e/c/5/e824e753ab8071d83b688ee7ba9aa.html

http://i25.tinypic.com/207thee.gif

http://i32.tinypic.com/5lte8y.gif

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff91/donny2112_gaf/apr2008.gif

[baz]

well, hmm...I really dont know how to respond to something like this.


You had to see how his post was a counter troll to your original troll right? Don't take issue with him when he does what you did back in your face.

(btw I have both a 360 and a Wii and love both)

[Kelegacy]

The Wii is a fucking monster. Holy shit.

Who is buying these things? But since the Wii fad hasn't affected my gameplaying on the other systems yet, I think the casual vs. hardcore machines can coexist in harmony. At least I hope so. A mass exodus of developers to the Wii would be worse, in my opinion, than when quality PC developers go console-only.

[Hellstorm]

A mass exodus of developers to the Wii console-only.

At these sales rates, it is inevitable. Time to join the winning team.

[asimonk]

The low PS3 and 360 numbers are pretty surprising to me. I'd have thought over 300k at least for both with the launch of such a big game.

To follow off what silv said, in a more general fashion, the people who thought GTA4 was a must have probably already had one of the systems.

[Johan]

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff91/donny2112_gaf/apr2008.gif

That one is absolutely classic.

The first one is pretty funny, too! :)

Edit: Very nice post following this one, too. Well said, Lutheran. Well said.

[Lutheran]

I just wonder what's driving all these Wii sales. There's very little to play on the Wii, and the best quality games are primarily sequels to games that haven't helped Nintendo stay out of 3rd for years.

Pure BS , I love hearing that there are no Wii games to play LMAO. There are a boatload of good games on the Wii to play. Maybe you don't like any of them but you can stop wondering..trust me , there are a lot of games to be played and good ones.


I haven't played (with) my Wii in months, maybe not at all in 2008. If not for the little red light, I wouldn't even be sure it was plugged in.

You should sell it then , if you didn't want to play Brawl or Mario Kart or No More Heroes then you just don't need to have a Wii any longer..



The Wii appears to have reached a point where it simply sells because it sells. Kudos to Nintendo's marketing: they've turned an underpowered machine with gimmicky controls (true until we see consistent proof otherwise) into the market leader. When the next-gen rolls around, expect Sony and MS to unviel commercials featuring the new Soniimote / 720WHAM! controllers being enjoyed by everyone who never plays their systems: The elderly, infants, retards, cats, dogs, and girls!

The machine is underpowered when compared to the other 2 consoles but it still more powerful then the last XBOX and all the microsoft lovers here splooged all over that system..not to mention a game like God of War 2 for the PS2 looks as good as a great deal of 360 games do right now so this is all a bunch of crap. Good art and sound gameplay>>>>high polys any day of the week..

[vherub]

I just wonder what's driving all these Wii sales. There's very little to play on the Wii, and the best quality games are primarily sequels to games that haven't helped Nintendo stay out of 3rd for years.

I haven't played (with) my Wii in months, maybe not at all in 2008. If not for the little red light, I wouldn't even be sure it was plugged in.

The Wii appears to have reached a point where it simply sells because it sells. Kudos to Nintendo's marketing: they've turned an underpowered machine with gimmicky controls (true until we see consistent proof otherwise) into the market leader. When the next-gen rolls around, expect Sony and MS to unviel commercials featuring the new Soniimote / 720WHAM! controllers being enjoyed by everyone who never plays their systems: The elderly, infants, retards, cats, dogs, and girls!

Perhaps the problem is you haven't turned it on.

[Talon-]

A few choice quotes for those that don't feel like reading the entire Dubious Quality (http://dubiousquality.blogspot.com/2008/05/console-post-of-week-they-said-what.html) post...


This is extremely compelling evidence for Microsoft that they have to cut the price in the U.S., and quickly. Last year in April, the 360 sold 174,000 units. This year, with a lower price, and the biggest game launch of their year, they sell only 14,000 more units? That's a horrific number for them.

For the last year, I've thought that the Wii would dominate, but that there would be a clear second place, and the second-place console would still do very, very well. Now, though, it's looking like both Microsoft and Sony might be completely overwhelmed.

That is absolutely not what I expected. There were fewer copies of GTA IV sold for the 360 as a percentage of the installed base? And this is after signing a deal with Rockstar for exclusive content?

Sure, that's not an exact comparison, and Microsoft's already lobbing excuses out there, but it's still a bad, bad number for them.

Another bad number for Microsoft emerged from this weeks earnings release from Electronic Arts. In the "Platform Next Revenue Mix" of their earnings statement, there was this:

Platform Net Revenue Mix (http://bp0.blogger.com/_dPztQu3bG3c/SCyOaG6qNVI/AAAAAAAAARQ/kFdWhxjSkbg/s1600-h/EAearnings.GIF)

Look at the change in PS3 revenue versus 360 revenue. Again, that's a horrible trend for Microsoft.


In yesterday's earnings report, Sony included a shocking bit of forecasting: for the current fiscal year, they project that they'll be selling 10.0 million units into retail worldwide.

Why is that so shocking? Because in the fiscal year just concluded (ending March 31, 2008), they sold 9.24 million units into retail.

Unit sales growth projected for this fiscal year? 8.2%.

It seems like Microsoft has been screwing up in epic quantities since the beginning of the year, but Sony doesn't seem to care--they're not going to ratchet up the pressure by cutting prices. Although it's possible, based on the April NPD numbers (and their total wipeout in Japan), that they'll have to cut prices just to get to 10 million, which would be quite embarrassing.

So the next time you hear a Sony executive bellowing about their brilliance, just remember that he's wearing a t-shirt underneath that says "8.2% unit growth."

[H.Bogard]

<- would kill for a few hours of NMH over GTA IV any day of the week.

[Roc Ingersol]

I expect the the HD consoles to continue selling at their mediocre pace until someone cuts their price to a more reasonable level.That's been my feeling for some time. We're now 30 months out from the launch of the 360, and it's had one minor price drop.

Also: I find it interesting that conventional wisdom told us there were a ton of people waiting for GTA IV to buy a new console -- and it turns out that they don't exist.

[Telefrog]

Also: I find it interesting that conventional wisdom told us there were a ton of people waiting for GTA IV to buy a new console -- and it turns out that they don't exist.

I never understood what those people were smoking. I always said that the people that wanted GTA IV have, by this point, bought one or the other consoles before the launch.

[Rarely Operable Brain]

I'm just glad I got my 360 repaired so I could PLAY GTA IV - it did the RRoD two days after I purchased the game. Now, to my 360's credit, it was built in Jan. 2006, and I bought it in March of 2006 and hadn't had any problems with it for over 2 years, which I think places me ahead of the curve compared to most.

I will say that the turnaround on getting my 360 back was much quicker than I expected. I got it back yesterday, which was exactly 2 weeks from the day I put in the repair request with Microsoft. The representative I spoke to indicated it could take as many as 3 to 4 weeks, so 2 weeks was a pleasant surprise. :cool:

[Zaro]

I'm not surprise with the Wii sales, there's so much fun games for everyone.
I think the variety of games is what make the strength of the Wii and Wiiware
will help to continue in this way.

What's important for me is that they need to bring some good single player titles
between these pick up and play games.

[Roc Ingersol]

I never understood what those people were smoking. I always said that the people that wanted GTA IV have, by this point, bought one or the other consoles before the launch.You and me both. I mean, Halo 3 didn't really move consoles. Madden 08 didn't really move consoles. Yet the echo chamber prattled on about how important it was to have 'the' definitive GTA experience because of all those inevitable console sales it would bring.

And, unsurprisingly, GTA IV didn't move consoles.

Of course they still prattle on about MGS4 now.
Let me go out on a limb here: MGS4 will also not really move consoles.

And in the meantime, the Wii --with a small handful of game experiences that weren't found on the GameCube-- will continue to move a boatload of consoles.

[RorschachCCCLX]

HD- High Denomination

[Bydo_Empire]

Wow. Pretty farkin' amazing month for Nintendo all-around. The Wii outsold the 360 and PS3 combined 2-1.What's even more amazing is that the Wii outsold the 360, ps3, ps3 and psp combined. Great job, Nintendo. Nice to see GH3 Wii sales continue to be strong, too.

[bapenguin]

At these sales rates, it is inevitable. Time to join the winning team.

Except you aren't seeing developers do that....I wonder why?

[Hellstorm]

Except you aren't seeing developers do that....I wonder why?
Because they bet on the wrong horses, you can't suddenly expect them to slam on the breaks and change gears. But it is starting to happen slowly, The Conduit, and the great WiiWare games. They will, give it time. This is probably the wake up call, they can't ignore the money they are leaving on the table forever.

http://www.themanandhischeese.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/aprilnpd.html

[Zaro]

One thing is sure is that we don't see less third party developing for the Wii.

[Kelegacy]

Because they bet on the wrong horses, you can't suddenly expect them to slam on the breaks and change gears. But it is starting to happen slowly, The Conduit, and the great WiiWare games. They will, give it time. This is probably the wake up call, they can't ignore the money they are leaving on the table forever.

http://www.themanandhischeese.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/aprilnpd.html

I doubt the WiiWare games will be any less shallow or awful than their disc-based cousins. I've seen a couple reviews on Gamespot already, one for Final Fantasy, the other for LostWinds. Sounds like same old Wii to me.

The Wii might be selling like mad, but there is absolutely no way to create some of the experiences we are having on the 360 or PS3 on the Wii. And if somehow we could, most of those experiences would be compounded by waggle or rattle controls.

The Wii has found a nice fat piece of real estate that wasn't lived in before. I can see people wanting to visit that neighborhood now and then, but for most gamers they just won't want to live there solely. The Wii as the sole device in a gamer's home? I'd probably be forced to give up gaming if that was the only option.

[Zaro]

I've seen good review and read good thing about Lostwind and Final Fantasy.
Gamespot are the only one who didn't like Lostwind. I'm pretty sure Wiiware
will be a success.

[Kelegacy]

I've seen good review and read good thing about Lostwind and Final Fantasy.
Gamespot are the only one who didn't like Lostwind. I'm pretty sure Wiiware
will be a success.

You know, I have to apologize. I didn't even see the other reviews until you mentioned it, and then I went out and looked. Strange, because the things Gamespot listed sounded to be pretty darn bad indeed.

However, by looking at some of the pricing for Final Fantasy content, it seems the DLC pricing schemes for every platform, whether it be PS3, 360 or Wii are equally insidious. Oh well.

[frederec]

I've seen good review and read good thing about Lostwind and Final Fantasy.
Gamespot are the only one who didn't like Lostwind. I'm pretty sure Wiiware
will be a success.

My wife has been playing Final Fantasy obsessively since I downloaded it for her on Monday. But she's a bit of a sucker for city-building games. People also seem to be pretty positive about Lost Winds.

I see the Wii shaping up to be like the Gamecube. Sure, my PS2 collections dwarfs my Gamecube collection, but the games I have for the GC make it worthwhile. It didn't get nearly the play as the PS2, but the play it did get was good.

My only problem is as of right now, neither of the Wii's competitors are shaping up like the PS2 for me, since I play mostly JRPGs. Oddly, that's being done by the PSP and the DS. Which is fine for me, because I like all the consoles better than the 360 and the PS3 for one main reason: the games don't get released at $60. That price point is why the only PS3 game I've bought so far is Echochrome. Everything else can wait for a price drop.

[frederec]

However, by looking at some of the pricing for Final Fantasy content, it seems the DLC pricing schemes for every platform, whether it be PS3, 360 or Wii are equally insidious. Oh well.

I took the plunge on Final Fantasy. But when I told my wife about the downloadable content (which all told can add up to almost $30), she said she'll pass since the game is plenty fun on it's own. And in that respect, I think it looks pretty good for a $15 game.

[Evil Avnovice]

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/3052/iwatauk6.jpg

Thank you, Zanzibar.

[Froggy]

Innovation and intrigue are neck and neck at the finish, with price point a close third. Gameplay is rounding the final bend, while power and graphics seem to have slowed to a trot.

[Vanthar]

Innovation and intrigue are neck and neck at the finish, with price point a close third. Gameplay is rounding the final bend, while power and graphics seem to have slowed to a trot.

LOL. That is all.

[Hellstorm]

The Wii might be selling like mad, but there is absolutely no way to create some of the experiences we are having on the 360 or PS3 on the Wii. And if somehow we could, most of those experiences would be compounded by waggle or rattle controls.



This notion is wrong. Any game on the PS3 and 360 can be done on the Wii with some work, note I said work meaning it won't be a walk in the park, but it can be done. You will lose the graphical fidelity on many of them, DD 5.1, and some physics, but you won't lose the BASE GAMEPLAY.

And as many games have shown, such as RE4 and MP3, the Wiimote makes control even BETTER.

RE5 running on the Wii with the RE 4 engine and the controls of RE4 Wii edition would kill all the other versions control wise. Graphic wise, no one cares.

[Norse]

This notion is wrong. Any game on the PS3 and 360 can be done on the Wii with some work, note I said work meaning it won't be a walk in the park, but it can be done. You will lose the graphical fidelity on many of them, DD 5.1, and some physics, but you won't lose the BASE GAMEPLAY.

To me 5.1 and HD are integral to the gaming experience. That's why I find the HD consoles to be more relevant to my gaming "needs".

[CapnBob]

To me 5.1 and HD are integral to the gaming experience. That's why I find the HD consoles to be more relevant to my gaming "needs".

Wow, so you like the kool-aid? It's yummy? All sugary with just a hint of almonds? Oh yeah!

[Kelegacy]

RE5 running on the Wii with the RE 4 engine and the controls of RE4 Wii edition would kill all the other versions control wise. Graphic wise, no one cares.

If I'm going to be playing Gamecube era graphics, what's the point of upgrading to an entirely new system? A new controller?

That would be the equivalent of the PS3 looking like the PS2, with the Sixaxis as the new input device (but with a pointer as well). Boring.

I agree that graphics aren't the most important thing, but I'll be damned if I say they don't help create a more immersive experience. RE5 on the Wii? Blah. Go forward, not back. Graphics are not just superficial.

[Norse]

If I'm going to be playing Gamecube era graphics, what's the point of upgrading to an entirely new system? A new controller?

That would be the equivalent of the PS3 looking like the PS2, with the Sixaxis as the new input device (but with a pointer as well). Boring.

I agree that graphics aren't the most important thing, but I'll be damned if I say they don't help create a more immersive experience. RE5 on the Wii? Blah. Go forward, not back. Graphics are not just superficial.

GTAIV with waggle instead of HD would be so awesome.

[Bydo_Empire]

The good Wii games don't use waggle. They either use the pointer (MoH:Heroes 2, MP3: Corruption, etc), or motion controls that are natural, responsive, and immersive (Godfather, No More Heroes, etc). We just need more games that do this right.

[Johan]

Wow, so you like the kool-aid? It's yummy? All sugary with just a hint of almonds? Oh yeah!

This was unnecessary. Norse is one of the most level-headed posters we have around here. He never gets in a pissing match with anyone.

Please don't poop on my favorite Norwegian. :)

[Variable Gear]

Graphics are superficial and do very little to increase my interest in a title.

[Norse]

This was unnecessary. Norse is one of the most level-headed posters we have around here. He never gets in a pissing match with anyone.

Please don't poop on my favorite Norwegian. :)

Thank you good Sir :) You're now officially my favorite American with Swedish roots :p

[KJAX]

I don't think MGS4 will be the saviour of the PS3 that everyone is thinking it will be. The people who want MGS4 enough to buy a PS3 already have one.

That may be true but at the very least, the game will keep keep people (like me) who don't have the system interested in buying it. If you look at the current library of games that are exclusive to the 360, you will see just how much Sony needs MGS4. Of course, it's doesn't hurt to have a game like Drake's Fortune on your system either.

[Chameleo]

To me 5.1 and HD are integral to the gaming experience. That's why I find the HD consoles to be more relevant to my gaming "needs".

don't you feel shallow and superficial saying that?

I still enjoy playing Chrono Trigger and so on, all that extra stuff is superfluous... what happened to the power of your imagination?!

we've been enjoying books for 100s of years, do they need to be improved?

[Kelegacy]

don't you feel shallow and superficial saying that?

I still enjoy playing Chrono Trigger and so on, all that extra stuff is superfluous... what happened to the power of your imagination?!

we've been enjoying books for 100s of years, do they need to be improved?

I really want to know when graphics and gameplay became mutually exclusive. You can't have both? I think you can, as many 360 and PS3 games show.

[Variable Gear]

Obviously, as a Wii and DS owner, graphics have very little impact on my buying habits. ;)

Not everyone is like that though. Some people want good graphics with their gameplay, and while I just want good gameplay it's important for me to remember that not everyone shares that opinion. One opinion that I'm sure we can all agree on is that the wide variety of games available is what makes gaming great. The great variety of genres and hybrid genres that we have seen this generation have been quite entertaining, to say the least. :D

[KSmitty]

I really want to know when graphics and gameplay became mutually exclusive. You can't have both? I think you can, as many 360 and PS3 games show.

I would say around the same time people started referring to the Wii as a toy/not a 'real' console for not having HD, multi-channel surround, etc. Or since people seem to have forgotten that some of the best PS2 games were made on five year old tech. Having all those things that define a 'next-gen/HD' console are great, but that does not automatically label other consoles as inferior gameplay experiences.

[Bahamut]

I really want to know when graphics and gameplay became mutually exclusive. You can't have both? I think you can, as many 360 and PS3 games show.

It's nice to have both - however, most games don't make use of the graphical capabilities in a way that enhances the gameplay at all, even the highly touted ones. In fact, most just make me pissed that I don't have an HDTV since most of these 360 & PS3 games look like shit on my shitty 20" TV (and yes, I do plan on buying a nice HDTV in August). It's just frustrating that for such a highly touted feature, it is woefully underused appropriately, even for setting atmosphere, and when most of these games are broken in some aspects, it's inexcusable that all this stress is placed on graphics when developers should spend some more time tweaking their games.

[Disgustipated]

I think it's funny, all of these people claiming "better graphics are all the PS3/360 offerz lol!"

Guess what? It's not all graphics. New physics, larger worlds, better AI, and more details are what these consoles offer.

There is a reason Fable 2 will most likely realize everything Fable 1 couldn't: better hardware.

You are ignorant if you believe more powerful hardware only results in better graphics.

[Disgustipated]

It's nice to have both - however, most games don't make use of the graphical capabilities in a way that enhances the gameplay at all, even the highly touted ones. In fact, most just make me pissed that I don't have an HDTV since most of these 360 & PS3 games look like shit on my shitty 20" TV (and yes, I do plan on buying a nice HDTV in August). It's just frustrating that for such a highly touted feature, it is woefully underused appropriately, even for setting atmosphere, and when most of these games are broken in some aspects, it's inexcusable that all this stress is placed on graphics when developers should spend some more time tweaking their games.

If you haven't played GTA IV in HD, you should probably just delete your post.

[Evil Avatar]

we've been enjoying books for 100s of years, do they need to be improved?

If my favorite authors could somehow write faster while still retaining their quality, I would be down with that. :D

[Bahamut]

If you haven't played GTA IV in HD, you should probably just delete your post.

I haven't gotten to, and probably won't till August - the only game where the difference really shines so far for me is CoD 4.

[Variable Gear]

There is a reason Fable 2 will most likely realize everything Fable 1 couldn't: better hardware.
In terms of features, maybe. But Fable 2 really doesn't look like a 360 game.

[Kelegacy]

In terms of features, maybe. But Fable 2 really doesn't look like a 360 game.

Really? What does a 360 game look like? I think it is shaping up to be a really pretty game. Fable was no slouch in that department, though.

[Variable Gear]

Really? What does a 360 game look like? I think it is shaping up to be a really pretty game. Fable was no slouch in that department, though.
I just looked at some of the released Fable 2 screens and there is quite a bit of detail in the game. It does look like a 360 title.