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Wii sells 3M in Dec., New Mario Bros. hits 4M

Nintendo's top-selling console soars during final month in 2009, DS claims annual US sales records; latest portly-plumber platformer goes quadruple-platinum.

Nintendo's Wii got off to a stumbling start during the heavily hyped Black Friday shopping window this year. Whereas the publisher sold 800,000 units during the week of Thanksgiving in 2008, that number fell to 550,000 in 2009, a slip that seemed to be in line with Nintendo president Satoru Iwata's statement that Wii sales have "stalled." As it would turn out, though, Wii sales rebounded in a big way during December.

The Wii: Still popular.

The Wii: Still popular.

Citing internal sales figures, Nintendo announced today that Wii sales for the final month of 2009 surpassed 3 million units in the US alone. That figure compares more than favorably to the Wii's December 2008 performance, during which it sold 2.15 million units domestically, according to the NPD Group. Notably, Nintendo's console was also cheaper during the 2009 shopping window, as the Wii's price dropped $50 to $199 in September.

One game that helped propel those strong console sales is New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Nintendo also said today that its latest platformer featuring its iconic portly plumber has sold nearly 4 million units in the US to date, according to its internal estimates. In December, Nintendo said that New Super Mario Bros. Wii had shifted some 2 million units in the US in less than a month on the market.

Though Nintendo did not provide internal figures for the DS, the platform holder did indicate that its handheld had a monumental year. According to the publisher, the DS and camera-equipped DSi combined to set an "all-time calendar-year US sales record for any console or handheld system."

Official NPD numbers for December and all of 2009 are expected to be announced on Thursday, January 14.

242 Comments

  • Harerazer

    Posted Jan 11, 2010 10:38 am GMT

    And I remember watching Reggie say that New Mario Bros would surpass CoD: MW2 on a single platform by the end of the holiday period. I thought he was seriously talking bull. I publicly apologize right here. You are Reggie...and you are happy.

  • polarBare22

    Posted Jan 11, 2010 10:27 am GMT

    I think its time we all put this console wars nonsense to rest. Wii sells 3 kabillion consoles in 3 minutes...Good for Nintendo. Sony moves 3.8 jillion PS3s across 5 solar systems....Whoo hoo for Sony. Microsoft's Project Natal single handedly ends violent crime with its thought sensing module...Horay for the house that Gates built.

    Seriously guys, we should all be celebrating the fact that our Favorite hobby has grown so big that it can support 3 (Three!!!) major consoles each with a healthy market share and a very bright future. Besides just look at the games we are getting both as exclusives and cross platform block busters. In the old days Halo, Uncharted, Modern Warfare and Assasin's Creed and their superior sequels would not have existed in the same generation (I know I left out many others but I'm trying to make a point). The competition is bringing out the best in everybody and WE ALL BENEFIT. So please keep the flaming fanboyisim to a minimum and just have fun and game.

  • thiorim

    Posted Jan 11, 2010 1:39 am GMT

    Good for Nintendo. I know the sales will increase again after release of Zelda wii, Metroid Other M & Tastsunoko vs Capcom, Especially Tastsunoko vs Capcom since the Wii missed out on Street Fighter 4.

  • thiorim

    Posted Jan 11, 2010 1:36 am GMT

    Good for Nintendo. I know the sales will increase again after release of Zelda wii & Metriod Other M.
    For the Mature audience I think last year there were some nice titles esp. Mad World and Since the Wii missed out on Street Fighter 4, Wii owners get Tastsunoko vs Capcom which... you have to admit.. is Awesome.

  • kuroshiro99

    Posted Jan 10, 2010 11:55 am GMT

    The wii sold 3 mils . The ps3 sold 3.8 mils.. do the math.. This console war started when the ps3 slim came out. It will end with kratos decimating zeus along with the rest of olympus. The end begins ... on march 10 .

  • x-2tha-z

    Posted Jan 10, 2010 12:43 am GMT

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oyhtuWW0vk

    Lololol

  • x-2tha-z

    Posted Jan 9, 2010 11:49 pm GMT

    @magiconeup

    I know the Wii has sold loads. You asked what that tells me. It tells me that a lot of people like Wii Sports.

    I know more Wii owners like games like Wii Sports than games like Bioshock, but the majority of the Wii's audience isn't the traditional gamer, the type of gamer who would like Bioshock 2 and FFXIII. That's fine though. I wasn't talking about them. I was talking about the Wii owners who would like to play the games I mentioned or exclusives like Uncharted 2, Gears of War, Metal Gear Solid 4, Demon's Souls, God of War 3.

    If they want that type of game, they need a 360 or PS3. What's wrong with saying that? Is it not true? Am I lying? No, I'm not.

    I'd day the same thing to a 360 or PS3 owner who wanted to play games like Wii Fit and Wii Music.

  • MagicOneUp

    Posted Jan 9, 2010 5:33 pm GMT

    @x-2tha-z
    face the facts dude, this article is about numbers and once again Nintendo are on top. Maybe Nintendo hasn't got the best games to your liking but they have sold millions of consoles. whats that tell you? let put it simple (like you) there are more people out there enjoys the wii more than they enjoy bioshock 4 or final fantasy 25. you reckon nintendo will ditch it record selling wii and catch a smaller fish? thats why nintendo are on top.

  • RitterXplode

    Posted Jan 9, 2010 2:49 am GMT

    @ FoxMcCloudDS
    Sony said 3.8M PS3's sold globally.
    Nintendo says 3M Wii's sold on the US.
    Microsoft hasn't said anything besides 39M total X360 sales since 2005.
    If they sold 33M units up to august 09, then they did not perform that well on the holidays.
    But still, I need exact numbers xD

  • x-2tha-z

    Posted Jan 8, 2010 12:08 pm GMT

    @Natatteru

    You don't have to like all of them. If you want to play any of them on a console, you need a PS3 or 360. None of those games are available for the Wii.

    I'd also like to point out that I just listed the good multi-platform games that I could think of at the time. It isn't a definitive list. There's loads more that could be added. There's also the good exclusives if you wanted to add those to the MP games.

    Yes, I agree that lots of people have different taste, but I'm pretty sure most dedicated gamers would like a few of the games I mentioned.

  • Natatteru

    Posted Jan 8, 2010 6:46 am GMT

    @x-2tha-z

    Fact is, whether a game is good or not cannot be a fact, it is an opinion. There may be a lot of people who are just as serious gamers as you and I, and not like the games you listed (I like some of the games you mentioned, although I would rather have NSMBW than them)

  • x-2tha-z

    Posted Jan 8, 2010 4:34 am GMT

    @ayumi_miyazaki

    What I'd like to know is what is Nintendo doing with all the profit they're making from the Wii and first party games? They sure as **** ain't spending it on game development.

  • x-2tha-z

    Posted Jan 8, 2010 4:19 am GMT

    Honestly, I don't care about sales numbers for consoles. I care about good games being released. Fact is, you aren't going to get the best games on the Wii.

    Did the Wii get Bioshock, Modern Warfare 2, Fallout 3, Oblivion, Devil May Cry 4, Bayonetta, Orange Box, Resident Evil 5, Grand Theft Auto 4, Mirrors Edge, Batman Arkham Asylum, Far Cry 2, Final Fantasy XIII, Assassins Creed 2, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, Riddick AODA, The Darkness, Splinter Cell Double Agent, Darksiders, Dante's Inferno, Bioshock 2 etc etc etc

    All those games can be bought for the 360 or PS3. Can't get them on the Wii, though. I'd rather have those games over NSMBW.

    The Wii shouldn't be any serious gamers only console. You'd miss out on too many games. The Wii is only good as a second console. A partner to your 360 or PS3. An afterthought.

    Nintendo have created and conquered the Wii Sports/Wii Fit market. For a person like me, who likes good games, Nintendo have pretty much become irrelevant.

  • FoxMcCloudDS

    Posted Jan 8, 2010 1:02 am GMT

    Anyone know what PS3 and 360 sold yet? or are we going to need to wait until January 14th?

  • 5Jedi5diah5

    Posted Jan 7, 2010 11:32 pm GMT

    the lowest production cost, the highest profit margin. Nintendo sure has a strong Phycological department to hook all those pple who play casual games and Wii fit lifestyle.

  • starburst121

    Posted Jan 7, 2010 8:40 pm GMT

    How many Wiis have sold now, a GAZILLION! Geez, slow down, Nintendo.

  • ayumi_miyazaki

    Posted Jan 7, 2010 5:30 pm GMT

    If the wii is in first place and if only the first party games are sellng then how much profit is nintendo making off the wii?

  • razorfett147

    Posted Jan 7, 2010 4:05 pm GMT

    Exactly. The Wii has been a console that's almost completely held up by its parent company. It is ruled by its first party software.......and is STILL kicking butt in the market. Any way you want to slice or spin it.......that's impressive. Yea, I don't play anything but Nintendo made games on my Wii.......and that's EXACTLY what I bought it for.

  • OneMoarLevel

    Posted Jan 7, 2010 1:55 pm GMT

    I think that Nintendo is doing everything right. The games that they release are good, the other companies just overload it with sh**** games that really dont appeal to nor casual or hardcore players, thats what i think

  • helborhamy

    Posted Jan 7, 2010 2:39 am GMT

    @devildothack

    Well I guess all I can say is, you enjoy your wii, I will enjoy my ps3

  • RitterXplode

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 10:27 pm GMT

    Wii - 3M
    PS3 - 3.8M
    and the x360?

  • joksterz78

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 9:47 pm GMT

    @dino77c

    Of course you can compare those games. Mario deals more into entertainment without the violence, whereas the others deal into violence
    From your comments sounds like you favor graphics over game play.

    I guess what I am trying to say is It all depends on the gamer which he/she likes more. Each to his own.

    So considering all that, If you were to ask me to compare those games, I would prefer Mario because I am just sick and tired of all of these violent games.

  • link_15

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 9:26 pm GMT

    @ dino

    do you mean zelda tp and okami?

  • dino77c

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 8:15 pm GMT

    2 of the best wii games are gamecube ports...nuff said

  • dino77c

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 8:14 pm GMT

    All I said is the wii is more for the kids/family...I own all three I'm not here to bash the wii its but its family appeal is why it sells better. For a gamer I think the other consoles are FAR superior in every way...can you honestly compare new super mario to modern warfare 2, oblivion, gears, seriously...if I just had a wii it would be tough waiting considering they put out 3 good games a year.

  • Inconnux

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 4:26 pm GMT

    Rottonwood has it 100% right... the Wii is a gateway drug for many people... The problem with the 'other' consoles is that most of the games are practically cookie cutter copies of each other... the 360 is known for FPS games... and practically only FPS games. The controller is the #1 selling point... Sports games are far better with a Wii controller... Golf sims are a perfect example. Nintendo shows once again why it is the industry leader

  • Flint247

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 4:04 pm GMT

    Good point about PS2's graphics. That's still alive now and running along with 360 and PS3, selling well, and I hardly see anyone complain about PS2's "outdated" graphics.

  • ClintKeys

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 3:55 pm GMT

    Ok so I was not clear enough before. The Ps1 beat the N64, and the Ps2 beat the Gamecube. In this gen, the DS and the Wii will beat the Psp and Ps3. Technically we(Nintendo) will be tied with Sony with 2 points each.

  • Sonicplys

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 3:22 pm GMT

    Wii still the best, man. You people cant deny it no longer.

  • SadPSPAddict

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 2:55 pm GMT

    The Wii appeals to the masses PS3 and 360 appeal to "more hard core" gamers and lets face it there are more of the masses Don't get me wrong I play on the Wii but not usually on my own - Band Hero with the wife and kids or Mario Party etc

  • wiidsduelpack

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 2:54 pm GMT

    Makes me proud to have a Wii. Now if wii gamers could have some on line games besides Brawl and MK, it would be great.

  • razorfett147

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 2:47 pm GMT

    Yes, let's complain about the Wii's "outdated" graphics.....and then try to give a chin's up to the PS2. Seriously? Didn't see anyone getting pissy about how the PS2 was performing against all the new generation of consoles a while back.....despite being the least impressive console technical-wise still being produced. Face it.........fun is fun, and in the gaming industry: fun sells.

  • Flint247

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 1:54 pm GMT

    @maverick_76

    ...no comment. I am out of here.

  • maverick_76 posted Jan 6, 2010 1:51 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    maverick_76

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 1:51 pm GMT (hide)

    @Flint247

    Sad but true. I just don't understand why people pay $200 for a apple-ized PS2 with motion control?

  • Flint247

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 1:45 pm GMT

    @Dino77c

    NSMBWii at $60? Where do you shop, man?

  • Flint247

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 1:43 pm GMT

    @maverick_76

    ROFL, you are comparing Wii with PS2! XD

  • DaGamingDude

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 1:09 pm GMT

    @maverick_76

    Nah,they aren't brainwashed.Well i'm sure that eye-toy is fun but eye-toy doesn't have all the cool nintendo games.Since i played on nintendo my whole childhood i would buy a wii cause i growed up with mario,link and pokemons.So practicly eye-toy out Wii in!!!

  • Ayato_Kamina_1

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 1:04 pm GMT

    I didn't think Dino77c sounds like a fanboy, he calls it as he sees it. Sure the wii has performed monumentally. But remember to look carefully at the differences. In no way does the wii try to appeal to the same markets as the people who buy the PS3 / 360. The wii serves a purpose, and so does the ps3 /360, that's why most people will own both. Nintendo is at the head because they're more innovative. They took a gamble, and without a doubt it's paying off. Good for them.

  • maverick_76 posted Jan 6, 2010 11:49 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    maverick_76

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 11:49 am GMT (hide)

    I swear, are people just brainwashed about the Wii? I understand that it can be fun, but is it really worth $200? I can get similar games and features like that with an eye-toy and a $99 PS2. I just don't get it.

  • aleiko

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 11:49 am GMT

    Dino77c,

    You enter a Nintendo related post to bash nintendo?

    Sounds like fanboy talk to me...don't decline what you sound like. It's about playing what you enjoy..and nintendo's at the head..just plain fact bro. I own all 3 as well, and i'll never sound like you.

  • dino77c

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 11:13 am GMT

    Wii is good for the kids/family bowling at the old folks home and thats why it sells so well. Nothing wrong with that but don't kid yourself if you are a serious gamer MW2, AC2, Uncharted 2, ect. seem like they were made 10 years after the wii. 332MB of super mario brothers for $60 yeah no wonder they are making money. I own all 3 and play all 3 but to say the wii is winning the generation and we dont need any other consoles is stupid. If you only want 10 year old graphics and re-makes of 80s games I guess all you need is a wii but anyone without a real next gen system is missing out in my opinion.

    again I own all 3 so dont call me a fanboy

  • xXZak-ataKXx

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 10:42 am GMT

    im just wondering if anyone knows about the PS3's numbers for December. Let me know please if any of you guys know. Thanks.

  • pixiedust35147

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 10:02 am GMT

    imo Mario is by far the best game released for the wii to date. If only there were more games with that level of production values i may have to dust my wii off more often.

  • pixiedust35147

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 9:58 am GMT

    What's up with a zelda game NOT ported from the gamecube?

  • SuprSaiyanRockr

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 9:28 am GMT

    Of course it sold well... It's one of the few games released for the wii that's any good. It appeals to serious and casual gamers alike.
    Seriously, Nintendo... bring back the seal of quality. There aren't enough good games for the wii. Mostly Nintendo franchises (Zelda, Mario, etc), and only a handful of 3rd party games.
    It's hard to take the wii seriously when no-one at Nintendo does.

    Nintendo makes some good games, but they also release so many terrible ones that you tend to forget about the good ones. I own a wii, and enjoy games like Mario and SSB, but general lack of serious games and overload of crap ones tend to destroy any motivation to buy more games for it.
    Anyone else notice that, or is that just me?

  • ClintKeys

    Posted Jan 6, 2010 9:16 am GMT

    @ayumi_miyazaki
    Nintendo will be tied with Sony (handhelds counts too^^.)

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