EEDAR's Jesse Divnich projects Nintendo responsible for half of December software sales; 3 million DSs also sold.
The industry-tracking NPD Group is preparing to release its US retail sales data for December, but one analyst is already calling the month yet another big win for Nintendo.
In a sales preview note to investors, Electronic Entertainment Design and Research analyst Jesse Divnich predicted the NPD numbers would show that software sales for the month would total $2.7 billion. That would not only match last December's record-high monthly take, but it would also reflect a 14 percent year-over-year growth for the industry. Furthermore, Divnich said that half of those game sales were attributable to Nintendo's market-expanding one-two punch, the Wii and DS.
"Without these sales, the industry would have likely felt the full wrath of the recession--much like other industries closely linked to gaming," Divnich said. "We believe their simple-to-use design, cheaper and wider variety of software titles, and the already 'hot effect' in place on both systems, all played a role in driving both the Wii and the DS to the top of their segments. Simply put, Nintendo saved Christmas."
Divnich also released his expected top 10 sales lists for hardware and software, with Nintendo atop both. The analyst projects that 3.2 million Wiis were sold in the US last month--which would be another record-breaking performance--with the DS not far behind at 3 million sold.
Although Nintendo ruling the hardware roost is nothing new, Divnich also predicted that a handful of the Wii's top 10 mainstays have experienced a sales surge that pushed them to the top of the charts. The analyst pegged the Wii Play With Wii Remote bundle as the best-selling software for the month, adding another 1.3 million sold to its already sizable lifetime totals. Divnich also projected Mario Kart Wii, Wii Fit, and Wii Music to represent Nintendo in the remainder of the top 10 list.
The NPD numbers could have the gaming industry closing out the year on a high note, but Divnich cautions investors not to expect a repeat performance for 2009.
"Currently, EEDAR expects high single-digit increases for software sales in 2009," Divnich said. "We believe that there exists a significant amount of upside to these figures but that will vary widely depending on hardware pricing and the Nintendo Wii's momentum."
EEDAR projected top 10 software sales for December, 2008
Wii Play (Wii)--1.3 million
Call of Duty: World at War (360)--1.2 million
Mario Kart (Wii)--1.2 million
Wii Fit (Wii)--1 million
Gears of War 2 (360)--800,000
Call of Duty: World at War (PS3)--650,000
Madden NFL 09 (360)--500,000
Left 4 Dead (360)--500,000
Prince of Persia (360)--475,000
Wii Music (Wii)--425,000
EEDAR projected hardware sales for December, 2008
Nintendo Wii--3.2 million
Nintendo DS--3 million
Xbox 360--1.5 million
PSP--880,000
PS3--700,000
Brendan Sinclair has been a games journalist since 1999. His tastes are eclectic, though he has a definite affinity for games with arcade roots. He's Canadian, but has also been at home in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Nintendo's smart for creating a system for non-gamers. The worst games sell the best because they're cheap and the best games get overlooked because they're too expensive. I do like a handful of Wii games but I'd buy more if 17 out of 20 weren't mini-game compilations of trash or games that look like they were produced for the N64 and just never released. Apparently though this is what sells..
I remember when I had a Wii. It was a neat little device that collected dust that might have otherwise invaded my Xbox360.
They did get one part wrong on that list. haha. Wii Fit actually only sold a slim 999,000, not a million. *sarcasm
to be HONESTLY fair xtressbro, you haven't played them. Who to blame? The developers....and besides, most of these games are great.
Quick! Lets all get in to a spitting match about how Wii is kiddy and the 360 and PS3 are the only real consoles!!! Someone please change the tune! I am getting so sick of this constant topic creeping up in almost every comment thread! PLAY WHAT YOU WANT TO! There are great games available for every console/handheld, and the only person who chooses what games you like is you! No matter how many times you post a list of games or a link to a video, you're not going to suddenly make others "see the light" and fall in line with your way of thinking! Point out what you like and let others do the same.
Ok masashi920, here are the list of available adult games on Wii : Resident Evil 4 Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles No More Heroes Manhunt 2 Red Steel Scarface The Godfather Call of Duty 3 Call Of Duty World At War Medal Of Honor Heroes 2 Driver Parallel Lines Mortal Kombat Armaggeddon Far Cry Vengeance Future: The Conduit MadWorld House Of The Dead OverKill Technu 4 Onechanbara Bikini Zombie Slayers Red Steel 2 No More Heroes 2 Fatal Frame 4 Fragile : Farewell Ruins Of The Moon Dead Rising Chop Till You Drop Cursed Mountain Sadness Who Knows? There will be more and I might have missed some for the currently availabe ones So...you fail, since these are more than 5 adult games
even if Nintendo does win the war, which it most likely will, I'll still enjoy the current consoles I own. The console sales don't affect the level of enjoyment I get from using my console for a year as opposed to wii which I get bored of after 3 weeks and end up selling. It does turn up a good profit in the ebay/craigslist market.
A LOT of women want that fitness game. That means a Wii deck will be very, very cheap at EB in about six months.
@Pices: That video fails. It shows maybe 3-5 games that are "adult" for the wii. Meanwhile practically 90% of the games on the ps3 and 360 are "adult". The wii is a kiddy system and its a gimmick too. Despite its great system sales top charting game sales are 360. Also about half that video was for a game that isn't even out yet for the wii.
ishmael4c you missed the point.... PS3 and 360 gamers are true gamers BUT if theres any true gamer..its a Wii gamer. Why? Because we're buying a system thats way less powerful and not HD. We're buying a "weak" system because we care about gameplay MORE than graphics and we're loyal Nintendo fans. Loyal Nintendo fans means that we have been buying Nintendo games and consoles ever since we discovered about it. Fanboy means that you say that your console is superior while the others suck. I'm not a fanboy because I like the 360 and PS3. The reason why I defend the Wii is because fanboys bash it...and I counter their statements with facts.
I love how people criticize the Wii's specs in comparison to the 360/PS3 when it's owning both of their asses in sales. :-) Besides, I find it amusing how Sony and Microsoft are both struggling to find a way to make their own motion-sensing controls... Seems as though they're intimidated or something "crazy" like that..... Oh, but hey... The Wii "sucks" since it's not HD. :-P
Pices: "buying a system that is not HD and way less powerful ...... because we care about gameplay" - yeah ps3/x360's gorgeous games really lack in gameplay depth don't they? Fallout 3 and mgs 4 are for children last i heard. "loyal Nintendo fans" - so being a true gamer means being a fanboy?
Let me tell you why are wii gamers, true gamers....we are buying a system that is not HD and way less powerful ...... because we care about gameplay & we're loyal Nintendo fans....thats hardcore and being a true gamer
marco, I dont remember any of them have Waggle gimmick....so, are you calling me a non-gamer? please...
Interesting predictions. I can't wait for the NPD numbers myself. It will be interesting to see how they all did, but I agree with the analysts, I too believe that the industry will have gone out a high note.
I used to support Nintendo, I bought the Gamecube and HATED M$ and $ony, but then later I became a HARDCORE gamer and I will never buy the kiddy Wii. LOCK&LOAD !!!!
Pices I'm a long time Nintendo Fan and i had a Wii when it came out, the Wii is RUBBISH for anyone who considers themselves a "gamer", by this i mean they are playing games lke BF, Forza, MGS4 etc. Your little list does have a few games on its list MP3 is a good example but majority of them are control waving gimmicks, I'd say about 90% of "gamers" that have a Wii will have a 360 or PS3 because the Wii just wont supply them with what they need personaly I got rid of my Wii quite a while back because it had been gathering dust for over a year since i finished Zelda.
Ok, Wii haters....the Wii has no hardcore games? Skate It SSBB Super Mario Galaxy LoZ : Twilight Princess Super Paper Mario Metroid Prime 3 Fire Emblem : Radiant Dawn Red Steel Shawn White Snowboarding Okami Zack and Wiki No More Heroes Mario Strikers Charged Mario Kart Wii Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition Call Of Duty World At War Battalion Wars 2 Medal Of Honor Heroes 2 Naruto Clash Of Ninja Revolution 2 Wario Land Shake It Disaster Day Of Crisis And please don't let me list you 50 games coming to the Wii this year and 2010, 45 are hardcore and 5 are casual
Wii is pretty much junk to me save for a few games and at parties but at least it's bringing new people to gaming. I have two friends who were basically non-gamers but Wii now has them playing and buying games.
@Toysoldier34 I half understand what you mean. Third party developers treat the Nintendo Wii as a dumping ground for bad video game ideas and wonder why there games dont sale.
from a business stand point Nintendo is doing good. but for a gamer they aren't doing much. I'm not impressed by their line up and i wish i hadn't bought a Wii.
i love playing oblivion, wasn't keen on mass effect, and i'm still warming to Fallout 3, oh and not being super realistic was the reason i loved oblivion, pretty visuals yes, realistic gameplay....NO!!!!!(which is good) What i was trying to get say was escapism titles are really scarse lately, they're few and far between and have been for quite some years now. i'll name a handful of titles which i have personally gone back to many times within this time: Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1,2 and Defiance.(PC) Sonic Adventure(DC) REZ(DC/Xbox 360) Metal Gear Solid 1, 2 and 3 (GC/PC/PS2) Painkiller(PC) TrackMania(PC) Half Life 2(PC) Sheep Raider(Sheep Dog N' Wolf if you're in EU/UK)(PC) Metroid Prime(GC) Viewtiful Joe(GC) Ridge Racer 6(X360) Animal Crossing(DS)
I have a Wii(bought in feb.2008 ) and it is the first console i have bought in years(not counting my a PSP a year before which never satisfied me) and it has turned me back to gaming! God bless Nintendo for bringing me back. Lack of good games..that's absurd. Maybe lack of FPS but thats not really what an Adventure gamer like me is into.
@ x3qtr You got it mate. That's what makes the Wii so popular. Nintendo has always been a family game company for as long as I can remember. My dad, who is not into games at all, has the DS and plays Professor Layton and the Brain Academy games. The Wii knows how to entertain everyone, not a select number of people, and it does that job well.
Too bad I swore that I will never even consider buying a Wii in my life:)What a failure of a gaming system,I do salute Nintendo for tricking so many people though,wow.They sure lost my loyalty and trust though,I was with them up until the Gamecube,but forget this trash.
I hear some of ya Wii fans but still everyone I kno that has a Wii really wants a PS3 or 360! With todays econ Americans are petrified from buying and parents think either the PS3's to expensive or the 360 breaks to often plain and simple.
As long as Nintendo's success in the casual gaming market doesn't draw other producers away from making "hardcore" (and I use that term loosely) games, I couldn't care less. Sure I think the Wii sucks, but you can't argue with sales. I say kudos to Nintendo for helping to expand the market.
its funny to see how all the "hardcore gamers" get angry at the wii because it sells well. it seems that nintendo found it golden chicken: the "casual gamer". all this years marketing towards the hardcore and now they realize that the casual is saving the gaming industry. i'm sure someone will say: HOW THE WII CAN SAVE THE GAMING INDUSTRY WITH CRAPPY GAMES?? WII FIT?? WII MUSIC?? GO BUY A X360 AND PLAY GOW2!! well, the answer for that is that it makes money flows from the buyer to the seller (pretty logical uh?) and if that ever stops happening, then the industry dies no matter how many times a week you play halo3, gow2 and mgs4
Did anyone notice the underestimated Left4Dead on there. So under rated and under appreciated. I remember seeing that game out of stock and not able to rent while Gears2 and other wack Wii games sitting around collecting dust. I use to work at a game store and I swear people must buy Wii's in hiding because no one came in and bough that amount of Wii's or it's accessories.
lol idiots on here, its a gimmick, well the Big N must be selling it via mind control because most of the world wants a Wii. The Wii has some great games on it but snobbery will stop most of the people that post on here playing them. I have a PS3, I play Singstar on it, I have a 360 and I play FPS and RPG's on it. There is a place for all 3 in a home. I even bought Little Big Planet, if you want to talk gimmicks and hype start with that game. I play my Wii the least of my 3 consoles, but I still love it, I agree that Wii Music is total crap though,
THIS ARTICLE IS STUPID AND INCORRECT! "without Nintendo the industry would have likely felt the full wrath of the recession" .....ummmm what!? How did Nintendo help the "industry" at all? Clearly Nintendo itself made all the money off of the console sales, and they also made all of the money off of the 4 top ten games they sold. Its not like they had any third parties' titles sell that well. In fact if Nintendo didn't exist at all I bet the other 2 consoles would have sold better, and more third parties could have spread the wealth. On the PS3/360 side I see EA, Ubisoft, Valve and Activision all selling lots of games, Nintendo didn't save Christmas! IT HOGGED IT FOR ITSELF!
x3qtr says it perfectly. The Wii is the everypersons gaming console. There for a party toy or if some mom/dad has 30 minutes around the house with nothing to do and gets that bug in her head to try something new. The 360 and PS3 will always undersell the Wii because of that. It won't kill hard core games, just add another cash inflow into the gaming indeustry. I hope.
What people need to remember is that the Wii is the casual console. Its cheaper, more appealing, and has more value as a family unit. People tear it down because the games aren't on par with those on the 360 and ps3. While I think that is true it will always outsell those 2 systems based on the facts thats its cheap and it has the interactivity for groups of people to play it together.
Once again the Wii has outsold the 360 and PS3 combined. And once again the Wii haters all come out of the woodworks to bytch about it. And they never have anything new to say. It's just more of the same tried old arguments that didn't make any sense back when they were said more than 2 years ago. The ironic thing about it is that the very fact that the Wii is doing so well pretty much debunks all of their arguments. I guess it makes them feel better to try and tear down the system and try to convince Wii owners that they are all wrong for buy the it. Well they Wii has sold some 46 million units so far, it doesn't look like the haters are doing a very good job.
I think this is crap. I own a Wii. But I've only got around ten games for it. And that's because they're the only good games. I swear it would be better if the Wii was only on par or selling less than the other systems because then it would be only core gamers playing it. And then we would get some good games instead of crapware. The Wii is supposed to be getting innovating games but all those seem to be going to the PS3. It's got Noby Noby and Little Big Planet, while we're stuck with How Many Mini-Games Can I Fit In To This Game? What the hell is that about?!?!?!
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