May NPD Numbers

[Queasy]

Link

Following an April in which software sales were slightly down, in May the video game industry in the U.S. bounced back nicely. Console software was up 31 percent to more than $274 million, and total video game industry sales soared 49 percent to $815.5 million. Year-to-date, video game sales have reached $5 billion, a 47 percent increase over last year's $3.4 billion. A record breaking year would almost seem guaranteed for 2007.

Console hardware was a real driver of growth in May as sales climbed 79 percent to $221.4 million. Overall in hardware, the Nintendo DS (at this point, not surprisingly) took top honors... again. Nintendo sold through 423K units during the month. This was followed by Wii, PSP, PS2, Xbox 360, and then PS3. Unfortunately, NPD could not provide a complete hardware sales breakdown as of press time, but directionally it is interesting to see the PSP outselling the PS2, 360 and PS3.

On the software side, Nintendo's Pokemon Diamond for the DS once again led all titles. The game sold an additional 331.2K units, bringing total sales of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl in the U.S. to well over 2 million thus far. Diamond and Pearl have already sold over 5 million copies in Japan, and the entire Pokemon franchise has sold over 155 million.

Here's the complete top ten list (ranked by units), as provided by NPD.

1. Pokemon Diamond?DS?Nintendo

2. Mario Party 8?Wii?Nintendo

3. Spider-Man 3?PS2?Activision

4. Pokemon Pearl?DS?Nintendo

5. Wii Play w/remote?Wii?Nintendo

6. Forza Motorsport 2?Xbox 360?Microsoft

7. Guitar Hero II w/guitar?Xbox 360?Activision

8. Spider-Man 3?Xbox 360?Activision

9. Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars?Xbox 360?Electronic Arts

10. Guitar Hero II w/guitar?PS2?Activision

Note: NPD industry analyst Anita Frazier was not available for comment on this month's data.

[UPDATE] More hardware sales numbers are coming in, thanks to Bloomberg. The Wii sold 338K units in May, while the 360 sold a disappointing 155K. The PS3 meanwhile dropped from 82K last month to just 81K sold (81,604 units to be exact, according to SCEA). At least the PSP sold a healthy 221,120 units, according to SCEA. We also found out (via Sony ironically) that the GBA sold 80,554 units and the GameCube sold 10,728 units.

SCEA's Sr. Director, Corporate Communications, Dave Karraker issued us the following statement: "According to NPD data, May 2007 showed a 27.5% increase in total retail dollars generated year-over-year by the PlayStation brand in North America with total sales of $284 million. During the month, sales of PS3 were flat at 81,604 units. PSP witnessed a 39% increase in year-over-year sales thanks in part to the April price drop to $169, as well as our new marketing efforts with the 'Dude Get Your Own' campaign. PSP unit sales for May totaled 221,120. The PS2 also continued to be a strong performer during the month with unit sales of 187,765."

Nintendo exec reaction

 

[TallBill]

Just a few personal notes on these results. The PS3 may not be selling as fast as the wii or 360, but its almost exactly if not ahead of the pace that the PS2 was selling when it came out, not to mention that the PS2 is still selling rediculously well for how old it is. Sony will stick to its word that their consoles are built to last and be supported for 10 years. And the PS3 as a machine has enough horsepower to last that long as well.

Moving on, look at the 2 wii games in the top 10. Mario party got pretty mediocre ratings, and wii play got mediocre ratings as well however comes with a remote which is very hard to track down in some places. The 360 took up 4 spots with 3 very good games, and one crap game. The 2 pokemon games being huge hits were obviously going to happen. And suprisingly the PS2 still had 2 top 10 games, with one being very good, and one being crap.

The 360 is putting out the best games right now, period. The wii has one good game (Zelda). The PS3 has debateably only a couple good games as well, but Sony is still kicking butt with the PS2. As of right now I'd say that all 3 companies are doing quite well. Microsoft with games, Nintendo with sales, and Sony with console longevity.

Even both systems in the handheld market are doing great. Overall its a great time for video games.

 

[tatteredpotato]

Originally posted by: TallBill
Just a few personal notes on these results. The PS3 may not be selling as fast as the wii or 360, but its almost exactly if not ahead of the pace that the PS2 was selling when it came out, not to mention that the PS2 is still selling rediculously well for how old it is. Sony will stick to its word that their consoles are built to last and be supported for 10 years. And the PS3 as a machine has enough horsepower to last that long as well.

Moving on, look at the 2 wii games in the top 10. Mario party got pretty mediocre ratings, and wii play got mediocre ratings as well however comes with a remote which is very hard to track down in some places. The 360 took up 4 spots with 3 very good games, and one crap game. The 2 pokemon games being huge hits were obviously going to happen. And suprisingly the PS2 still had 2 top 10 games, with one being very good, and one being crap.

The 360 is putting out the best games right now, period. The wii has one good game (Zelda). The PS3 has debateably only a couple good games as well, but Sony is still kicking butt with the PS2. As of right now I'd say that all 3 companies are doing quite well. Microsoft with games, Nintendo with sales, and Sony with console longevity.

Even both systems in the handheld market are doing great. Overall its a great time for video games.

2007 is the 360's year. There are so many good games coming out this year I can't decide which ones to get.

Personally I'd say the 360 is definitely the console to own right now, but unfortunately the hardware quality just isn't high enough. I know a few people who have given up on the 360 because it broke out of warranty. Hopefully MS can fix these issues and make the 360 as reliable as my original Xbox was.

I don't own one, but I'd have to imagine the PS3 has much better build quality.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: BlameCanada
2007 is the 360's year. There are so many good games coming out this year I can't decide which ones to get.

Personally I'd say the 360 is definitely the console to own right now, but unfortunately the hardware quality just isn't high enough. I know a few people who have given up on the 360 because it broke out of warranty. Hopefully MS can fix these issues and make the 360 as reliable as my original Xbox was.

I don't own one, but I'd have to imagine the PS3 has much better build quality.

With rumors and now confirmation that MS is putting in an additional heatsink, hopefully build quality will rise dramatically even before the 65nm build version comes around.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: Queasy

With rumors and now confirmation that MS is putting in an additional heatsink, hopefully build quality will rise dramatically even before the 65nm build version comes around.

That would be great. Although a 65nm CPU/GPU would be even better!

 

[DaveSimmons]

Easier to read:

[NDS] 423,150
[WII] 338,278
[PSP] 221,120
[PS2] 187,765
[360] 154,932
[PS3] 81,604
[GBA] 80,554
[NGC] 10,728

It must sting MS to be in fifth place, even as they dominate the PS3.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: Queasy

With rumors and now confirmation that MS is putting in an additional heatsink, hopefully build quality will rise dramatically even before the 65nm build version comes around.

That would be great. Although a 65nm CPU/GPU would be even better!

Won't argue with that.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Easier to read:

[NDS] 423,150
[WII] 338,278
[PSP] 221,120
[PS2] 187,765
[360] 154,932
[PS3] 81,604
[GBA] 80,554
[NGC] 10,728

It must sting MS to be in fifth place, even as they dominate the PS3.

Haha, you are insane. Software sale are where its at, and MS dominated software sales. Halo 3 will sell enough copies to push Xbox into the black for a quarter.

 

[DaveSimmons]

If by "dominated" software sales you mean was in sixth place after wii, DS and PS2 titles

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Easier to read:

[NDS] 423,150
[WII] 338,278
[PSP] 221,120
[PS2] 187,765
[360] 154,932
[PS3] 81,604
[GBA] 80,554
[NGC] 10,728

It must sting MS to be in fifth place, even as they dominate the PS3.

Why? They're competing with the Wii and the PS3. Not the DS or PSP. The PS2 is borderline...it is a home console but it is last-gen and is at a bargain basement price.

And, as TallBill mentioned, the 360 is selling software extremely well.

I do think though that the 360 has squeezed about all the sales it can get out of the $300/$400 price points. It is time for a price drop.

Same with the PS3. Two straight months of sub 100k sales in North America with all indications of a third straight month for June is pretty bad. It needs a price drop like Screech needs a job.

 

[TallBill]

Total software sales. I cant find them anywhere, but I'd be willing to bet that the 360 dominated sales.

 

[purbeast0]

This belongs in this thread.

 

[purbeast0]

Originally posted by: TallBill
Just a few personal notes on these results. The PS3 may not be selling as fast as the wii or 360, but its almost exactly if not ahead of the pace that the PS2 was selling when it came out, not to mention that the PS2 is still selling rediculously well for how old it is. Sony will stick to its word that their consoles are built to last and be supported for 10 years. And the PS3 as a machine has enough horsepower to last that long as well.

You also must remember though ... the PS3 had absolutely 0 competition for quite some time when it first came out. It was also the first "next gen" system for it's generation and had the first next gen EA sports games on it and everything.

So comparing the PS3 to the PS2 at launch is kind of pointless because they were released in 2 completely different points in time.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: BlameCanada
2007 is the 360's year. There are so many good games coming out this year I can't decide which ones to get.

Personally I'd say the 360 is definitely the console to own right now, but unfortunately the hardware quality just isn't high enough. I know a few people who have given up on the 360 because it broke out of warranty. Hopefully MS can fix these issues and make the 360 as reliable as my original Xbox was.

I don't own one, but I'd have to imagine the PS3 has much better build quality.

With rumors and now confirmation that MS is putting in an additional heatsink, hopefully build quality will rise dramatically even before the 65nm build version comes around.

When are they starting this? I'm about ready to just buy one at Costco, because I don't feel like waiting for MS to fix the issues. Costco has my back.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: BlameCanada
2007 is the 360's year. There are so many good games coming out this year I can't decide which ones to get.

Personally I'd say the 360 is definitely the console to own right now, but unfortunately the hardware quality just isn't high enough. I know a few people who have given up on the 360 because it broke out of warranty. Hopefully MS can fix these issues and make the 360 as reliable as my original Xbox was.

I don't own one, but I'd have to imagine the PS3 has much better build quality.

With rumors and now confirmation that MS is putting in an additional heatsink, hopefully build quality will rise dramatically even before the 65nm build version comes around.

When are they starting this? I'm about ready to just buy one at Costco, because I don't feel like waiting for MS to fix the issues. Costco has my back.

The 360s with new heatsinks are coming out now apparently. No guarantee that you'll get one though I think.

Xbox Scene

Xbox Scene

An MS PR rep confirmed it in a round about, non-committal fashion - link

65nm build is supposed to come sometime this fall.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: TallBill
Just a few personal notes on these results. The PS3 may not be selling as fast as the wii or 360, but its almost exactly if not ahead of the pace that the PS2 was selling when it came out, not to mention that the PS2 is still selling rediculously well for how old it is. Sony will stick to its word that their consoles are built to last and be supported for 10 years. And the PS3 as a machine has enough horsepower to last that long as well.

You also must remember though ... the PS2 had absolutely 0 competition for quite some time when it first came out. It was also the first "next gen" system for it's generation and had the first next gen EA sports games on it and everything.

So comparing the PS3 to the PS2 at launch is kind of pointless because they were released in 2 completely different points in time.

Uh, I think you misread my post. The PS3 numbers are almost identical to the PS2 when it came out. And look at how big the PS2 has gotten. According to your logic the PS3 should be doing worse, but its doing the same. It'll be fine with time.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: TallBill
Uh, I think you misread my post. The PS3 numbers are almost identical to the PS2 when it came out. And look at how big the PS2 has gotten. According to your logic the PS3 should be doing worse, but its doing the same. It'll be fine with time.

It's doing the same so far, but you're operating on the notion that it's numbers will increase at the same pace that the PS2 numbers did. This is an impossibility at the $599 price point, and given that the PS2 had little competition and the PS3 has incredibly tough competition (for example, in the PS2 era, developers knew Sony was the only game in town...in the PS3 era, developers are dropping PS3 exclusives left and right). Examples abound.

Sony will stick to its word that their consoles are built to last and be supported for 10 years. And the PS3 as a machine has enough horsepower to last that long as well.

It might be supported for 10 years, but it will be outdated in 5-6 (just like the PS2). Both Microsoft and Sony will have better consoles out by then.

 

[JJChicken]

i must say buying a ps2 FIVE years ago was the best decision i could make. still going strong! will the 360 be the ps2 of the new generation? who knows!

 

[purbeast0]

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: TallBill
Just a few personal notes on these results. The PS3 may not be selling as fast as the wii or 360, but its almost exactly if not ahead of the pace that the PS2 was selling when it came out, not to mention that the PS2 is still selling rediculously well for how old it is. Sony will stick to its word that their consoles are built to last and be supported for 10 years. And the PS3 as a machine has enough horsepower to last that long as well.

You also must remember though ... the PS2 had absolutely 0 competition for quite some time when it first came out. It was also the first "next gen" system for it's generation and had the first next gen EA sports games on it and everything.

So comparing the PS3 to the PS2 at launch is kind of pointless because they were released in 2 completely different points in time.

Uh, I think you misread my post. The PS3 numbers are almost identical to the PS2 when it came out. And look at how big the PS2 has gotten. According to your logic the PS3 should be doing worse, but its doing the same. It'll be fine with time.

refer to what jpeyton said. that's what I was getting at.

you were basically saying that the PS3 is doing just as good as the PS2 did sales wise and kind of imply that it will continue to do just as well as the PS2 did sales wise. And i was stating that the PS2's sales continued to be good for them because they had no competition for over a year and were the only "next gen" system at the time.

i don't think the ps3's sales are going to be anywhere near the sales of the ps2 any time close.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: TallBill
Just a few personal notes on these results. The PS3 may not be selling as fast as the wii or 360, but its almost exactly if not ahead of the pace that the PS2 was selling when it came out, not to mention that the PS2 is still selling rediculously well for how old it is. Sony will stick to its word that their consoles are built to last and be supported for 10 years. And the PS3 as a machine has enough horsepower to last that long as well.

It's selling at the same pace, but that isnt taking into account the fact that the entire videogame market has grown in the past 6 years. Adjusting for "inflation", it's not doing as well as the PS2.

Sure, it'll last 10 years, but it'll be overshadowed by the PS4 in 5 years, just like the PS1 and PS2 were. It's not a damn investment.

And while the PS3 may have the horsepower, it's yet to be put to good use, and cross platform games likely never will.

But like everyone else, when the price drops, and theres a few killer apps, we'll probably all get it just the same. But it just isn't going to achieve the market dominance like the PS2 did until it has a mass market price like the Wii or Core 360.

The Ps2 launch may have had craptastic games like the PS3, but it had a few other things going for it that they don't have this time around. DVD was a killer app, BR just doesnt have the same mass market appeal. It launched first, but now it's launched amidst the Wii and 360. And it did so at a horrendous price, without really offering much more than potential for the future.

Moving on, look at the 2 wii games in the top 10. Mario party got pretty mediocre ratings, and wii play got mediocre ratings as well however comes with a remote which is very hard to track down in some places. The 360 took up 4 spots with 3 very good games, and one crap game. The 2 pokemon games being huge hits were obviously going to happen. And suprisingly the PS2 still had 2 top 10 games, with one being very good, and one being crap.

Yeah, but only one of those 360 games wasn't a port. Mario Party IS crap and Wii Play is fun for the $10 it really costs. But they're really not games that are going to satisfy professional critics, but the casuals will eat them up.

The 360 is putting out the best games right now, period. The wii has one good game (Zelda). The PS3 has debateably only a couple good games as well, but Sony is still kicking butt with the PS2. As of right now I'd say that all 3 companies are doing quite well. Microsoft with games, Nintendo with sales, and Sony with console longevity. Even both systems in the handheld market are doing great.

I wouldnt go that far. Definitely for a certain demographic, but not for everyone. Nearly every good 360 game outside of GoW and Forza is a PC port, and it doesnt offer anything to anyone who has a gaming PC or isnt interested in shooters or racers.

The wii having just one good game is absolute nonsense.

The PS3 has potential, but it's longevity is pure marketing nonsense. New consoles from all 3 will be out in 4-5 years, and they will all (unless they all go the nintendo route) make the PS3 look like last gen.

Overall its a great time for video games.

We can agree on that. Havent had this much fun gaming in years.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: TallBill
Just a few personal notes on these results. The PS3 may not be selling as fast as the wii or 360, but its almost exactly if not ahead of the pace that the PS2 was selling when it came out, not to mention that the PS2 is still selling rediculously well for how old it is. Sony will stick to its word that their consoles are built to last and be supported for 10 years. And the PS3 as a machine has enough horsepower to last that long as well.

You also must remember though ... the PS2 had absolutely 0 competition for quite some time when it first came out. It was also the first "next gen" system for it's generation and had the first next gen EA sports games on it and everything.

So comparing the PS3 to the PS2 at launch is kind of pointless because they were released in 2 completely different points in time.

Uh, I think you misread my post. The PS3 numbers are almost identical to the PS2 when it came out. And look at how big the PS2 has gotten. According to your logic the PS3 should be doing worse, but its doing the same. It'll be fine with time.

refer to what jpeyton said. that's what I was getting at.

you were basically saying that the PS3 is doing just as good as the PS2 did sales wise and kind of imply that it will continue to do just as well as the PS2 did sales wise. And i was stating that the PS2's sales continued to be good for them because they had no competition for over a year and were the only "next gen" system at the time.

i don't think the ps3's sales are going to be anywhere near the sales of the ps2 any time close.

Weren't the PS2 numbers at this level because there were shortages for the PS2 in North America? Even months after it was launched?

Also, take a look at the Japan numbers. The PS3 is selling poorly there as well.

 

[Thraxen]

That top 10 list is disgusting. You have to get down to #6 to encounter the first good game (sorry Pokemon fans, I hate those games). The two Wii games on the list are trash.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Easier to read:

[NDS] 423,150
[WII] 338,278
[PSP] 221,120
[PS2] 187,765
[360] 154,932
[PS3] 81,604
[GBA] 80,554
[NGC] 10,728

It must sting MS to be in fifth place, even as they dominate the PS3.

Why? They're competing with the Wii and the PS3. Not the DS or PSP. The PS2 is borderline...it is a home console but it is last-gen and is at a bargain basement price.

And, as TallBill mentioned, the 360 is selling software extremely well.

Yes! Thank the lord someone else besides me realizes this. I get annoyed month after month when people point out how the PS2 is whipping the ass of the 360. They really shouldn't even be compared against each other, as they are in two different markets. The PS2 has a much lower price, HUGE library of games that are cheaper, everything is cheaper.....of course it's going to sell more.

And I still contend that the Wii isn't in direct competition with the 360 and PS3. I just hope to god that Microsoft and Sony don't think they need gimmicks to sell more consoles, and push it on us (Sony's motion control isn't being pushed and required to play games, so I don't count it). Nintendo has already let me down on this front.

EDIT: For horrible grammar mistakes.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: blurredvision

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Easier to read:

[NDS] 423,150
[WII] 338,278
[PSP] 221,120
[PS2] 187,765
[360] 154,932
[PS3] 81,604
[GBA] 80,554
[NGC] 10,728

It must sting MS to be in fifth place, even as they dominate the PS3.

Why? They're competing with the Wii and the PS3. Not the DS or PSP. The PS2 is borderline...it is a home console but it is last-gen and is at a bargain basement price.

And, as TallBill mentioned, the 360 is selling software extremely well.

Yes! Thank the lord someone else besides me realizes this. I get annoyed month after month when people point out how the PS2 is whipping the ass of the 360. They really shouldn't even be compared against each other, as they are in two different markets. The PS2 has a much lower price, HUGE library of games that are cheaper, everything is cheaper.....of course it's going to sell more.

And I still contend that the Wii isn't in direct competition with the 360 and PS3. I just hope to god that Microsoft and Sony thing they need gimmicks to sell more consoles, and push it on us. Nintendo has already let me down on this front.

I would think that a PS3 owner like DaveSimmons would be more concerned that the PS2 is beating the PS3 so severely. The PS3 PLAYS PS2 games, so they're just throwing their money down the drain if they plan on buying a PS3 in the future. To me that indicates that the price is a big factor for many people. I know people like to say that "hardcore gamers" are willing to pay that, but a system can't be successful if it doesn't have mass market appeal. You have to sell systems to get the great games that will help sell more systems.

Sony needs to drop the price.

 

[BladeVenom]

PS2 sales may not have been any better, but people were just waiting for better games before buying one. PS3 sales are slow because everyone is buying a Wii or 360 instead. Everyone will already have a Wii or 360 and PS3 sales will never pickup, even with good games.