Sebastian predicts 35% increase in US sales for March

Lazard Capital's Colin Sebastian has predicted a 35 percent increase in March US sales year-on-year ahead of tomorrow's NPD data.

"We estimate video game software sales increased 35%+ in March. NPD is scheduled to release video game sell-through data tomorrow afternoon," he said in a research note. "Based on our retail and industry checks, we expect software growth to meet, and perhaps exceed, our original 35% estimate with the Easter/spring break shift boosting a solid release schedule, which included Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Nintendo), Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 (UbiSoft) and Army of Two (ERTS)."

Sebastian's prediction follows Michael Pachter's note yesterday that he expects a 47 percent increase for March.