March NPD Hardware/Software Sales

[Dr Mario Kart]

Industry Sales
Mar-07 Mar-08 CHG
Total Video Games $1.1B $1.7B 57%
Video Games Hardware $377.9M $551.3M 46%
Video Games Software $579.1M $945.6M 63%
Video Game Accessories $139.5M $220M 58%

HW Sales

Hardware Mar-08
PlayStation 2 216K
PlayStation 3 257K
PlayStation Portable 297K
Xbox 360 262K
Nintendo DS 698K
Wii 721K

SW Sales
Top-Selling VG Software - March 2008

Platform Title Publisher Release Date March Units

WII SUPER SMASH BROS: BRAWL NINTENDO OF AMERICA Mar-08 2.7M
360 *TOM CLANCY'S RAINBOW SIX: VEGAS 2 UBISOFT Mar-08 752.3K
360 ARMY OF TWO ELECTRONIC ARTS Mar-08 606.1K
WII PLAY W/ REMOTE NINTENDO OF AMERICA Feb-07 409.8K
PSP GOD OF WAR: CHAINS OF OLYMPUS SONY Mar-08 340.5K
PSP CRISIS CORE: FINAL FANTASY VII SQUARE ENIX INC Mar-08 301.6K
WII GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK ACTIVISION Oct-07 264.1K
360 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL 2K8 TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE Mar-08 237.1K
360 *CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION Nov-07 237K
PS3 ARMY OF TWO ELECTRONIC ARTS Mar-08 224.9K

_________
Guitar Hero 3 (360) 121,000
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 (PS3) 99,900
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates 67,300
Bully: Scholarship Edition (Wii) 37,400
Hot Shots Golf (PS3) 36,200
Lost Odyssey (360) 65,000

A record is broken:

The best non-Nov/Dec month was 690k by the PS2 in June 2002. That was the month after the price drop from $299 to $199! Since then no one's broken the 600k barrier in a non-holiday month (DS was closest at 593k last June). Console-wise the last best non-holiday month was this past Sept. when the 360 hit 528k and Wii 501k.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3343/usconsolescumulativepu7.png
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/6745/usconsoles10wk2.png
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/6734/wwconsoles8yx8.png

[InuFaye]

Holy Shit @ Brawl!

Nice Stuff For PSP.

[jer7583]

almost a million dumb saps bought Army of Two. LOL

[InuFaye]

Didnt Crisis Core do that much in like 5 days?

[rodeojones903]

Didnt Crisis Core do that much in like 5 days?

Yep, was released on the 25th if I remember correctly.



I'm surprised to see the DS numbers that large, but have no game in the top 10.

[Dr Mario Kart]

The depth of 360 and PS3 owners' pockets never ceases to amaze me.

We're supposed to be in a recession now! God damn, people!

[Maklershed]

Wow, the game industry is booming. With numbers like that, why is it that mainstream media (ie legitimate news outlets) feel it's still acceptable to flippantly ignore it and pass off video games as stuff for kids?

[freakyzeeky]

The depth of 360 and PS3 owners' pockets never ceases to amaze me.

We're supposed to be in a recession now! God damn, people!

Not to generalize, but I think people are buying video games, maybe because those people would rather stay home and play video games, rather than go spend money on, let's say, a movie. Gas isn't cheap either to travel as well. IDK, I think that may be why...

[schuerm26]

Not to generalize, but I think people are buying video games, maybe because those people would rather stay home and play video games, rather than go spend money on, let's say, a movie. Gas isn't cheap either to travel as well. IDK, I think that may be why...

I would much rather see some quality hollywood movies like Stop Loss than play a game like Smash Brothers Brawl. Plus spend $4 to get to the theater.

It's blatantly obvious why the movie business is going down the sh--ter while the games business is picking up.

[KingBroly]

I don't see how people can say the Wii is having a shortage with those kind of numbers; beating the 360 and PS3 combined once again. Wii will probably be #1 in April too, despite GTA4.

There's no indication that Microsoft is going to drop the price on the 360 before the launch of GTA4 (We've seen the 27th-early May ads and nothing's there), so yeah...no change. Also it means close PS3/360 numbers again (I think).

Considering Brawl is the 3rd largest game opening month in history DESPITE having about 1/10th the advertising of Halo 2/3, that's pretty darn impressive. Also impressive is the DS numbers. No marquee software last month to really push it. It's just that good of a system.

Microsoft touted shortages during March, which I call BS on. Also, MGS4 bundle (80gb) was announced mid-March, so that may have had some impact. This month's a wash really.

PS3 and 360...they're in trouble. Pathetic numbers hardware wise. Software wise, okay, 360 has more, but still: Wii is kicking their asses.

[schuerm26]

I don't see how people can say the Wii is having a shortage with those kind of numbers; beating the 360 and PS3 combined once again. Wii will probably be #1 in April too, despite GTA4.

.

Anyone who says this is a moron. There is no artificial shortage. It is a demand based shortage. The Wii is that popular. Does it suck for people trying to find one? Yes. Is there anything sinister about it? Of course not. I own a small business and I can guarantee you the one thing you want is the most sales possible. That doesn't change as you go up the ladder.

[InuFaye]

I don't see how people can say the Wii is having a shortage with those kind of numbers; beating the 360 and PS3 combined once again. Wii will probably be #1 in April too, despite GTA4.

There's no indication that Microsoft is going to drop the price on the 360 before the launch of GTA4 (We've seen the 27th-early May ads and nothing's there), so yeah...no change. Also it means close PS3/360 numbers again (I think).

Considering Brawl is the 3rd largest game opening month in history DESPITE having about 1/10th the advertising of Halo 2/3, that's pretty darn impressive. Also impressive is the DS numbers. No marquee software last month to really push it. It's just that good of a system.

Microsoft touted shortages during March, which I call BS on. Also, MGS4 bundle (80gb) was announced mid-March, so that may have had some impact. This month's a wash really.

PS3 and 360...they're in trouble. Pathetic numbers hardware wise. Software wise, okay, 360 has more, but still: Wii is kicking their asses.

PS3 and 360 are far from being in trouble.
The Wii is a mainstream hit, thats why its so successful.

To that that Sony or Microsoft is gonna pull out now is asinine.

[Thomas96]

The 360 numbers are good, beating out the PS3. However, how many of those 360s were being bought by 360 owners. I'm willing to bet, that PS3 gained more new customers than the 360 did. 360s being sold nowadays are probably from people upgrading or rebuying the system. - who knows.



The Wii is fucking unstopable. (DS as well). People will buy for children. They'll buy for children before they buy for themselves.

[The Mana Knight]

I'm glad to see Crisis Core do well. :D

[KingBroly]

I never said they were gonna pull out. I'm saying the Wii is kicking their ass, and HD consoles are basically in the toilet right now. Yeah, great games, sure. When you get your butt handed to you by last gen's laughing stock, you have issues.

And the comment about the shortages was this: You know it was going to come up by someone else. I'm just cutting them off. The Wii is #1, period. People who don't recognize this just don't get it.

[Monsta Mack]

The Wii is amazing but when it gets a third party non-launch title besides My Sims to hit 1+ million then we'll talk when it comes to game support. People who are "gamers" will grab a 360 or PS3 along with a Wii, but the casual people will still eat up the Wii by itself.

It's amazing regardless, how many of us laughed (myself included) that the Wii was a stupid name and would flop. Now they are pwning Microsoft and Sony sales to the point where It's laughable.

Smash Brothers did pure ownage, and R6 is kinda disappointing at least when you compare it to CoD4 sales. Hopefully more people buy into it over the next month so Rainbow Six Mexico is a must ;)

[Dr Mario Kart]

Theres a lot that happens outside of the top 10. 360 UNIT software sales edged out Wii this month, but Wii was on top the last 2 or 3 months, despite lower revenue. Its definitely not all first party games.

Guitar Hero 3 is a million seller for Wii.

But a title hardly needs to sell a million to be a success. No More Heroes is probably still under 200k in the U.S. and thats huge.

US+Europe:

I believe Carnival Games is over 600k in the U.S, over 1.1M including Europe
DDR:Hottest Party is around 600k
Tiger Woods 07 is 600k

Cross platform stuff with the PS2 is also decent.

Medal of Honor: Vanguard 820K (combined)
DBZ: Tenkaichi 3 920k (combined)
High School Musical 1.3 M (combined)

With the DS and Wii, you dont have to be a big budget blockbuster to be a success.

[H.Cornerstone]

The only thing that will be interesting to see with the Wii is third party support. Will companies make Real games? (ala no more heroes) Or will they continue to make shovelware? (ala half the games Konami just announced?). Either way, I think gamers will still trend towards the hi-def systems, which is why I don't get why MSFT or Sony would try to tap into the Casual market. Wii has too big of a foothold there.

And Damn, who still doesn't own a PS2 or DS? That baffles me....

[Kaijufan]

I'm impressed with the Super Smash Brothers numbers, I figured it would be around 2 million copies sold.

The Wii is amazing but when it gets a third party non-launch title besides My Sims to hit 1+ million then we'll talk when it comes to game support.
Guitar Hero 3
Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games
Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition
Carnival Games
Sonic and the Secret Rings
Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles
Lego Star Wars The Complete Trilogy

[Monsta Mack]

Ok, I was wrong.

[insertcleverthing]

Wtf? I liked Army of Two. I also wouldn't consider myself a "dumb sap". If you played without a buddy, then yeah it probably sucked - but then again, it really wasn't ever designed to be anything other than co-op.

[MSUHitman]

Does anyone have numbers specifically for MLB The Show 08 on PS3? Just curious how close it was to 2K on the 360 because it's a better game IMO and also I know it was really hard to find at launch (I had to go to 10 stores to find it on launch week.)

[Rig]

Wtf? I liked Army of Two. I also wouldn't consider myself a "dumb sap". If you played without a buddy, then yeah it probably sucked - but then again, it really wasn't ever designed to be anything other than co-op.

I think I'm with jer on this one. AoT was disappointing, and IMO, definitely not worth a purchase.

It was mediocre, and a friend and myself rented/finished the game in one night.

Nice numbers on Smash, though I think everybody expected it. Mario Kart will probably put up some decent numbers too (though not Smash level numbers).

[jer7583]

Army of Two is a game that was made to be rented and played with a friend over a weekend. NOBODY should have bought that game.

[munch]

The 360 numbers are good, beating out the PS3. However, how many of those 360s were being bought by 360 owners. I'm willing to bet, that PS3 gained more new customers than the 360 did. 360s being sold nowadays are probably from people upgrading or rebuying the system. - who knows.



The Wii is fucking unstopable. (DS as well). People will buy for children. They'll buy for children before they buy for themselves.

Jesus. Isn't your first argument about the 360 the same one xbox fanboys made about the PS2 last gen? Get real man.

As for your second, I just don't get it. So only children play the Wii? Makes no sense.

[InuFaye]

Only Children and Soccer Moms.

Get it right muchausen.

[daroga]

Which am I?

I need definition :(

[InuFaye]

Soccer Mom.

[Snake2715]

Rally the kids then as I must be a soccer mom as well.

Although I am really diging Lost Planet (PS3) right now and I think its very underrated.

[daroga]

Thanks Inu.

[InuFaye]

Any time.

Get going the kids are going to be late for school.

[blitz6speed]

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games *Shovelware*
Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition *Port from last gen*
Carnival Games *Shovelware*
Sonic and the Secret Rings *LOL*
Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles *Shovelware*
Lego Star Wars The Complete Trilogy *Port from last gen*


When will the Wii get good games? I liked No More Heroes a lot, but even Mario Galaxy was a disapoint to me. Smash Bros sucks online, it plays at 1FPS.

Just because games sell a lot (Transformers sold over 4 million copies across various platforms), doesnt mean they are any good.

I have a Wii, PS3 and 360. 06 and 07 was a awesome time to be a 360 owner, 08 is a awesome time to be a PS3 owner, im still waiting for a time frame where its awesome to be a Wii owner.

P.s. - I own a DS and PSP and like both, but prefer the PSP for the TV out (God Of War PSP on the HDTV FTW.)

[InuFaye]

You dont like whats on the wii then sell it.

Problem solved.

[munch]

When will the Wii get good games? I liked No More Heroes a lot, but even Mario Galaxy was a disapoint to me. Smash Bros sucks online, it plays at 1FPS.

Just because games sell a lot (Transformers sold over 4 million copies across various platforms), doesnt mean they are any good.

I have a Wii, PS3 and 360. 06 and 07 was a awesome time to be a 360 owner, 08 is a awesome time to be a PS3 owner, im still waiting for a time frame where its awesome to be a Wii owner.

P.s. - I own a DS and PSP and like both, but prefer the PSP for the TV out (God Of War PSP on the HDTV FTW.)

The question addressed was not which games were good, but which games sold over a million copies. We can go back and forth all day about which games are good or not, since that is a subjective opinion. It's irrelevant if they were last gen ports (who cares) or if they aren't good. That wasn't the question.

[botticus]

360 UNIT software sales edged out Wii this month
Did I miss a PR statement about this?

[niceguyshawne]

Only Children and Soccer Moms.

Get it right muchausen.

and old people.

[spoo]

I never said they were gonna pull out. I'm saying the Wii is kicking their ass, and HD consoles are basically in the toilet right now. Yeah, great games, sure. When you get your butt handed to you by last gen's laughing stock, you have issues.

And the comment about the shortages was this: You know it was going to come up by someone else. I'm just cutting them off. The Wii is #1, period. People who don't recognize this just don't get it.

Yes no doubt about the Wii being #1 but I still see it as a different market. Like Thomas96 said Wii are being sold to us older generation that grew up on the NES and now we are buying these things for our kids (and us that are gamers have a PS3 or 360 for ourselves but the Wii in the kids room.)



PS3 and 360...they're in trouble. Pathetic numbers hardware wise. Software wise, okay, 360 has more, but still: Wii is kicking their asses.

Just because they aren't doing Wii numbers it doesn't mean they are in trouble. MS would be in good shape if they didn't fuck up on reliability and now they are paying for it from their pocket books.

Software wise the 360 is doing a bit more than ok, the system is selling an insane amount of games. The end of 2007 numbers for tie ratio is: Wii 4.64, PlayStation 3 4.26 and Xbox 360 7.0. None of the tie in ratios are bad it is just that the 360 tie in ratio is bad ass. The Wii has some bad ass sale numbers and the 360 has bad ass software numbers.



All in all it is great to see games such a booming industry even with our expendable income shrinking since we are spending so much at the pump. TV and movie (theater) quality has been absolutely horrid this year and it is nice to see many looking else where for an entertainment fix.

[Thomas96]

Jesus. Isn't your first argument about the 360 the same one xbox fanboys made about the PS2 last gen? Get real man.

As for your second, I just don't get it. So only children play the Wii? Makes no sense.


well my first argument is definitely more fitting now than it was against the PS2. Of course you're not saying that 360 owners (at least some of them) are buying a second, (or 3rd) 360.

Only children play the Wii... I don't think so. I was referring to the DS and Wii. Both systems are marketed well towards children and parents buy lots of toys for children. Thats why the DS and Wii have astronomical numbers. You have households with 3 or 4 children, that's 3 or 4 DS systems there. What children want... children get. Especially when its the cheaper option.

I don't understand how you assumed that I was saying that only children play the Wii.... you're so confused.

here's your sentence - Wii and DS sell well because they're being bought for children; People buy a lot of products for children. Especially the DS.

[jer7583]

There are no kids that want Xbox 360s or PS3s. There are no kids games on Xbox 360 and PS3. Move along. The distribution of kids-adults buying each system is probably pretty equal, based on the mainstream success of Wii.

[Snake2715]

There are no kids that want Xbox 360s or PS3s. There are no kids games on Xbox 360 and PS3. Move along. The distribution of kids-adults buying each system is probably pretty equal, based on the mainstream success of Wii.



What if.... more retiree's bought the Wii than either Ps3 or 360.... what then? Do we say their mentality is child like due to age?

The age thing has no bearing what so ever any longer.

I enjoy animated movies as well, or better than "real" R rated ones sometimes....

[Thomas96]

There are no kids that want Xbox 360s or PS3s. There are no kids games on Xbox 360 and PS3. Move along. The distribution of kids-adults buying each system is probably pretty equal, based on the mainstream success of Wii.

well you know that parents when they're buying for children tend to go with the cheaper option. The 360 and PS3 are 400 dollars, children want everything, buy they don't have money they have parents. Parents (the mainstream consumer) who aren't always willing to pay 400 for a system. Same reason why the PS2 is still in business... children. when buying for children parents go with the cheaper options. 360 doesn't have Ninja Breadman does it... thats a hardcore children's title.. and oh my don't forget Petz, Horsez, etc. 360 and PS3 have some children titles, but its not as extensive as the Wii and PS2. (I know you can agree with that).

[munch]

well my first argument is definitely more fitting now than it was against the PS2. Of course you're not saying that 360 owners (at least some of them) are buying a second, (or 3rd) 360.

Only children play the Wii... I don't think so. I was referring to the DS and Wii. Both systems are marketed well towards children and parents buy lots of toys for children. Thats why the DS and Wii have astronomical numbers. You have households with 3 or 4 children, that's 3 or 4 DS systems there. What children want... children get. Especially when its the cheaper option.

I don't understand how you assumed that I was saying that only children play the Wii.... you're so confused.

here's your sentence - Wii and DS sell well because they're being bought for children; People buy a lot of products for children. Especially the DS.

Trust me, I'm not the one confused.

And no, I don't think your argument on people buying 2nd, 3rd, and 4th 360s is valid. Those people are getting their's fixed, not shelling out to get a new one. To say that everyone is rebuying is absurd.

[Maklershed]

^ /argument

[dmaul1114]

You dont like whats on the wii then sell it.

Problem solved.

Bingo. I had much the same gripes as Blitz and have been much happier since I just ditched the Wii. I've long been a huge game Nintendo fan (their main franchieses anyway) so I held on to it longer than I should in hopes that it would improve

But since all I really like of their games anymore is Mario, Metroid and Zelda and those had already came out this gen I just didn't see any point in keeping it any longer.

Blitz would be wise to do the same and put the money towards games he enjoys on the other consoles.

[InuFaye]

well you know that parents when they're buying for children tend to go with the cheaper option. The 360 and PS3 are 400 dollars, children want everything, buy they don't have money they have parents. Parents (the mainstream consumer) who aren't always willing to pay 400 for a system. Same reason why the PS2 is still in business... children. when buying for children parents go with the cheaper options. 360 doesn't have Ninja Breadman does it... thats a hardcore children's title.. and oh my don't forget Petz, Horsez, etc. 360 and PS3 have some children titles, but its not as extensive as the Wii and PS2. (I know you can agree with that).

:rofl:

[jer7583]

thomas is always good for a laugh at the expense of reason and logic.

[Dead of Knight]

I wonder how shitty Opoona did. :lol: It was only out for the last few days of the month, but still.

[Thomas96]

Trust me, I'm not the one confused.

And no, I don't think your argument on people buying 2nd, 3rd, and 4th 360s is valid. Those people are getting their's fixed, not shelling out to get a new one. To say that everyone is rebuying is absurd.


Your're right, saying that "everyone is rebuying" is abusurd.. so that's why I said that at least some people are rebuying, or upgrading (to Elites) their 360s.

you're not reading anything. you're just responding for the sake of argument.

[Thomas96]

thomas is always good for a laugh at the expense of reason and logic.

retards will laugh at anything... but hey I'm glad I was able to put a smile on your face.

[Rig]

Your're right, saying that "everyone is rebuying" is abusurd.. so that's why I said that at least some people are rebuying, or upgrading (to Elites) their 360s.

you're not reading anything. you're just responding for the sake of argument.

Who would be rebuying 360's? Every console would still be under warranty.

And upgrading to an Elite? I think everyone that was going to do that already did (back when the Elite first came out).

[MorPhiend]

I think I'm with jer on this one. AoT was disappointing, and IMO, definitely not worth a purchase.

It was mediocre, and a friend and myself rented/finished the game in one night.

Nice numbers on Smash, though I think everybody expected it. Mario Kart will probably put up some decent numbers too (though not Smash level numbers).
Mario Kart will do exceptionally well, but not as well as SSBB, I agree. But both have staying power and will be top sellers through the life of the Wii, as is always true with Nintendo's top tier franchises (and is a unique quality to Nintendo titles). But you ain't seen nothin' yet. Wait until Wii Fit shortages and sales numbers blow Wii console sales out of the water. Expect to see a year's worth of Wii Fit shortages (unless they have those things stockpiled).

[dyeknom]

I'd like to see where people are getting their data for the argument that "people are getting wiis for their children." Company data has consistently shown that the Wii is hitting every age group at an inflated rate, period.

Logic like "people are buying it for their kids lewls because it's cheaper" is completely undermined by the vast number of non-wii systems for kids, which are cheaper btw, having absolutely dismal sales (v-smile, direct-to-tv games, etc). It's also contradictory to the numbers put out by the gamecube less than a decade ago.

Yes, some parents buy the system for their little kids (hence the animalZ, etc.). Yes, some people buy it for their teens... and of course the 18-24 bracket (hence zelda, metroid, smash brothers, kart etc.). The system is even getting new consumers, the 30+ bracket who are finding more enjoyment out of the party games. Damn, there are even nursing homes with Wiis in them (and no, not said because of the wii sports commercial). Point is, attributing success based on one group with unsubstantiated opinions-posed-as-facts is simply asinine.

Yes, there's a lot of kid games on it... but the majority of it is shovelware that barely sells enough to cover the production costs. Why? Because you cant have a system with quick success without people trying to cash in. Why isn't there this much shovelware on other system? There is, the 360 (and ps3, but less because of game selection) has a ton of craptacular games put out because of "leet gfx," the only reason you don't see it is because you've pulled up your fanboy visors to help in being an imaginary soldier in the console war and pretty gfx appeal to you more than stuff with cartoonish characters.


If it's not your cup-o-tea, then get rid of your system or buy a different one... that is your choice.


On another note. How many people bought a copy of Guitar hero 3 wii to return to activision for the refund. *raises hand* That number is so misleading, no telling how many people bought it just for the sake of sending it back. They shoulda just marketed Smash Bros as a players choice to begin with.

[blitz6speed]

You dont like whats on the wii then sell it.

Problem solved.

Who are you to tell me what i should do with my own hardware? The wii is garbage, and i can afford to own it and a stack of games for it. Along with a PS3 with a stack of games, a 360 with a stack of games. The system sucks. Nothing else to it. But i am keeping it because i can. Thanks for your wonderful words of wisdom.

[InuFaye]

Who are you to tell me what i should do with my own hardware? The wii is garbage, and i can afford to own it and a stack of games for it. Along with a PS3 with a stack of games, a 360 with a stack of games. The system sucks. Nothing else to it. But i am keeping it because i can. Thanks for your wonderful words of wisdom.


Don't bitch about it then.
Easy.
You don't like it then sell it.
Its stupid to keep it when others could be having a nice time with it.

[Thomas96]

I'd like to see where people are getting their data for the argument that "people are getting wiis for their children." Company data has consistently shown that the Wii is hitting every age group at an inflated rate, period.

Logic like "people are buying it for their kids lewls because it's cheaper" is completely undermined by the vast number of non-wii systems for kids, which are cheaper btw, having absolutely dismal sales (v-smile, direct-to-tv games, etc). It's also contradictory to the numbers put out by the gamecube less than a decade ago.

Yes, some parents buy the system for their little kids (hence the animalZ, etc.). Yes, some people buy it for their teens... and of course the 18-24 bracket (hence zelda, metroid, smash brothers, kart etc.). The system is even getting new consumers, the 30+ bracket who are finding more enjoyment out of the party games. Damn, there are even nursing homes with Wiis in them (and no, not said because of the wii sports commercial). Point is, attributing success based on one group with unsubstantiated opinions-posed-as-facts is simply asinine.

Yes, there's a lot of kid games on it... but the majority of it is shovelware that barely sells enough to cover the production costs. Why? Because you cant have a system with quick success without people trying to cash in. Why isn't there this much shovelware on other system? There is, the 360 (and ps3, but less because of game selection) has a ton of craptacular games put out because of "leet gfx," the only reason you don't see it is because you've pulled up your fanboy visors to help in being an imaginary soldier in the console war and pretty gfx appeal to you more than stuff with cartoonish characters.


If it's not your cup-o-tea, then get rid of your system or buy a different one... that is your choice.


On another note. How many people bought a copy of Guitar hero 3 wii to return to activision for the refund. *raises hand* That number is so misleading, no telling how many people bought it just for the sake of sending it back. They shoulda just marketed Smash Bros as a players choice to begin with.


the v-smile and direct to tv games weren't marketed like the Wii. there's no mall kiosk for NHL 98 direct to tv... right?

Children are still the number one user, or consumer for the Wii. Yes the wii has been marketed to the elderly. (and all other age groups) But when you look at the games, the games tell you what audience the wii is targeted at primarily... children.

who buys shovelware... children, or adults buying it for chidlren because they don't know any better. There's still a population of people who buy games just because of what they see on the cover and read on the back of the package.

[dyeknom]

Children are still the number one user, or consumer for the Wii. Yes the wii has been marketed to the elderly. (and all other age groups) But when you look at the games, the games tell you what audience the wii is targeted at primarily... children.

who buys shovelware... children, or adults buying it for chidlren because they don't know any better. There's still a population of people who buy games just because of what they see on the cover and read on the back of the package.

The games don't tell me the system is aimed at children. If it were, the sales numbers for those games would be astronomical. They aren't. Who buys shovelware? Generally nobody, which is why the majority of it ends up on clearance and barely covers cost. When they do, it falls into multiple categories most notably people who are new to gaming (this encompasses most of the wii market, since they hit the untapped masses). Please give me some data that shows the system is aimed at children other than you're misguided conjecture. Why? Because the sales numbers, especially for games, speaks differently.

And actually: Yes. There is are mall kiosks for direct-to-tv games, no matter where you are and V-smiles have gotten national ads.

What kind of national ads did the Wii get? Wii sports, Wii Play, Mario, Zelda, Fire Emblem, Smash Brothers, MySims. Looks like you're logic is upheld once again... except I can't name a single kid-only game that got a national ad.

Case in point: you're full of fail.

[Thomas96]

The games don't tell me the system is aimed at children. If it were, the sales numbers for those games would be astronomical. They aren't. Who buys shovelware? Generally nobody, which is why the majority of it ends up on clearance and barely covers cost. When they do, it falls into multiple categories most notably people who are new to gaming (this encompasses most of the wii market, since they hit the untapped masses). Please give me some data that shows the system is aimed at children other than you're misguided conjecture. Why? Because the sales numbers, especially for games, speaks differently.

And actually: Yes. There is are mall kiosks for direct-to-tv games, no matter where you are and V-smiles have gotten national ads.

What kind of national ads did the Wii get? Wii sports, Wii Play, Mario, Zelda, Fire Emblem, Smash Brothers, MySims. Looks like you're logic is upheld once again... except I can't name a single kid-only game that got a national ad.

Case in point: you're full of fail.

full of fail.. I don't think so. the bottom line is, wii is being sold for children. and yes other age groups are enjoying it, but children the most. There's no changing that. The Wii's marketing campaign has been tremendous, more than any direct to tv game, more than v-smiles, and more than the PS3, and 360.

Some things don't need data, its common sense.

[spoo]

I'd like to see where people are getting their data for the argument that "people are getting wiis for their children." Company data has consistently shown that the Wii is hitting every age group at an inflated rate, period.


Many of my peers have kids and most of them have bought a Wii for their kids/family NONE have bought a PS3 or 360 for their kids but some that have an Xbox 360 or PS3 for themselves. My peers that don't have kids or just babies don't have a next gen console or have an Xbox 360.

The 360 and PS3 are 400 dollars, children want everything, buy they don't have money they have parents. Parents (the mainstream consumer) who aren't always willing to pay 400 for a system.
Most kids I know love their DS and Wii but could careless about the 360/PS3/PSP unless they are preteen/teen age range. I know that isn't "official" by any means but this has been my observations.

I know all age ranges are playing the Wii but the mass majority of the market is kids. Nintendo own our kids souls with their Pokemons and Wii, just like Hasbro and sugary breakfast cereals owned my generations souls. Wii and the cartoon network are todays babysitters.

[Thomas96]

Many of my peers have kids and most of them have bought a Wii for their kids/family NONE have bought a PS3 or 360 for their kids but some that have an Xbox 360 or PS3 for themselves. My peers that don't have kids or just babies don't have a next gen console or have an Xbox 360.


Most kids I know love their DS and Wii but could careless about the 360/PS3/PSP unless they are preteen/teen age range. I know that isn't "official" by any means but this has been my observations.

I know all age ranges are playing the Wii but the mass majority of the market is kids. Nintendo own our kids souls with their Pokemons and Wii, just like Hasbro and sugary breakfast cereals owned my generations souls. Wii and the cartoon network are todays babysitters.

That's exactly what I'm trying to say.

The DS is basically for children, that's why its numbers are astronomical. Even the design of the DS is more fitting for a child, moreso than the PSP. That clam design is good for children because at least if they drop it, its not ruined. Like the PSP, you drop it and that's it, especially because the screen is always exposed.

Brawl, number one game on the list.. totally marketed and developed for children. The game's basical controls (not including taunts which use 1&2) only use the d-pad and two buttons A & B Basically the game is essentially a DS title on a console. But its not the new consumers (elderly, and non gamers) who bought that game its the original gamers and children. Its not the new consumers that nintendo has found who has the DS selling like hotcakes, that system was never marketed for them outside of brainage, and clubhouse games. Its the children that's fueling the Nintendo systems.

[Dr Mario Kart]

Made for everyone does not = made for children.

Your account of Smash is mindblowingly ignorant. The remote only scheme is pretty deficient because it has to use combinations to make up what should be FOUR buttons. A attack, B attack, Grab and Block.

Soul Calibur only has uses the d-pad and 4 buttons, I guess it must be for kids too.

[Thomas96]

Made for everyone does not = made for children.

Your account of Smash is mindblowingly ignorant. The remote only scheme is pretty deficient because it has to use combinations to make up what should be FOUR buttons. A attack, B attack, Grab and Block.

Soul Calibur only has uses the d-pad and 4 buttons, I guess it must be for kids too.


but how you execute moves in Soul Calibur ends up being much more complex than in Smash, also, Virtua Fighter only uses 3 buttons, punch, kick, and block, but when you go through the move set for each character it ends up being more complicated than Smash as well. Smash is just a fanservice children's game, that also appeals to older folks due to the cameos [looking at you Snake] Street Fighter, Virtua Fighter, Guilty Gear, Tekken, etc all require intricate inputs from the D-pad, and from the buttons, these games aren't geared towards children like Smash is.
I know you want to defend Smash, I'm not trying to diminish anything about Smash, but damn DMK it is what it is...

[msdmoney]

full of fail.. I don't think so. the bottom line is, wii is being sold for children. and yes other age groups are enjoying it, but children the most. There's no changing that. The Wii's marketing campaign has been tremendous, more than any direct to tv game, more than v-smiles, and more than the PS3, and 360.

Some things don't need data, its common sense.

Actually the data doesn't support that the Wii is being sold to children (exclusively), the reason for the sucess of the Wii is that it has reached a much broader demographic than previous consoles. It certainly is selling big to kids, but it goes against common sense to say that children account for all or most of the Wii sales. There is a reason that the current buzz word in the industry is casual gaming, it's because the sales are huge and the market is wide open. And the Wii is at the forefront of casual gaming in the console space. The demographics for casual gamers tend to skew older than the traditional gaming market, see the following next-gen.biz article.

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9400&Itemid=2&limit=1&limitstart=1

Much of this logic also applies to the DS, the ds has reached a much broader demographic with games like Brain Training, certainly more than just children.

but how you execute moves in Soul Calibur ends up being much more complex than in Smash, also, Virtua Fighter only uses 3 buttons, punch, kick, and block, but when you go through the move set for each character it ends up being more complicated than Smash as well. Smash is just a fanservice children's game, that also appeals to older folks due to the cameos [looking at you Snake] Street Fighter, Virtua Fighter, Guilty Gear, Tekken, etc all require intricate inputs from the D-pad, and from the buttons, these games aren't geared towards children like Smash is.
I know you want to defend Smash, I'm not trying to diminish anything about Smash, but damn DMK it is what it is...

Everything you have described is what separates Super Smash Bros. Brawl from what a hardcore fighting fan would call a real fighting game. Whether you are right or wrong is irrelevant, simpler controls don't mean a game is a children's game. Simpler controls are the reason games are reaching a wider casual audience on the Wii, an audience that is much broader than just children.

[Thomas96]

Actually the data doesn't support that the Wii is being sold to children (exclusively), the reason for the sucess of the Wii is that it has reached a much broader demographic than previous consoles. It certainly is selling big to kids, but it goes against common sense to say that children account for all or most of the Wii sales. There is a reason that the current buzz word in the industry is casual gaming, it's because the sales are huge and the market is wide open. And the Wii is at the forefront of casual gaming in the console space. The demographics for casual gamers tend to skew older than the traditional gaming market, see the following next-gen.biz article.

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9400&Itemid=2&limit=1&limitstart=1

Much of this logic also applies to the DS, the ds has reached a much broader demographic with games like Brain Training, certainly more than just children.



Everything you have described is what separates Super Smash Bros. Brawl from what a hardcore fighting fan would call a real fighting game. Whether you are right or wrong is irrelevant, simpler controls don't mean a game is a children's game. Simpler controls are the reason games are reaching a wider casual audience on the Wii, an audience that is much broader than just children.

The fact that Smash has controls that does not "exclude" children is part of Nintendo's effort to market the game for children. The fact that it has the Nintendo characters is what makes it appeal to the core (or hardcore) gamer.

Obviously there's a new consumer purchasing Wii's but I just can't agree with the audience being made up of more soccer moms, and/or elderly persons, than children.

If a game is simple enough to appeal to a young child, then its definitely simple enough to appeal to an elderly person. Smash is a game for the core gamers according to Miyamoto(as cited here:
http://www.next-gen.biz/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=10083&Itemid=2 )

[zewone]

I bet all the PS3 sales were from people upgrading to the 80GB model.

And, if you don't think the Wii is more child oriented than the others, you're kidding yourself.

[Rig]

The fact that Smash has controls that does not "exclude" children is part of Nintendo's effort to market the game for children.

:-s

And what games on the PS3/360 "exclude" children from playing with the controls?

OMG! I CAN'T FIND THE X BUTTON! L2?! WHAT THE fuck IS THAT?!

[msdmoney]

I bet all the PS3 sales were from people upgrading to the 80GB model.

And, if you don't think the Wii is more child oriented than the others, you're kidding yourself.

I think you were referring to my post, I never stated that the Wii wasn't more child oriented than the others. The Wii is certainly more child oriented than the others, but it is also more everbody oriented than the others. That is the reason the Wii has been so successful, it's appeal is much broader, from kids to adults, outside of the traditional demographic of only young males.

Obviously there's a new consumer purchasing Wii's but I just can't agree with the audience being made up of more soccer moms, and/or elderly persons, than children.

You seem to want to place the Wii's success in the hands of one single group, the very reason the Wii has been successful is that it hasn't just targeted one group. There is a variety of consumers buying Wii's past the narrow groups you suggested.

[Thomas96]

I think you were referring to my post, I never stated that the Wii wasn't more child oriented than the others. The Wii is certainly more child oriented than the others, but it is also more everbody oriented than the others. That is the reason the Wii has been so successful, it's appeal is much broader, from kids to adults, outside of the traditional demographic of only young males.



You seem to want to place the Wii's success in the hands of one single group, the very reason the Wii has been successful is that it hasn't just targeted one group. There is a variety of consumers buying Wii's past the narrow groups you suggested.

I'm not saying one single group is responsible for the Wii's success, I'm just putting children on the top of the list.

[hufferstl]

Dammit, I wish the 360 would start getting its ass kicked by the PS3 so that Microsoft is forced to lower the price....

[GizmoGC]

Dammit, I wish the 360 would start getting its ass kicked by the PS3 so that Microsoft is forced to lower the price....

Wait...the Sony motto :lol: