U.S. video game sales of hardware and software increased 13 percent in January from the previous year according to the NPD Group.
In January, consumers purchased $445.4 million in video game hardware, a 17 percent year -over-year increase, proof that the video game industry is doing well despite the recession.
“Even in these tough economic times, the fact that total sales were able to realize a 13 percent increase in revenue (compared to Jan’07) speaks to the continued strength of video games as one of the leading entertainment industries in the U.S.,” said Anita Frazier, analyst NPD.
Anita Frazier
The Wii was the top selling console with 679,000 units, followed by DS with 510,000 units. The Xbox 360 sold 309,000 units and the PlayStation 3 sold 203,000 units.
Nintendo landed the top three video game spots for January, overtaking the Xbox 360, which is usually at the top.
Top Ten Video Games for January 2009 (ranked by total U.S. units sold)
1. Wii Fit w/Balance Board – Wii- Nintendo of America – 777,000
2. Play w/ Wii Remote – Wii – Nintendo of America – 415,000
3. Mario Kart – Wii – Nintendo of America – 292,000
4. Left 4 Dead- Xbox 360 – EA – 243,000
5. Call of Duty: World at War – Xbox 360 – Activision – 235,000
6. Skate 2 – Xbox 360 – EA – 199,000
7. Guitar Hero World Tour – Wii – Activision – 155,000
8. New Super Mario Bros – DS – Nintendo of America – 135,000
9. Mario Kart – DS- Nintendo of America – 132,000
10. Lord of the Rings: Conquest – PS3- EA – 113,000
“Only two of the top 10 games this month were new releases. The continued strength of games that have been in the market for some time clues us into just how many new consumers are coming into the industry,” said Frazier.
“This broadening of the audience for gaming will help buoy the industry through these tough economic times, provided they have enough compelling content to keep them interested.”
