Big in Japan June 11-17: Persona 4 The Golden, PS Vita

You can always count on an RPG series that blends role-playing and social simulation to push sales for a new console in Japan. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 The Golden did just that for the week of June 11-17 according to a recent Media Create sales update.

The portable version of Atlus' fourth Persona game sold 137,076 units in its debut week. This remake of the 2008 PlayStation 2 game boasts a number of updates, including a new character named Mary, new animated cutscenes and scenarios, and a new wireless feature that allows players to call for help when near death. Check out GameSpot's review of the PS2 version for more information.

Persona 4 The Golden outperformed newcomers such as the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Lollipop Chainsaw. The former version came in at third place with 53,347 units sold, while the latter was at ninth place with 14,422 units shifted. The action game puts players in the role of cheerleader zombie-hunter Juliet Starling as she has to fight off the outbreak happening at her school.

Critics praised the game for its fun boss battles and gameplay, but criticized it for its lack of depth. For more information, check out GameSpot's full review.

Good software drives hardware sales, and as a result of Persona 4 The Golden's success, Vita sales doubled to 34,459 units for the week. Sony's new handheld edged out PS3 and PSP numbers--the former selling 14,673 units and the latter selling 9,740 devices. The 3DS maintained its top spot with 61,793 units sold for the week.

Top Japan Game Sales of June 11-17

Software
Rank/Title/Publisher/Platform/Unit sales
1. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 The Golden / Atlus / PS Vita / 137,076
2. Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry's Wonderland 3D / Square Enix / 3DS / 66,434
3. Lollipop Chainsaw / Kadokawa / PS3 / 53,347
4. Tokyo Jungle / Sony / PS3 / 35,989
5. Akiba's Trip Plus / Acquire / PSP / 29,505
6. Dragon's Dogma / Capcom / PS3 / 18,039
7. Mario Tennis Open / Nintendo / 3DS /17,856
8. Mario Party 9 / Nintendo / Wii / 16,143
9. Lollipop Chainsaw / Kadokawa / Xbox 360 / 14,422
10. Super Mario 3D Land / Nintendo / 3DS / 9,244

Hardware
3DS - 61,793
PS Vita - 34,459
PS3 - 14,673
PSP - 9,740
Wii - 5,963
PS2 - 1,237
Xbox 360 - 1,084
DSi XL - 689
DSi - 380