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NPD: Wii tops 750,000, SFIV hits 849,000 in February

[UPDATE] Demand for Nintendo's console and Capcom's long-awaited fighter helps monthly game sales top $1.47 billion; Killzone 2 guns down 323,000.

It would probably take a monster of Blanka's ferocity to trip up the Nintendo juggernaut that crushed the US charts for two months running. According to the NPD Group, that's exactly what Street Fighter IV did during the nearly two weeks after its February 17 release. According to figures just released by the industry-research firm, the multiplatform game sold a total of 849,000 units in the US last month, besting Wii Fit's still-stunning 644,000-unit total by more than 200,000.

Now you've done it...THE SHIRT IS OFF.

Now you've done it...THE SHIRT IS OFF.

However, given that NPD's monthly top 10 is by product, or SKU (stock keeping unit), February's official top game was Wii Fit--which was released way back in May 2008. The Xbox 360 version of Street Fighter IV came in second with 446,000 units, followed by the PlayStation 3 edition's 403,000 units. That's an unusually narrow spread for a multiplatform game, perhaps fueled by the fighting genre's need for precision combined with the oft-derided directional pad on Microsoft's console. The PS3 also saw the long-awaited exclusive Killzone 2 crack the top 10, arriving in fifth place by selling 323,000 units in just 48 hours.

Activision scored two top 10 slots, with the 360 edition of Call of Duty: World at War in seventh with 193,000 sold, and the Wii Guitar Hero World Tour in 10th with 136,000 sold. The rest of the show was all Nintendo, with the two-and-a-half-year-old New Super Mario Bros. taking ninth with 144,000 units, and the nearly three-year-old Mario Kart DS racing off with eighth place and 145,000 units. Wii Play, which NPD continues to list as software despite it being bundled with a Wii Remote, took fourth place with 386,000 copies sold.

NPD's top game analyst, Anita Frazier, was quick to dole out the laurels. "Consumers picked up nearly 20 million units of video game software in February, a 14 percent increase [in units] over February 2008," she said in a statement. "The average retail price for games is 4 percent lower than last year, which is why the dollar-sales increase is not quite keeping in pace with the increase in unit sales."

Nintendo's success in software was met with commensurate dominance in US hardware sales. The popular Wii continues to be in ample supply, selling 753,000 units--up from 679,200 units in January. Far behind were second-place finishers the Xbox 360 (391,000 units), the PS3 (276,000 units), and the last of the legacy systems, the PlayStation 2 (131,000).

"The Xbox 360 realized its biggest non-holiday sales month, save for September 2007, when the Halo 3 release brought in a large group of new owners," said Frazier. "Compared to last month, the PS3 realized the greatest month-over-month unit sales increase of all platforms."

Despite the looming April 5 launch of the DSi, the handheld's current iterations continued to sell well, moving 588,000 units. The figure was nearly three times that of its closest rival, Sony's PSP, which racked up 199,000 units during the month.

Overall, game sales continued climbing in the face of a plummeting stock market and widening recession. NPD reports that US retail sales of hardware, software, and accessories increased 10 percent to hit $1.47 billion in February, bringing the year-to-date total to $2.81 billion, an 11 percent increase year-over-year. Software sales rose 9 percent to hit $733.5 million ($1.41 billion YTD), with hardware growing 11 percent to $532.7 million ($978.4 million YTD). Accessories spiked 13 percent to hit $207.1 million during the month, totaling $418.6 million for the year.

US VIDEO GAMES INDUSTRY - FEBRUARY 2009
Software: $733.5M (+9%)
Hardware: $532.7M (+11%)
Accessories: $207.1M (+13%)
Total Games: $1.47B (+10%)

TOP-SELLING HARDWARE - FEBRUARY 2009
Wii: 753,000
Nintendo DS: 588,000
Xbox 360: 391,000
PlayStation 3: 276,000
PlayStation Portable: 199,000
PlayStation 2: 131,000

TOP-SELLING SOFTWARE SKUs - FEBRUARY 2009
Title / Publisher / Units*
1) Wii Fit w/ Balance Board (Wii) / Nintendo / 644,000
2) Street Fighter IV (360) / Capcom / 446,000
3) Street Fighter IV (PS3) / Capcom / 403,000
4) Wii Play w/ Remote (Wii) / Nintendo / 386,000
5) Killzone 2 (PS3) / Sony / 323,000
6) Mario Kart Wii with Wheel (Wii) / Nintendo / 263,000
7) Call of Duty: World at War (360) / Activision Blizzard / 193,000
8) Mario Kart DS (DS) / Nintendo / 145,000
9) New Super Mario Bros. (DS) / Nintendo / 144,000
10) Guitar Hero World Tour (Wii) / Activision Blizzard / 136,000

* Figures include Collector's Editions and non-hardware bundles.

343 Comments

  • tommyzigzag

    Posted Apr 12, 2009 4:11 pm GMT

    kz2 ia bigget gameof alltime

  • _full_metal_

    Posted Apr 6, 2009 10:38 am GMT

    i used to be a wii owner but i got fed up with the online services and lack of good games so i sold it for a ps3. most of the games for wii on the top 10 list are very old so ps3 and 360 will dominate the list unless wii finally gets 1 good game out

  • Soilworker1234

    Posted Mar 27, 2009 5:10 pm GMT

    there is definitely something better than 4 people playing the Wii, its called any other system

  • Soilworker1234

    Posted Mar 27, 2009 5:01 pm GMT

    gamecube was garbage to begin with lol horrible console

  • blitz97

    Posted Mar 27, 2009 11:04 am GMT

    I hear ya screenhustla. Nintendo should start focusing on the hardcore gamer as well. Sure there are some good games like Brawl or Mario Kart for example but you guys need more great titles. How about another Wave Race??? Or perhaps Pilot wings? Something to think about.

  • Padrepride

    Posted Mar 26, 2009 7:32 pm GMT

    what happened to the gamecube!!!

  • spookctr

    Posted Mar 26, 2009 4:41 pm GMT

    Wii rocks!!!! Hardcore or not no thanks PS3/XBOX360!! I owned NES/SNES/N64/PS/PS2 and I waited with baited breath for the PS3 and then it was 6 million dollars a piece. ugh!! Then I visited my parents house with my family and played their Wii (never personally owned a game system before) and I have been hooked ever since. Their is nothing better than 4 people playing the Wii whether it is Mario Kart or Wii sports tennis.

  • spunk_mouth_69

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 7:58 pm GMT

    and scorero microsoft will probably make another price drop near the holiday season

  • spunk_mouth_69

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 7:56 pm GMT

    wow wii sells a bunch of consoles big surprise how about some new games for the wii ?

  • scorero posted Mar 25, 2009 5:04 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    scorero

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 5:04 pm GMT (hide)

    hey free-man, the ps3 is hardly more expensive than the 360, and with a price drop in the near future, it'll be even cheaper. plus, virtually ALL of the games, except for the 360 exclusives obviously, come out the same time on all platforms. where have you been? it's not 2006 buddy. and, their flagship games are some of the most solid games ever. ex: mgs4, killzone 2, etc.

  • The_Free-Man

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 4:35 pm GMT

    wii is good but many of itsgames are poorly made
    360 is cheap and high quality with good games
    ps3 is expensive, games come out a year late, flagship games arent great
    psp is cheap and games are good,graphics great, cool features like internet!
    ps2, old but with some good games, im suprised its on the list?

  • munchlax99

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 2:16 pm GMT

    @Knight_of_Ganon
    @JackHoleFace00
    i agree with you both.
    i have a 360 and a wii like knight of ganon
    but there are no good games anymore like jackhole said.

  • MultipleMItch

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 12:28 pm GMT

    Which don't get me wrong, is really not a bad thing to anyone, especially not in there position.

  • MultipleMItch

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 12:28 pm GMT

    Honestly, everyone needs to remember. These sales Nintendo is seeing are mostly from kids. I don't see many kids 13 and under crying at the store because they want KZ2. They want Brawl and other such titles. They have a given audience even if they produce nothing, because this legion of tykes/fanboys will buy anything with Mario on the front.

  • screenhustla

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 11:55 am GMT

    Casual gamers come and they go- Nintendo made a good business move for now, but how can you just leave to dry the very people that made you successful- the hardcore gamer

  • Knight_of_Ganon

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 10:58 am GMT

    @JackHoleFace00

    House of the Dead overkill and MadWorld both came out this year. Not to mention the games that are scheduled for release, like the Conduit, No More Heroes: Desparate Struggle, The WiiWare version of Cave story, and Sin and Punishment 2. Also, the Wii has 1.5-2x the graphics capabilities of the Gamecube (Gamespot''s graphics comparison of MP3 demonstrated this). No, it's not as powerful as the 360 or PS3, but it's hardly "last-gen." I'm not by any means saying "Get a Wii instead of a 360 or PS3." I'm saying get a Wii and put it right beside your PS3 or 360, as it's a completely different console.

  • nate1222

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 5:35 am GMT

    @siefier25

    Good point. I own a Wii. I'm 33 years old. I love my PS2 and DS. But on the Wii, the only 'kiddie' game I own is BRAWL - which is indulged by plenty of adults. Other than BRAWL, I own HotD2&3, HotD Overkill and Madworld. I'm drooling over Conduit! And, of course, there's the NES and SNES downloadables via the Virtual Console. Being in my 30s; I'm an Old School head.

  • Emericaordie

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 6:54 pm GMT

    JackHoleFace, the main reason the Wii is selling so well is its target audience. The Wii is bringing in so many people to gaming that never owned a gaming console in their life, it appeals to the casual gaming audience so much that it's mind boggling. The fact of the matter is most of the hardcore gamers own an Xbox 360 or a PS3 and are getting new games all the time. Nintendo doesnt have to make games all the time to do well since they have brought in this wide range of people since most of them are casual gamers. I mean just look how well the 1-3 year old games are still selling, with more and more people getting introduced to gaming.

  • screenhustla

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 6:48 pm GMT

    Nintendo should keep the Wii around- but develope a console that can compete graphicly with the 360 and PS3

  • Darkman2007

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 5:54 pm GMT

    wow... the PS2 is still selling... its gonna be like the PS1, which outlasted the Xbox and gamecube (discontinued in 2006)

    PS2 may just last until PS3/360 will die out

  • kikook

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 3:33 pm GMT

    Ps3 still doing well. Not extremely lower, but I guarantee the Ps3 will pick back up soon with or without a decrease of price (Definitly be better) mainly because of their line up of exclusives. So far MS has nothing intresting Halo ODST is DLC so who cares....

  • JackHoleFace00

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 11:29 am GMT

    Why do people continue to buy Wiis?? Can someone give me 2 good reasons?? I'm being serious. And please don't say games that are more than a year old like SSSB or Metroid 3 or Mario Galaxy that most people already beat a long time ago. I mean 2 even remotely RECENT reasons.

    Because I think I'm missing something, unless people really do like an over-priced, repackaged GameCube with last gen graphics/sound, loads of ridiculous accessories, and terrible and/or rehashed GC games (like the entire "New Play Control!!" line).

  • daman1616

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 8:54 am GMT

    Also, why the hell hasnt the Wii come down in price since launch yet people continue to buy a crappy system with the main selling point being exercise game. I dont understand.

  • daman1616

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 8:52 am GMT

    Manhunt 2 was actually released??????

  • travisstaggs

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 1:20 am GMT

    Man Ps2 is still going alright, 9 years and still going strong amazing, isn't surprising though due to it having tons of good games.

  • siefier25

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 1:11 am GMT

    Madrak_Arakeen, Nintendo already brought two of Rockstar's biggest Controversial games to the Wii: Manhunt 2 and Bully Scholarship Edition. GTA games won't change Nintendos rep....

    Not to mention that RE4 and RE0 are both on that system, as well as the newly released MadWorld. Oh and have you played No More Hereos?

    Its funny how alot of people believe the Wii to be a kid system...yet MS passed on Manhunt 2 and Sony wouldn't bring it to their Next Gen console(psp and PS2 only). Just because Donkey Kong and Mario are its mascots, doesn't mean its for kids.

  • Briareos43

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 11:42 pm GMT

    I like all the systems. Most of my friends kids had a PSP but broke it. Now they got a DS. DS more kid friendly. And I would recommend DS for all kids. PSP more for teens and adult gamers.

  • Madrak_Arakeen

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 4:17 pm GMT

    @Somedude812

    GTA for Wii? Interesting premise, seeing we've had a version of the Godfather available. The Wii has an astounding install base, and a large number of the hardcore clamoring for something more substantial than a mini-game compilation.

    I don't think it's beyond reasonable for Rockstar to go for it, but do you think Nintendo would risk its reputation on supplanting a GTA title for its set-top console? I'm not entirely sure, but if I were them...you bet I would. Imagine the free press from the sheer fact of such a game being released on a system by a company so traditionally family friendly. Everyone would not just be talking about it...screaming about it is more like it, from Captiol Hill to the street corner.

    There's no such thing as bad press.

  • R3NeGaDeAnGeL

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 4:09 pm GMT

    While I'm still bitter over the fact that Nintendo somewhat ditched the hardcore gamer, I have to admit they're damn smart for moving gaming towards the casuals...even in bad times, they're raking in so much dough!

  • nate1222

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 4:07 pm GMT

    @podacracka

    I actually think that it's funny that DS consistantly outsells PSP. I'm not dissing PSP - I plan to get one! But as Gamers, we tend to be so 'tech-heavy' that we DON'T realize that most consumers want 'effeciency'. PS2, Wii and DS are all effecient for delivering a good gaming experience. Flashier graphics are nice - but not neccessary. Nintendo saw that and thus the Wii and DS were born. And while PS3 has some goodies, PS2 is paying the bills generated by PS3. Bth PS3 and 360 have outrageuos development costs on top of cost to consumer. Sony and Microsoft have to 'rule the world' just to eat. Nintendo can get by merely on their niche. Nintendo positioned themselves to where they'd see a profit even if they'd came in dead last. Yet, that same strategy has put them on top this generation. Ironic to Gamers, but, totally sensible to most consumers.

  • Somedude812

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 3:37 pm GMT

    I wonder if GTA Chinatown Wars will lead to a GTA on wii. Im sure it would be a bestseller.

  • lanmanna

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 12:42 pm GMT

    Meh, I think the PS2 and DS beat out all of the current systems. xD

  • lanmanna

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 12:34 pm GMT

    "Seems to be a small drought of good 360 games right now. Although there always seems to be a void around this time."

    I guess Halo Wars, Resident Evil 5, Street Fighter 4, and Star Ocean mean nothing? Seriously, I think the amount of games released on all the systems should keep anyone busy, even if these games weren't released.

  • Knight_of_Ganon

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 10:51 am GMT

    Ugh, the Wii doesn't suck, it's just a different console than its more powerful competitors. While the crap-to-good-games-ratio is abysmal, that doesn't stop games like Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, Twilight Princess, Brawl, No More Heroes and Madworld from being fun. I'm just disappointed we haven't gotten a Wii version of F-Zero with online multiplayer yet.

  • JJS29

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 9:44 am GMT

    Seems to be a small drought of good 360 games right now. Although there always seems to be a void around this time.

  • joeboosauce

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 9:38 am GMT

    Just like in any media or art form, when you market to the masses you end up watering down by trying to meet the desires of the lowest common denominator. The Wii has led this charge and unfortunately is setting a bad precedent. Now other publishers who want to just "cash in" will focus on developing more shovelware. This is the desire to maximize profit and not quality. Not that this didn't exist before, but it has been pushed to a new level by the Wii.

  • HiMyNamesNick

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 9:00 am GMT

    So someone please clarify with me, when are we going to bite the bullet and boycott Nintendo?
    This is coming from a dude who waited out overnight to get my Wii, only to be filled with utter disappointment within three weeks when I realized it wasn't truly a game console for gamers. It's like one of those spin-offs of "Scene It!" because the only way to have fun with it is when you have a few other people, and even then, it loses its novelty soon enough.
    It's like in a board meeting somewhere, the heads of Nintendo are sitting around saying "So we must think, what ELSE will somebody's grandmother want to play?" and as they all sit around brainstorming, a lowly intern creeps in. "Uh... sirs? your loyal fanbase is in an uproar again. They said they'll stop bothering with your products if you don't make something for the hardcore fans..."
    "Hardcore fans... Hardcore fans!" And they all start laughing, "Oh no, what will we do when we lose all TWELVE of those customers!?" And they laugh some more. "No really though guys, money is money," one of the men points at, as he rummages through a box labeled "Mediocre Gamecube Games". He pulls one out at random and tosses it loftily at the intern "Here, make this motion-controlled or something."
    Thank you Nintendo. For staying true to your fanbase. I understand that this will be responded with "Oh, but they were just trying to get more people to play games," and I understand that, capitalism FTW, but regardless Nintendo would be no where without those diehards who waited for the Wii on launch day for reasons beyond selling it on Ebay. Revolutionizing entertainment? Maybe.
    Revolutionize gaming? Not even close. I don't consider half of what they do "video games". Wouldn't dare disgrace real video games like that.

  • HiMyNamesNick

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 8:51 am GMT

    my 360 just broke. again =[

  • cbofthecs posted Mar 23, 2009 7:25 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    cbofthecs

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 7:25 am GMT (hide)

    The PS3 is only down because I bought 1 PS3 while my brother bought 100,000 360....damn things keep breaking. And he likes to have like 50 at once.

  • callisto64

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 7:15 am GMT

    Perhaps Nintendo has found the niche that actually likes these types of games and surprisingly they outnumber the more hardcore players. I dont know what that means to you guys, but to me its ******* apocalyptic.

  • smiggles116

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 6:05 am GMT

    What the hell?
    Nintendo Wii sucks balls.
    The only people who buy that stuff are morbidly-obese housewifes and 13-year old Hanhnaa Montana wannabes.
    It sucks that those people are having a huge impact on the game industry.

  • childofrock11

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 5:53 am GMT

    Well i think Nintendo deserves it....where would gaming in the household be without Nintendo? No, the wii might not be the console for those looking for engrossing/hardcore titles (although there are a small handful) but it doesn't stop the fact that games that are worth playing on the platform are really fun. It strikes out of the box and does something new. Whether it does it good or not is not something i wish to contemplate because i think that stems off of personal taste. I own all the major consoles and handhelds (plus more! snes ftw!) and no i don't play my wii as much as say my 360 or ps3, but i still enjoy the console for what i bought it for....Nintendo's titles! Go Zelda!

  • aijou_

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 2:56 am GMT

    I find it hilarious that the wii is still so far above all other systems in sales.
    Nintendo surly must have done something right.
    It's way inferior both when it comes to graphics and game quality. the motion control isn't that good and the controller is useless as a "normal" controller. not to mention that you need 6 fully loaded batteries to play some of the games. 2 for the controller and 4 for the balance board (and that's still just for singleplayer!).
    my theory of why it sells so well is that most PS3/360/PC hardcore gamers own one as "backup" console due to the price. I know thats the case for me though mine is very rarely used. Another reason is of course that it speaks to non-gamers more than any other console in history. and last but not least. parents like it because it "activates" their children physically.

    personally would I call myself a hardcore gamer and My opinion is that wii sux. Altough I guess I'm not in their main target group.

    sorry for making you read my pointless ranting. but I just felt that I had to get this of my chest.

  • huntercal

    Posted Mar 23, 2009 1:34 am GMT

    Well as much as Nintendo has disappointed me by effectively abandoning the hardcore gamer you have to give it to them, they have a keen eye for business.

  • bnazty23

    Posted Mar 22, 2009 10:55 pm GMT

    I honestly have to say that I agree with everything Footies said: Ps3 is great, 360 is great, we should all stop arguing because it is a matter of preference, the debate is getting very old ............... ....................................and the Wii sucks! lol

  • Ryusei117

    Posted Mar 22, 2009 10:17 pm GMT

    Zomg. With a "Z."

    Nearly every comment board on Gamespot is crammed with fanboys touting this console over that, saying such-and-such game sucks . . . but this one trumps them all.

    Can't we all just be gamers instead of PS3 fans, 360 fans, and "MYG4M3OWNZURMOM" hate-posters?

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