NPD May 2010: Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft in Mexican statement face-off
US sales figures for May are in. Nintendo blitzed hardware, Red Dead Redemption flattened the software chart. The big three have released their statements on the numbers: hit the link to see who drew first.
Four of the top ten games for May were on Nintendo systems
Nintendo increased its lead versus other platforms in May, according to NPD.
DS took the top hardware spot with more than 383K units sold, with sales representing over 86 percent of all handheld gaming platform units sold during the month. Wii followed behind DS on the chart with over 334K units sold.
Four of the top ten best-selling games for the month were on Nintendo systems. These include Super Mario Galaxy 2 at third, New Super Mario Bros. Wii at six, Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board at number seven, and Pokemon SoulSilver on DS at eight.
"These May results show that consumers are really responding to the value proposition of our new Wii configuration that now includes Wii Sports Resort and a Wii MotionPlus accessory," said NOA's Cammie Dunaway in a company statement.
"May also saw the launch of two great games: Super Mario Galaxy 2 for Wii and Picross 3D for Nintendo DS. They preface the steady drumbeat of big games for the second half of 2010 we announced at the E3 Expo that will keep fans engaged and having fun".
Wii games slated for release this year inlcude: Sin & Punishment: Star Successor on June 27, Metroid: Other M on August 31, Samurai Warriors 3 on September 27, Kirby’s Epic Yarn and Wii Party in the fall, and Donkey Kong Country Returns, FlingSmash and PokePark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure for the holidays.
The slate for Nintendo DS includes: Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies launching July 11, followed by Professor Layton and the Unwound Future on September 20, Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs this fall and both Golden Sun: Dark Dawn and Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem for the holidays.
Microsoft: Largest revenue for May and year-to-date
May is typically a slower sales month for the game industry, but console sales remained strong for Xbox 360. Microsoft's system had four titles in the software charts, including number one.
Xbox 360 moved 195K units in the US in May, contributing to $254 million in total spent on 360 hardware, software and accessories, with the 360 version of Red Dead Redemption being the best-selling title for the month.
In addition, UFC Undisputed 2010, Alan Wake and Skate 3 contributed to consumers spending more than $156 million on 360 games alone last month, driving the console's software attach rate to 8.9.
"We are hearing great feedback from retailers that the new Xbox 360 250GB is experiencing unprecedented demand," said Microsoft in a statement.
"Consumers are eager to experience this new console, completely redesigned for the future of entertainment: Sleeker, smaller, and whisper-quiet. Strong demand for the new Xbox 360 250GB combined with a $50 price reduction in the U.S. on the Xbox 360 Arcade and Elite consoles, now US$149.99 and US$249.99 respectively, has resulted in a significant sales spike for Xbox 360 since the new console hit shelves on or around June 14."
When June figures are released by NPD later this month, hopefully more information regarding the new unit's sales will be released.
Sony experiences tenth consecutive month of year-on-year growth
Sony's response to tonight's NPD figures focused on PS3's tenth consecutive month of year-over-year growth, citing an 18 percent increase in hardware sales and 58 percent revenue increase since last May.
The firm also focused on what lies ahead, with the release of Move in September and 3D capabilities in the living room.
"While tight inventory had an impact on sales numbers in recent months, we are now beginning to experience greater availability of product and are looking forward to this fall's most anticipated launch, PlayStation Move," said SCEA's Patrick Seybold.
"When PlayStation Move launches consumers will have access to a compelling line-up of motion-control titles that will appeal to casual and core gamers and, in the months that follow, a new line-up of AAA hardware sellers previewed at E3 will arrive on PS3 including Gran Turismo 5, Killzone 3, Twisted Metal and inFAMOUS 2."
Seybold also touched on PS3 as "the only console that is currently providing consumers with the technology needed to enjoy their favorite games and movies in 3D".
You can get the full figures and analysis for May through here.