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Wii sales dipped Thanksgiving week

Nintendo reports 550,000 consoles sold in US during important November 22-28 window; DS Lite, DSi set new handheld record with combined 1-million-unit haul.

Though two years out from launch, Nintendo's Wii remained in high demand during the 2008 holiday shopping season. For the high-volume Thanksgiving week last year, the console shifted some 800,000 units in the US, more than double its tally during the same period in 2007. However, indicative of Nintendo's yearlong struggle to stimulate flagging interest in the Wii, this year's Thanksgiving week sales performance came up notably short.

Wii sales are thus far running cold this holiday.

Wii sales are thus far running cold this holiday.

Nintendo today said that it sold 550,000 Wiis in the US during the November 22-28 period, according to the publisher's internal estimates. Console travails aside, Nintendo said that DS Lite and DSi sales were very strong during the same period, as the handhelds combined to sell more than 1 million units. The publisher noted that the DS's combined one-week tally surpassed the high-water mark set by the Game Boy Advance during Thanksgiving week in 2002.

Putting those numbers into perspective, Nintendo said that it sold more than 150 systems every minute on a continual basis in the US during the week. Said another way, the publisher shifted more than 2.5 machines every second during the same period of time.

In late September, Nintendo enacted its first price cut for the Wii since the console launched in the US in November 2006, knocking the price down $50 to $199.99. Speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle today, Nintendo of America EVP of sales and marketing Cammie Dunaway said that console sales were up 85 percent on a weekly basis since the price cut went into effect.

After falling behind the PlayStation 3 in September, Nintendo regained the top slot in the monthly console sales chart for October. According to the NPD Group's monthly report, the newly $199 system sold 506,900 units during the approximately 30-day window. The sales performance outpaced Sony's and Microsoft's consoles, which sold a respective 320,600 and 249,700 units in the US during the same period.

289 Comments

  • Cillerboy

    Posted Dec 4, 2009 2:58 pm GMT

    @retroguy02: ah sure hardcore gamers have the choice to go with 360 or ps3 or even pc anyways

  • retroguy02

    Posted Dec 3, 2009 5:52 pm GMT

    Like it or not, Wii still has a market. While I think that the Wii is doing an okay job bringing the non-gamer crowd into gaming (I won't talk about games for obvious reasons), Nintendo should have released a parallel console for its hardcore crowd. That way both sides are happy.

  • Sonicplys

    Posted Dec 2, 2009 12:14 pm GMT

    Wii still tha best. Wow it took 3 years for the PS3 to finally pick up steam. That price drop was the best thing $ony has done this gen.

  • melty3219

    Posted Dec 2, 2009 10:57 am GMT

    @ hatieshorrer

    yeah wii sold more then ps3/360 no denying that, but i buy consoles to play games and the wii has no GOOD ones that does not include an Italian plumber or a boy dressed in green.

  • Shtinky

    Posted Dec 2, 2009 10:12 am GMT

    @ izmickey, well considering Wii has sold over 20 mil units in usa alone, it's not surprising that sales in the region are starting to "dip". But read the article's title, it's needlessly negative and biased-sounding.

  • joksterz78

    Posted Dec 2, 2009 9:22 am GMT

    I got myself a WII over the "black friday" days. Had to sell my 360 so I really didn't pay at all. Which is great!!

  • izmickey

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 11:43 pm GMT

    @ Flint247
    Its not being biased, its just the flow of income is shifting. Before Nintendo sold more now sells less, so thats BAD. Before Sony sold some ps3 but now they are selling a lot MORE, so thats good. Get it?

  • MattHopeKids

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 8:00 pm GMT

    Wow its crazy. I guess with all the bad news that was coming through about the Wii, I hadn't realised it was still out pacing the xbox and ps3 by a big margin. Personally I have had to buy a 360 recently because of the lack of hardcore games being released on the wii, but I still do love nintendo, I just feel they have headed down the wrong path in the last year or so. I'm actually happily surprised by this news because it means that Nintendo can still refocus it's efforts and get the games out that the system deserves. I had thought it was basically all downhill for the wii now and the others would easily catch them but looks like I really had no idea.

    Nintendo get the third parties on board properly, or you really will crash and burn.

  • AlfaxD_Centauro

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 7:28 pm GMT

    Not a fanboy, but I was planning to buy a Wii (I had a lot of fun with friends), but since I've watch the project for PS3 the new Motion Sensor, the Sphere Controls, I'm doubting now to buy the Wii, because the Sphere Controls are coming for 2010. And I don't want to waste money for games for both versions and kinda similar mechanic of gameplay.

    Still good sales there.

  • hatieshorrer

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 5:10 pm GMT

    @melty3219

    X360 and PS3 have good games coming out weekly is that the reason why this article says they each sold more then 200,000 units less then the Nintendo Wii in the same period.

    Try reading the entire article you might learn something.

  • TheLemonGelati

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 4:29 pm GMT

    I guarantee Gamespot is loving this news. It's still selling plenty, all of the systems are doing fine.

  • SIMIFU

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 4:27 pm GMT

    @srdjan311 that's true, but for some reason, nintendo games are the only good ones on the system(despite that the company that made the system actually makes games for it too. Unlike ps3 and Xbox.)

  • Shtinky

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 3:32 pm GMT

    Wait, how is selling 550,000 units a bad thing? Yes, it sold less than last years but It still outsold the PS3 and 360. I'll be damned if that's not some blatant biased reporting on GameSpot's behalf. If GS news had any dignity they'd republish the article with a more appopriate headline.

  • melty3219

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 1:34 pm GMT

    also @ ayumi_miyazaki
    LOL what are you 5? if you are actually crying because people have a different opinion then you on the internet then you need help

  • srdjan311

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 1:31 pm GMT

    wii needs killer third party support with more then just shovle ware

  • melty3219

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 1:28 pm GMT

    what Nintendo don't understand is that 1 or 2 GOOD games a year will not cut it, The PS3 and 360 have great games coming out weekly while the wii gets trash such as imagine fashion designer or something like that.

    Nintendo need to stop acting as if the wii is amazing because it sells and start making some god damn games! because everyone i know who get a wii are trading them in for a 360 or PS3

  • Jak_Napier

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 1:21 pm GMT

    well this may be the start of the crash and burn phase for the wii. Like they always say, what goes up must come down. The wii may be on its way down now. If not already past its high peak of success.
    Not to say that it isnt a good console, but its obviously showing with these reports. Yet you wouldnt be able to tell.

  • NOscope42

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 1:17 pm GMT

    @im-a-roustabout yes the xbox was sharper with graphics, but the original comment was made towards the PS2 vs gamecube. the system outsold because the mass majority of people purchasing systems tend to right off Nintendo. i cant even count how many times I would over hear someone talking about the PS2 producing better graphics when in fact it was the hardest system to program for in the last generation. "Gamecube renders up to eight effects layers to a polygon in a single pass, whereas the PS2 features a multi-pass rendering system. So, for example, Gamecube developers can effectively start with the base geometry PS2 developers would have to re-render the polygon itself for every pass meaning eight times the work to get the same effect. So essentially PS2 has to render 1,000 polygons eight times over whereas Gamecube only has to render 1,000 polygons once for the same effect." -IGN

    the gamecube was better hardware over the PS2 and it still was outsold by the PS2. that being the point.....people are ragging on the Wii for bad performance when they bought a poor performing system previously in last generation. I agree with the issues of the wii's library, but the system should be targeted because of what developers do, not what Nintendo built.

  • ico92

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 12:57 pm GMT

    Nintendo...

    a company thats a victim of their own success even after this dip the wii sold the most out of all 3 consoles , infact all 3 consoles are doing fine.

  • Lightsyde

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 12:57 pm GMT

    @Zerosumgame You seriously don't know what serious/hard core gaming means? JUST WHAT THE &^%$#**!@!~~!!! ARE YOU DOING HERE? Good grief.

  • general_helix

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 12:52 pm GMT

    until Other M and the new Zelda are out, my wii is collecting dust.
    ps3 ftw

  • ositoPERU

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 12:44 pm GMT

    PS3 sold around 400k units, Wii is not doing too bad by all means...

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 12:28 pm GMT

    New Super Mario Bros Wii is a great game. I rented it from Gamefly. Strange, though, that I still turn on the PS3 every day and ignore the Wii most of the time.

    My kids have even stopped playing the Wii unless I prompt them to play a game with me. It's great to have when we all get together, but otherwise it's not used much at all.

    My PS3 is used nearly daily. My Xbox 360 is the least used console in my house lately.

    I'm exited about the 80GB hard drive I've got ready to replace my 40GB currently in my PS3. *random-i know*
    _

  • Fernicum

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 12:24 pm GMT

    I respect the hardcore players that like their games on the hd twins without them Sony and MS would be out of business. I know their rooting for their respective consoles to dominate the sales charts but it just hasn't happened. Sony was able to take advantage of the critical misstep that Nintendo made in 2008 and early 2009. Satoru Iwata was man enough to admit that they did. Now, Sony is doing better than MS that's good for Sony fans I suppose and bad for MS fans. This is a critical period for Nintendo as they are trying to get back their momentum. With the price drop, key software releases, it looks as if the Wii is getting back it's momentum. To make a conclusion either ways is still early. Reggie made a bet that New Super Mario Bros Wii would outsell Modern Warfare 2 on at least one console and we should wait for the January NPD to see if he'd won. Nintendo is betting that NSMB Wii will be a system seller. If Reggie wins then that would be a huge blow against both Sony and MS since Nintendo would have already found a way of getting back their momentum...

  • kavadias1981

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 12:22 pm GMT

    The Wii isn't for hardcore ga... blah blah blah. (goes back downstairs to blow the F out of MotherFing zombies on HOTD Overkill) "GOREGASM"

  • chronolzx

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 12:22 pm GMT

    @fkbwii

    Theoretical and real time performance of a system can only be observed by comparing games visually.

    Most of the games out for both the WII and the ps2 look roughly the same, hence, visually they are performing equally.

    Aside, the big hits on the WII like "wii fit," "wii fit plus" and "wii sports" are not very graphic intensive. The ps2 would be able to handle these titles just as well as the WII if it had a motion controller.

  • Flint247

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 11:45 am GMT

    I own a Wii. Despite me not buying much games for my Wii, I can still say, IN MY OPINION, that it was worth my money to buy it in the first place. Games like Brawl and MKwii somehow managed to keep me playing it and making videos for Youtube every week. I still want Wii Fit Plus, Wii Sports Resort, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, while waiting for SMG2 and other hot titles to come out later.

    Most people here say the Wii is overpriced right now, but I disagree. With all its features like Internet Browsing, backwards compatibility, motion controls, Nintendo WiFi Connection, Downloadable games, etc, I think $200 fits it perfectly. I am not going to get into the fanboy wars here, I am just stating my opinion.

    Overall, I think the Wii is a great system, way better than the GCN (I own a GCN and I definitely believe Wii is like 5x better than it). I really don't understand why Wii is overhated. Either it's because people are comparing it with 360 and PS3 (I want those, too), that's like comparing oranges and apples OR it's probably because of its market success; the Wii has definitely sold a lot of systems for it to be called a "Failure".

    Like I said, I am not going to get into these pointless debates over man-made objects, but I think all the people dissing the Wii should lighten up just a little bit and enjoy it as it is. It's not THAT bad. It's made for EVERYONE.

    Thank you.

  • Spartan-1657

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 12:21 pm GMT

    @ayumi_miyazaki hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah

  • Zerosumgame

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 11:30 am GMT

    what is serious gaming though? does that mean you get paid for it? your performance are being measured on a regular basis? somebody supervising you when you play games? Don't be mistaken to think that because you play HALO, you are the domainant specie. Wrong! SERIOUS GAMING!~ LMFAO, AH! F!

    Well, wii sales dropping in US is normal, it is still in a resssion, look at the US $ index, the world is dumping the currency like toxic waste. F!

  • claykenobi

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 11:24 am GMT

    @Wolf_BladeGX- You're just giving another example of why women like Wii's. Usually it's a mothers overruling authority over a man's to not have a console with blood and gore. I'm not being sexist, I'm simply implying that Nintendo has marketed their console towards women and children. The Wii fit is one of the most popular games for the Wii. Do you think men and children play that?? These are facts. Most women I know find serious gaming unattractive. A Wii in your living room shows you have fun and you're still a kid at heart but video games don't take over your life. Chicks dig that, Wolf Blade, seriously..

  • Wolf_BladeGX

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 11:06 am GMT

    @ claykenobi

    Eh, what? bro, I think you need to check your facts and lay off the sexism. It sold well because is was the least expensive to start and supported family games and appropriate games that children could play. So it doesn't have hundreds of games with excessive blood and gore, ok. Metroid Prime 3 is still one of top favorite games this generation.

  • MattyVonP

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 11:06 am GMT

    I own a good gaming computer, PS3, and a wii. The wii collects dust other than when I still get the urge to play Resident Evil 4. The PS3 gets daily use, whether I'm using the blu ray feature, Netflicks, or playing one of the many awesome titles I own. I used to love Nintendo, but they took a wrong turn this generation and decided to turn their backs on the hard core gamer crowd. This will definitely affect any future Nintendo console purchases for me.

  • payne6705

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:53 am GMT

    @cesarjr14

    you sir speak nothing but the truth I completely agree the only thing I don't agree with is the "must plays" even those games are pretty bad

  • Lightsyde

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:42 am GMT

    LLLLOOOOOLLLLLL. Your comments are all hilarious. Please keep me entertained.

  • Solidsnake13_2

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:41 am GMT

    @Dualmask

    Thank u for correcting my comment. That what I ment to say about this article. Thank u again

  • one_of_panda

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:41 am GMT

    Also until the new Metriod and Zelda games come out I really have no reason to play my Wii...

  • one_of_panda

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:41 am GMT

    I'm too busy playing my PS3 to care about Wii sales...

  • fkbwii

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:41 am GMT

    @chronolzx

    Just because a developer chooses to make the same game on another console doesn't mean there is going to be better graphics on the superior console.

    For example, take a look at Halo 2. The PC version doesn't look that much better than the original Xbox, just clearer. But that doesn't mean that PCs graphics are as low as the Xbox.

  • dwd_27

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:31 am GMT

    wow That's a lot of consoles nintendo are doing a good job. This is thanks giving what about chrismas

  • TXMostWanted

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:24 am GMT

    Wii probably isn't in high demand because everyone who wants one has one, plus the fact that since day one Wii Sports was the only thing that people played with the system :-(

  • -Fromage-

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:23 am GMT

    I can understand that. The library of games isnt the most diverse ever.

  • cesarjr14

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:20 am GMT

    Seriously? What the heck is up with everyone getting mad at people criticizing the Wii. I stood in line for about 12 hours on launch day waiting to get my Wii. 2 years later, I am COMLETELY dissapointed. There is nothing to play!!

    For example: I am a 21 year old, P90X-er, martial artist, therefore, my idea of fun is NOT any type of boxing game or Wii fit, obviously. (Badly simulating what I do for real.) So, there's MadWorld, Zelda, Super Smash Bros, and Super Mario Bros. Those pretty much the only "must plays".

    Sorry Wii defenders, I used to be on your side, but sadly, my Wii has been sitting in a bag for 2 years, ready to take with me when I visit my little brothers. Sometimes I can get them to get off their 360 and play SSB.

    My PS3, on the other hand, I even have to fight my dad to give me a turn. I COULD go play my Wii while I'm waiting... but I don't

  • enzyme36

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:18 am GMT

    i dont know but it seems like GS created this headline to rile up the forum crowds.... reading the title and article, it all has negative spin on it... like nintendo is doomed....

    i think a more appropriate title would have been.... The Wii is still #1 in sales, and the handhelds.... pshhhh not even a competition

    not that any of that matters but it is clear that everyone wants to throw the big N under the bus... clearly gamespot does

  • MachShot

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:15 am GMT

    @BtmnHatesRbn

    "...Unless it's Wii and DS, the other three formats aren't in a healthy place in gaming."

    September top 5 software, three of them were 360 - #1 Halo 3 ODST doubled sales of Wii Sport Resort. In October, again three of them were 360/PS3 and Wii title was not #1. We don't even need to wait for November report because we all know Modern Warfare 2 is locked for #1 and Left 4 Dead 2 sold 2,000,000 in two weeks so that's locked for #2 or #3.

    For the past 6 months (since June), there has only been one month in which a Wii title took #1 sales spot - Wii Sport Resort in July, the slowest month of the year for gaming and had no notable 360/PS3 release.

    Unhealthy? You want to know what's unhealthy for a gaming console? When everyone seemingly has your console but no one buys the games.

  • bisonfan2010

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:12 am GMT

    The wii is great when you have friends over and all, but I end up playing gamecube games on it sometimes just because it really...isn't that great. It is ok, and I do play wii games once in a while. It just isn't as good as ps3 games. (which i own...i don't have a 360 so i can't really say anything about it)

  • goheat

    Posted Dec 1, 2009 10:08 am GMT

    There'll always be fanboys and trollers who fell the (immature) need to criticize the Wii to make themselves feel superior. It really doesn't work, though, and generally makes for humorous and illogical posts.

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