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NPD: Xbox 360 Sales Rise As Other Systems Fall

Tom Ivan's picture

By Tom Ivan

July 17, 2009

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Microsoft’s Xbox 360 was the sole platform to record a year-over-year monthly sales rise during June, the NPD Group reported on Thursday.

Sales of the console hit 240,600 units, comfortably putting it ahead of Sony’s platforms. PS3, PSP and PS2 moved 164,700, 163,500 and 152,700 units respectively.

Nintendo systems remained ahead of the pack though, with the platform holder shifting 361,700 Wii units and 766,500 DS systems.

“Year-to-date, both the 360 and NDS have generated an increase in unit sales,” said NPD analyst Anita Frazier.

"While Wii sales are down from last year, the platform is still realising very strong sales month after month. Compared against the historical performance of other systems this far into the console lifecycle, the unit sales performance is still strong," she added.

Barla Von's picture
On July 21st Barla Von said:

I find it pathetic that so many gamers have an interest in sales numbers, with regards to systems/software. I mean, nobody gives a fuck how many albums were sold or dvd movies, as long as you liked the content. That's all that matters.

How anyone can glorify a lump of plastic is beyond me, and the ones who do need professional help, quick style!

DubsTF's picture
On July 18th DubsTF said:

People put WAY too much stock in this essentially meaningless "year-over-year" statistic. Different points in each console's life cycle, different system-moving tentpole franchise installments being delivered in different years at different times of the year on different systems, etc., etc.

You might as well just pick two random months and compare them.

zarbor's picture
On July 18th zarbor said:

Well, I'm an accountant that have a PS3 & 360. I love games and good with numbers. I do think when it comes to these kind of numbers, people can make the numbers say whatever they want. At the end of the day, the 360 is doing very well when you think of all the factors. An increase in this kind of economy is huge.

The system sales only tell half of the story. You should also look at the game sales compared to the other systems. That's even more telling in the 360 favor. I really don't see why this trend will not continue till year end since the only possible system seller game coming out on the PS3 exclusively is Uncharted. I expect that this will cause a spike in PS3 sales but I really don't think it will make a MGS4 impression.

At the end of the day, Sony needs to do a price drop to get a 360 like momentum in sales. Unfortunately for the PS3, the 360 can match the price drop and probably will trying to negate the hype. If Sony drops the system by $100, I expect massive sales. Personally, I just don't see them doing anything more than a $50 drop and bundle to "give value" that equals $100 bucks.

The Wii is the Wii and it will continue to see above both even if its less than last year. They've completely lost the hardcore and I just don't see them getting anyone else besides non-gamers to jump in. Considering the boat load of Wiis already sould, not sure how many more will be left unless they introduce more health conscious games

NickgamertagO1's picture
On July 21st NickgamertagO1 said:

Excellent read. Gives more insight to June 2009's numbers and 1st half numbers for the last two years.
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4083/npd_behind_the_numbers_june_2...

NickgamertagO1's picture
On July 17th NickgamertagO1 said:

Don't expect the 360's second half 2009 numbers to continued the trend of month-month annual increases though. The 360 had a pretty dismal first half in 2008 so an increase over that same half year this year isn't saying much. The 360 had a price drop in the 2nd half last year that boosted their sales. I expect without another 360 price drop, the best MS can get this year is a wash when compared to 08's numbers. I wouldn't be surprised if the 360 ends up selling less units this year than last when it's all said and done. Looking back at September's numbers last year (347,200) for the 360, unless ODST is able to give the 360 a boost, they'll see a substantial drop. It's harder to guess the holiday months though cause all the hadware manufacturers tend to have good months during that time.

ArronC07's picture
On July 17th ArronC07 said:

Who are you and what have you done with Nick?

NickgamertagO1's picture
On July 17th NickgamertagO1 said:

Haha, I'm just calling it like I see it. Even a blatant fanboy can be objective when looking at numbers. It's interesting that none of the articles point out that the PS3 had a stronger first half last year than the 360 did and that could be a contributing factor when looking at each system's fist half '09 numbers.

Gamasutra usually does a good job at really analyzing the numbers, but that's one area I think is being overlooked. Greenburg said that the 360 is bucking the trend of declining console sales in 09 by being 20% ahead of where they were at at the same time last year, but he never mentions how terrible they did in the first half last year either.

edit: So, I thought this might be worth another look. Comparing the two consoles over the last two 1st halves the 360 only has a 1% edge this year over the PS3's first half last year. The 360 has a 17% increase in sales over its first half sales last year. The biggest indicator not for the 360 but for the PS3 is that the PS3 (NPD only, not worldwide) has had a 30% drop in sales this year over the first half of last year. The Wii has also had a significant drop but I'm running out of time to do the math. So at least the 360 is holding on, but it'll be interesting to see if it lasts.