Console makers spin February NPD figures

Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony each see last month's US sales figures in a positive light.

With the industry-tracking NPD Group releasing its US February game-sales figures yesterday, console makers and analysts alike weighed in on what the figures meant today.

The DS and the Wii were the two best-selling systems of the month--selling 485,000 and 335,000 units, respectively--and Nintendo wasted little time sending out a press release touting its hardware success. The Mario factory noted that its full line of systems collectively beat out the oppositions' offerings and accounted for 54 percent of hardware sales for the month. It also pointed out that games for Nintendo systems accounted for three of the top four best-selling games of the month.

That fourth game, the Xbox 360 exclusive Crackdown, was the best-selling game of all for February, a fact that Microsoft used to lead off its own NPD recap. Continuing on the game-sales theme, Microsoft referenced the average of 5.4 games sold per Xbox 360 customer, comparing it to the PlayStation 3's ratio of 2.3, and the Wii's software attach rate of 2.8. At the same point in the Xbox 360's lifespan, Microsoft said it had an attach rate of 3.8.

Sony Computer Entertainment America didn't sell the most systems or the most games, but a representative told GameSpot it brought in 67 percent more retail dollars than in February of 2006. "The PlayStation brand remained the number-one revenue driver for the month in the industry owning 38.5 percent of total sales," he said. Sony also touted the fact that the PlayStation 2 has been performing above expectations.

125 Comments

  • Captainintendo

    Posted Mar 20, 2007 3:58 am PT

    "For you to say what Nintendo should and should not have done is kind've a moot point in light of the Wii still being a very popular machine. Also Nintendo's platforms have been around for 20 plus years. Metroid, Mario and Zelda have made Nintendo millions which you can hardly says about any other game on any system."

    best thing ive read so far

  • getoconnection

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 3:04 pm PT

    Spectr4L

    @ getoconnection

    Im wondering how Metroid ever became a "Kiddie Game"...lol. Come back after defeating Quadraxis and Meta Ridley without any faqs and say that again --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    WTF?!! Dude, I'm totally with you. I think you misunderstood my post. I beat MP on hard trying to get 100 percent. As it stands i'm still at 99 (@#$!). And if you mean the finale boss in Echoes (Quadraxis), I beat him on hard too (he was a tad bit easier than dark Samus though). All I'm saying is I wish people would stop dogging Nintendo for not making mature games. The other companies have that covered. Nintendo excels at the type of games they make.

  • cancer_777

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 2:35 pm PT

    monkey_man322 LOL , that was hilarous thanks for giving me a good laugh

  • slayer1090

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 11:49 am PT

    Go nintendo FTW!!!

    Meh sony

  • kinglink2

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 11:10 am PT

    XBL pricing only comes into play if microsoft ever released how many XBL subscribers of each type there are, they've been awfully vague with those numbers.

  • Expane

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 10:07 am PT

    Facts are Ninny sold the most hardware, Sony second most and Microsoft a distant third

  • sigma8

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 8:21 am PT

    kinglink2: "Especially when you factor in how many systems have been dropping, on the other hand they are making a good amount on service charges (though not that much) ."

    If you consider the early-adopters of XB360 and XBL, they have each, to date, paid $399 + $100 =~ $500 for their XB360's.. So already the premium folks have hit low-level PS3 prices. I think XBL's pricing is primarily designed to offset the cost of their loss-leading hardware tactics. I don't think it costs them much to run the service themselves, it's mostly a software thing.. Altho it'd be great if anyone had some hard numbers.

  • monkey_man322

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 8:06 am PT

    NINTENDO: CONSOLE SALES FTW!!!!!!!!!

    MICROSOFT: GAME SALES FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    SONY: well the PS2 is still doing ok....

  • kinglink2

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 7:59 am PT

    IF you really think microsoft is making a profit out of the box especially 130 dollars worth you really have issues, Especially when you factor in how many systems have been dropping, on the other hand they are making a good amount on service charges (though not that much) .

    In addition they are putting out a couple millions in advertising budgets which really offsets any profit they are making.

  • Anakin1092

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 7:23 am PT

    Spectr4l,
    I'm with you at almost everything you said. Metroid is an awesome game. Not "kiddie" for sure. Brawl, Corruption, and Galaxy need to hurry up and come out. The Wii has been without new good games for a while. Sonic sucked.
    But Microsoft doesn't need Friend Codes! That's what makes Nintendo's Wifi suck. Because you need FCs to do everything.

  • LordAndrew

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 6:21 am PT

    "Sony also touted the fact that the PlayStation 2 has been performing above expectations."

    But that's not a good thing for the PS3.

  • Spectr4L

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 5:59 am PT

    @ getoconnection

    Im wondering how Metroid ever became a "Kiddie Game"...lol. Come back after defeating Quadraxis and Meta Ridley without any faqs and say that again


    Anyways, Nintendo needs to.....umm.....stop delaying those certain special few games (lol), Microsoft needs to develop an online friend code system or something to filter out degenerates, and Sony needs to price cut already...who really cares about their numbers until then?

  • LosDaddie

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 5:41 am PT

    Nintendo won February 2007 and that's all that needs to be said.

  • Bah_Humbug

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 12:04 am PT

    hey its Fallenone! Same one in FX?

  • FallenOneX

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 10:57 pm PT

    Reality TV shows are the norm, but that doesn't make them the best. Just a thought.

    I prefer to own multiple systems for my various tastes. And of course Sony brought in a bigger percentage of Feb. dollars, your machines cost more.

  • snukadaman

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 10:10 pm PT

    Sony also touted the fact that the PlayStation 2 has been performing above expectations.

    the ps3 aint been performing above expectations...wth?

  • getoconnection

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 9:02 pm PT

    @ gothicdragon216

    Furthermore I own a 360 (go back 2 posts). For you to say what Nintendo should and should not have done is kind've a moot point in light of the Wii still being a very popular machine. Also Nintendo's platforms have been around for 20 plus years. Metroid, Mario and Zelda have made Nintendo millions which you can hardly says about any other game on any system. I have come to a sad realization though. I find that fans of Nintendo's kiddie games (Mario, Zelda, Metroid) tend to play other type games but fans of other type games deny or don't play Nintendo's kiddie games. Could it be that I have grown to appreciate games like Pikman while still playing games like Gears of War? I mean, I used to play games like Doom and Contra. But I also gave games like Uniracers and skate-or-die a spin. It doesn't make you less of a man to play Pikman no more than getting a pedicure. If you haven't played the game you've really missed a good one. If you haven't played a Zelda game in awhile I really feel sad for you. I've played them both, Gears of War and Metal Gear Solid 3 recently. I still have fun doing speed runs through Super Mario Bros. 1 though. If that makes me a Non-hardcore immature kiddie gamer, then so be it. I couldn't imagine not playing games like Pikman and Mario. I couldn't imagine only playing "Shooters and Action games" either.

  • getoconnection

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 7:51 pm PT

    gothicdragon216
    Now, they're still making platformers, but no one cares. Shooters and Action games are the norm, and Microsoft has capitalized on that. Look at the attach rates. They don't lie.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    New Super Mario Bros. was the number 2 most sold game of 2006...next to Madden. I think people do still care. Look at how people are going crazy over the new Castlevania game. Why? Look. you can lie to yourself and deny the popularity of Nintendo's plateform but numbers don't lie. Developers fear of stonger 1st party games keep them away from Nintendo's machines. BTW. I'm playing Pikman right now. It is the most fun I have had in a long time.

  • cocomacoco

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 5:42 pm PT

    no offense, but to me the wii even is soooo cheap, is of no interest, either Xbox 360 or Sony appeals to me, and that why i bought my X360, i dunno, the wii games are too childish IMO, this is not fanboyism, when i was a kid i used to enjoy way a lot Nintendo games, but now, i grew up, i guess my taste for games changed. That's all.

  • gothicdragon216

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 4:57 pm PT

    gothicdragon216 says "While I enjoy both systems, I think Nintendo should have looked at who plays games, and has the money to pay for games."
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    They did that with the Gamecube...what's your point?"

    they didn't do that, they made Pikmin, Mario Sunshine, and other such games their big titles. The kind of crowd that has money to spend it the 16-23 year old male. The one's that bought the PS2 for grand Theft auto, or the Xbox for Halo. The one's that don't care about nastalgia, because there is no history for them to be nastalgic about. Sure, there was RE4 and Eternal Darkness, but that was pretty much it for good mature titles. I think that the SNES era was Nintendo's prime, they made that made gamers. RPGs and Platformers held a large percentage of the game market, and it was something that Sega lacked. It was something the SNES capitalized on, and they were sucessful. Now, they're still making platformers, but no one cares. Shooters and Action games are the norm, and Microsoft has capitalized on that. Look at the attach rates. They don't lie.

  • rugripper40

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 3:31 pm PT

    getoconnection .....exactly...they are all fun...thats why sony,microsoft and nintendo make them......if your a die hard fan of a company logo...your really missing out on some great experiences......thats dumb.......gamers play games....i dont care what box its played out of really....if its good ill play it and buy the box to play it out of...lol

  • brant_almighty

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 3:29 pm PT

    whatever you say sony.....

  • GHOSTxDAWG

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 3:18 pm PT

    go crackdown

  • getoconnection

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 3:00 pm PT

    Cameron
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I agree. There was no way I was going to miss out on Gears because I am a die hard Nintendo fan.

  • Cameron

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 2:54 pm PT

    "Your grandmother isn't going to buy more than Wii Sports or maybe Mario for her Wii, and the 360 type gamer isn't going to get more than Zelda, SSB, and Metroid. While I enjoy both systems, I think Nintendo should have looked at who plays games, and has the money to pay for games."

    I completely agree, different perspective, but means to the same end. I've been playing games since the Space Invaders days, I just love games in general, regardless of the platform. The Wii looks interesting and I am going to purchase one to see what all of the fuss is about, but likely will only purchase a few games for it over the next year or so because I have no interest in games with the name "Mario" or "Zelda" in it. That is not to say that if the Wii starts supporting more non-party game, online supporting titles I won't change my mind and make more Wii game purchases. As far as the PS3 and 360 are concerned, I have both (the PS3 was a Christmas gift from my brother-in-law). The 360 resides downstairs connected to my projector and 116" theater screen, while the PS3 sits upstairs in the armoire with the 32" HD TV collecting dust. A week after Christmas it broke and I returned it to Best Buy for replacement. Outside of that, I have downloaded a few demos and rented a few games exclusive to the PS3, but have made no purchases because no titles warranted purchasing (aside from maybe Resistance: Fall of Man). So far, I prefer the 360 titles, online play, community, co-op support, sponsored tournaments, etc. And when the PS3 has a comparable offering, I will make the decision to move it downstairs with the 360 and make cross-platform purchases based on features but not until that day comes. The beauty of all of this is that it is my CHOICE. What it all comes down to is we have the choice to select a game based on our preferences. If the Wii wins the console war, then so be it. I will still purchase the games I choose based on the quality of the title, not the console it is on and if people are all so shortsighted to believe they have to stick with one console or the other then they should be prepared to miss out on a lot of great experiences, both games and communities. And to those of you that can only afford one console (I was there once too) it doesn't mean you need to bash the rest...

  • getoconnection

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 2:43 pm PT

    Kiaininja says
    "I played every Mario, Zelda & Metroid game since the 8-bit NES,"
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Which is why they will never stop making em..lol. You should think before you post. Nintendo games are fun.

  • getoconnection

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 2:36 pm PT

    omegacis says...
    Ultimately, people want good games to play. And while the Wii has suddenly blossomed in hardware sales the games currently available for the console are seriously lacking quality. Eventually Nintendo's "revolutionary" controller gimmick is going to fall through the floor. "Hardcore gamers and developers alike have already come to the conclusion that motion sensing controllers, poor graphic-titles, and consoles that don't support online multiplayer are not the future of gaming. It's only a matter of time before the slower, more uneducated "General Audience" (Nintendo's apparent target) gets the message."
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Who made you the arbiter over what conclusions people are beginning to draw about anything? Is it because you work at a games store? OOOOOOH. A game pad to replace the joystick? Preposterous I tell you!!!

  • thomaslayfield

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 2:32 pm PT

    Spin it however you want, there's no way to get around the fact that PS3 was outsold by the Gameboy Advance. I also find it laughable that someone could think they know whether or not someone is a gamer by looking at them. Shouldn't we be above such ridiculous stereotyping?

  • TTDog

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 2:25 pm PT

    "Sidbob:
    I think there are more people who own/run/work in games stores than don't on this message board. And its funny how all gamestore owners are 360 fanboys."

    If I were a game shop owner, rather than being a pen pusher, I'd love the 360 as well... its selling rather than cluttering up my shop with unsold units... shops aren't there for the good of the owners health, but to make profits... and if you've got a dozen consoles collect dust because there's no software support and the machine itself is overpriced you're not going to be singing its praises are you.

  • getoconnection

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 1:10 pm PT

    gothicdragon216 says "While I enjoy both systems, I think Nintendo should have looked at who plays games, and has the money to pay for games."
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    They did that with the Gamecube...what's your point?

  • Sidbob

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 11:56 am PT

    I think there are more people who own/run/work in games stores than don't on this message board. And its funny how all gamestore owners are 360 fanboys.

  • desolation00

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 10:22 am PT

    Wonder who would win a spinoff, these guys or politicians?

  • rugripper40

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 8:07 am PT

    omegacis .....hilarious man and if you really do own a game store,i ll say this....the only thing that fell was the roman empire and i still have doubts about that too...lol.....nintendo will always sell,even the oldies like myself want to get their hands on the new mario game and there will be more.there always is

  • darth_chedda

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 7:53 am PT

    I also Work/run a game a store. Ive got about 20-40 Xbox 360 games, and they havent moved in a long time, i mean ive got titles like Dead rising and other "Blockbusters" the PS3, well nothing needs to be said there does it?

    As for the Wii, There isnt exactly many block busters on that either, there is Zelda, which is a solid game, and worth exploration. But other than that TheWii is at a rocky patch. It definetely needs a new game to shake things up.

    All in all im extremely dissapointed in all the next gen consoles.

    Oh and the Wii is having online play, just check the main webpage before being an idiot.

  • omegacis

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 6:46 am PT

    I run a video game retail store and I can honestly say that 99% of the customers purchasing Wii games are children under the age of 12 and adults who know nothing about gaming. Our Wii-shelf consists of ruffly 35 games and besides 2 or 3 of those there are none that I can really recommend to anyone who considers themself a hardcore gamer.

    On the PS3 side of things, there's not much input I can give my customers when it comes to their software. Majority of the time the customer heads to the PS3 section, takes a glance at the 20-something games offered and puts their head down in disgust. The mood that circulates that area is altogether depressing. My input/opinion isn't even needed there. It's just one of those things that speaks for itself.

    With all certainty, I know the 360 is moving software units fast. And with its library of platinum hits slowly increasing, software is bound to move even faster. A quick glance at game reviews across the platforms is an easy indicator that the 360 offers the most variety, best rated, and most original games found on any next-gen console. Even the multi-platform titles fair better on Microsoft's machine.

    Ultimately, people want good games to play. And while the Wii has suddenly blossomed in hardware sales the games currently available for the console are seriously lacking quality. Eventually Nintendo's "revolutionary" controller gimmick is going to fall through the floor. Hardcore gamers and developers alike have already come to the conclusion that motion sensing controllers, poor graphic-titles, and consoles that don't support online multiplayer are not the future of gaming. It's only a matter of time before the slower, more uneducated "General Audience" (Nintendo's apparent target) gets the message.

  • rugripper40

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 5:38 am PT

    i always wondered how these great minds take whole products and half or third them somehow...lol...they do it with families to...the avg is 2 adults and 1 and half kids....lol.....im sure theirs half kids and games floating all over the place....lol....ps3- 2.3,xbox- 3.8,and wii- 2.8 is hilarious.....lol

  • Lord_Alan

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 4:48 am PT

    Humorguy_basic, you don't trust NPD? What's to trust? They just show raw sales figures!

  • Humorguy_basic

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 4:13 am PT

    I don't trust NPD. They are too lose to the market they report on. For that matter, I don't trust the gaming media, that are also too close to the industry.

    With regards the debacle of PC gaming over the last 10 years (down from $2 billion to $1 billion in U.S. retail sales in 8 years) I blame the gaming media as much as I do the likes of EA and the shallow cookie cutter games that get released! So all this hype is just par for the course. Notice, unlike any other industry, no editorial content from Gamespot, just verbatim reporting.

  • TKOVG

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 3:53 am PT

    NPD

  • Marqmax

    Posted Mar 18, 2007 2:07 am PT

    It's because nintendo is focusing purely on gaming, and they're making the best games.

  • gothicdragon216

    Posted Mar 17, 2007 11:44 pm PT

    "Kinglink
    However Microsoft is giving it the most spin. 400K of crackdown is hardly ground breaking. To be honest it's pretty pitiful when you also consider that it had the Halo 3 beta, that's probably more like 300K for just the game, and then when you consider how much advertising they put out for that game it's doing mediocre at best. In addition constantly talking about software attach rates, it's one of a number of figures that people look at but 5.4 isn't amazing, selling 1 extra game over competition is good but it's not amazing when you consider the Wii makes a profit out of the box and improves it with the 2.8, Xbox probably needs 2-3 games to make a profit. But no one really should care about high attach rates yet because this generation that has less to do with profit."

    Where have you been? the 360 has been making profit out of the box for almost a year now. In fact, it makes over 130$ per console sold. Along with more games sold, and more hardware out. Multiply 5.8 times over 10 million, as oppossed to 2.8 by about 3 million (more or less) and there's a HUGE difference.

    I haven't bought crackdown, for the same reason I didn't buy Saints Row, they're fun, but Sandbox games are rent only for me, they don't keep my attention. I have bought a ton of games for my 360, I help bring that 5.8 higher. Over the last year, CoD2, CoD3, FEAR, Prey, Dead Rising, Oblivion, Gears of War, Farcry, Perfect Dark Zero, Enchanted Arms, Condemned, Moto GP 06, PGR 3, DoA 4, and a few more have been in my collection. My wii has Trauma Center, Zelda, and Wii Play. Nintendo may be trying to get into a new gaming Niche, but the 360 is smart, it targets the kind of gamer I am, the one that likes tons of games, and has a disposable income because I don't have many bills to pay till I'm out of college and completely dependent. Your grandmother isn't going to buy more than Wii Sports or maybe Mario for her Wii, and the 360 type gamer isn't going to get more than Zelda, SSB, and Metroid. While I enjoy both systems, I think Nintendo should have looked at who plays games, and has the money to pay for games.

    As for the PS3, I will get one, when they price is low enough that I can warrant a purchase, and I'd sooner buy a new car, a new gaming PC this summer (with DX10. Crysis and Age of Conan anyone?), and an HDTV. After I'm done those purchases, I'm going to have to start paying rent. So, when FF13 is a greatest hit, and the PS3 is less than 300$ I will get one. In the meantime, I will enjoy accessable, fun games on my wii and 360.

  • jetsethi

    Posted Mar 17, 2007 11:40 pm PT

    Some people just don't get it. You cant trust opinion, trust fact. Judging by the FACTS, Nintendo is ahead in this gen. The have the weakest systems, yet they seem to lead. Its perplexing, or not. There are other things BESIDES raw power, that sell well, and appeal to the people. Those who believe in the old ways, where Goliath always wins, remember the story: David takes him down!

  • yukine

    Posted Mar 17, 2007 9:28 pm PT

    Sony is the only company having to spin the facts, Microsoft and Nintendo are doing great.

  • bschroth

    Posted Mar 17, 2007 8:36 pm PT

    Of course they're all going to twist it to make themselves look good. It's what those PR guys get paid to do.
    I completely agree with "godzillavskong" when he said true gamers love all games, no matter the system. I'm the same way. I also have a 360 and I couldn't be happier. I too will be getting a Wii, as soon as I can find one, so maybe sometime when the next-next gen starts. As for PS3, my pockets are not lined with gold, but I can't wait to get my hands on MGS 4. Seems like that will be it's first real killer app.

  • godzillavskong

    Posted Mar 17, 2007 7:37 pm PT

    I currently have a 360 and I love it.I will eventually get a Wii when they start being easier to find.I haven't seen anything on the PS3 that warrants a purchase yet.A true gamer loves all games that are good no matter what system they are on.As long as each company releases quality games then I'll have to invest in all three.At least for the exclusives.

  • Aaron_130

    Posted Mar 17, 2007 7:24 pm PT

    NeoNavarro: it might be hard to get ahold of the Wii Remotes on their own, but finding Wii Play is easy enough, my local Gamestation store had plenty, as did Argos! i suppose the UK have that advantage since WiiPlay has been out longer over here.

  • btnheazy03

    Posted Mar 17, 2007 6:28 pm PT

    MICROSHAFT AND PHONY HAD TO TWIST THE DATA TO MAKE IT _SEEM_ LIKE THEY "WON", BUT ALL NINTENDO HAD TO DO WAS SHOW THE RAW DATA


    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHHHH

  • Latinbro1

    Posted Mar 17, 2007 6:10 pm PT

    each company has to put things into a positive light. well, except Nintendo which is having quite a come back in its hardware division.

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