Nintendo DS dominates Japanese charts
by Christopher Grant 
{ Jan 10th 2006 at 8:15PM }
Japanese sales information for the week beginning
December 26 indicate that Nintendo's DS is on a sales rampage! Occupying 8 of the top 10 spots, including the top
three, DS titles are selling like crazy. You can file this alongside all the other DS good news. No wonder Microsoft's having such a hard
time cracking this market... Sony can barely stay on the list.| # | FORMAT | TITLE |
| 1 | DS | Brain Training 2 |
| 2 | DS | Animal Crossing: Wild World |
| 3 | DS | Mario Kart DS |
| 4 | PS2 | Kingdom Hearts II |
| 5 | DS | DS Training For Adults: Work Your Brain (Brain Training) |
| 6 | PS2 | Front Mission 5: Scars of the War |
| 7 | DS | Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time |
| 8 | DS | Gentle Brain Exercises |
| 9 | DS | Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop! |
| 10 | DS | Pokemon Mysterious Dungeon: Blue Rescue Force |
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Huey2k2 @ Jan 10th 2006 8:41PM
It's official, the japs are crazy and only love things that are made by Nintendo and Sony.
This explains a lot about why the 360 is doing so poorly in Japan. An american company could create the most amazing console ever, and the japs wouldn't buy it because it's american. They are WAY too nationalistic.
J B Cougar @ Jan 10th 2006 8:44PM
Ouch. With 360 already out, and PS3 (sans controller...) and Revo due out in a short time, can we officially just put the nail in the coffin of PSP and those mind numbingly stupid commercials now?
jromz03 @ Jan 10th 2006 8:51PM
in proves one thing (well in Japan anyway):
Games matter more than multimedia functions.
mike @ Jan 10th 2006 9:13PM
It's official, the japs are crazy and only love things that are made by Nintendo and Sony.
------
Try a DS. Pull your head out of your ass.. playing 938 renditions of "Racing+Cool Graphics" gets boring after a while
Lansing @ Jan 10th 2006 9:17PM
jromz03's post: "in proves one thing (well in Japan anyway):
Games matter more than multimedia functions."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, OH!! WOW!! That really was what I needed for the day, a good laugh. You are quite right there jromz03 games do indeed matter quite a bit on a "GAME" sales chart.
But damn, 8 out of 10, at least I use the multimedia function of my psp more than games so my psp isn't quite worthless, yet.
tim rogers @ Jan 10th 2006 9:22PM
A few of you people are missing the point!
Then again, that's what happens when you get, uh, a bunch of people together.
See, the people buying the "Brain Training" games are normal people. As in, you know, that population subset marketing capitalize as "Normal People." Not "gamers." Just because a game isn't in the top ten doesn't mean it sucks or isn't selling. I mean, if you boys could see the NUMBERS for these Brain Training games, you'd realize that they're, you know, WAY up there. The reason other games can't compete with that is because they're videogames selling to videogamers.
So, yes!!
Also, at the largest electronics store in Tokyo two weeks ago (which is when these statistics report from), the Nintendo DS was dead sold out. Which is scary, because they normally have at least 30,000 in stock.
What's most noteworthy of this news is the sales of games like Animal Crossing and Mario Kart DS; they're apparently not selling to the "gamers" so much as to the Normal People. The Normal People buy the DS for Brain Training and what have you, and end up thinking, yeah, I'll buy that Mario Kart game, too.
Interesting stuff!
Zero_ @ Jan 10th 2006 9:22PM
...Mario Kart and Animal Crossing beat .... Kingdom Hearts II? You're kidding, right?
Reytacular @ Jan 10th 2006 9:24PM
Apple is an American company and is doing pretty well in Japan... even better than Sony.
truepatriot @ Jan 10th 2006 9:25PM
@ #1 your dumb its not that they hate america its that the 360 has no rpgs party games simulations gamblingon them not that its american.ipods, mcdonalds,starbucks all do very well in japan and theyre american.hell hip hops big in japan and alot of american culture of the past(greasers and such the 50s guys with slick hair if ya dont know)
exerpt from 4 color rebllion
http://www.4colorrebellion.com/archives/2006/01/03/the-xbox-360-and-japanese-nationalism/
"McDonalds. McDonalds cant be doing well in Japan can it? The Hamburger and fries is clearly a western meal. Wouldnt the Japanese shun it? No. McDonalds owns fast food in Japan. Japan has their own domestic burger chains like Mos Burger, Freshness Burger, etc. but they all bow before McDonalds. McDonalds knew that some of its tastes would not appeal to the Japanese so they changed their menus. Along with the standard Big Macs and fries they also have Teriyaki burgers, fried shrimp burgers, and other things for the Japanese pallet. They didnt force the American tastes on the Japanese and thus, they thrived. Now look at the Japanese Xbox 360 launch lineup. First person Shooters, sports and car games. Games that sell really well in America but other than the car games are not to the Japanese taste."
smarterray @ Jan 10th 2006 9:26PM
JB Cougar, it is not "nationalism" that encourages Japanese gamers to buy DS games. It probably has more to do with the fact that the DS is almost two times cheaper than the $400 360. It has a greater number of quality games that are found at half the price of 360 games. It is portable, which makes it more practical for an on-the-go society such as Japan. Why would Japanese consumers want a $400 "all-in-one" media system when they probably already have a DVD player, personal computer, and affordable game console? Japan is a tech-savvy yet economical nation.
Also, please watch your mouth. By calling the Japanese "Japs," it seems you are the one more prone to ignorant nationalism than the people of whom you speak.
In the end, I wouldn't buy a Ford just because I'm American.
smarterray @ Jan 10th 2006 9:28PM
Sorry, JB Cougar. I meant to direct those comments to Huey2k2.
Dralt @ Jan 10th 2006 9:29PM
Huey2k2,
And I suppose the fact Americans don't use fish as their main food is a proof they hate the Japanese.
And I suppose the fact Americans watch football instead of sumo wrestling proves no matter how good a show they put up, Americans will hate it because it's Japanese.
Come on...
You can't always blame everything on others.
mike @ Jan 10th 2006 9:32PM
Apple is an American company and is doing pretty well in Japan... even better than Sony.
----
Yes, an American Company founded on... Zen Philosophies of Design, Style and Simplicity.
Zen?
Get it?
*GOOOOONNNGG*!
Jed Merrill @ Jan 10th 2006 9:44PM
For the first time in ten months, the PSP may actually outsell the DS in Japan--given that the DS is completely sold out until the last week of January. Don't expect the same in software, however. I suspect if Nintendo had them, they'd be selling seven DS's to one PSP by the time Metroid Prime Hunters (WiFi) and Tetris DS (WiFi) come out in Japan and the US in Japan. This is going to signal a decline in developer support that will ultimately kill the PSP, as a game system. Why make a game for the PSP when you can make one for the DS and sell many times more copies? That's why the GameCube has struggled against the PS2. That will change this generation, when the Rev outsells the PS3 because innovation, price, and more innovation are greater than Sony brand equity. Nintendo will ride their new popularity--on all continents--to a new reign of gaming. The DS has whet out appetites for something more than Sony can deliver. And don't tell me the Xbox would have outsold the GameCube if Nintendo had had WiFi current gen, or even a DVD drive! I see a day in the next two years when all ten titles on the Japan charts are dominated by DS and Rev games, with an occassional MGS4 or GT5 peppering the charts on a slow Nintendo week--a black Sony sheep in an Apple White Nintendo Revolution world. It's coming...
bd @ Jan 10th 2006 9:48PM
My god. If the DS is doing so good... can you imagine how will Revolution do?
Vagabond Artist @ Jan 10th 2006 9:48PM
The DS games were really good this year, but I don't see it continuing with this sort of strength...
I mean seriously, how many "awesome" games do they have in the pipeline?
Although I do hope I'm wrong, cause I'm loving the DS right now.
Alex K. @ Jan 10th 2006 10:27PM
PLEASE read this. It's the best post. Like....ever!
"McDonalds. McDonalds cant be doing well in Japan can it? The Hamburger and fries is clearly a western meal. Wouldnt the Japanese shun it? No. McDonalds owns fast food in Japan. Japan has their own domestic burger chains like Mos Burger, Freshness Burger, etc. but they all bow before McDonalds. McDonalds knew that some of its tastes would not appeal to the Japanese so they changed their menus. Along with the standard Big Macs and fries they also have Teriyaki burgers, fried shrimp burgers, and other things for the Japanese pallet. They didnt force the American tastes on the Japanese and thus, they thrived. Now look at the Japanese Xbox 360 launch lineup. First person Shooters, sports and car games. Games that sell really well in America but other than the car games are not to the Japanese taste."
Jeff @ Jan 10th 2006 10:46PM
"For the first time in ten months, the PSP may actually outsell the DS in Japan"
Nope. The hardware sales charts for December 26-January 1:
Nintendo DS - 390,181
PSP - 110,741
PS2 - 78,646
Game Boy Advance SP - 15,998
GameCube - 12,579
X360 - 12,300
Game Boy Micro - 11,234
Game Boy Advance - 447
Xbox - 121
The DS *did* sell close to 200,000 more units the week before, so the shortage did apparently have some effect (sales of most other systems were up for the same week - Christmas is not the big holiday in Japan, New Year's Day is). But the system is so hot in Japan right now that people still sought it out over the PSP, and pretty much everything else for that matter.
Probably also worth pointing out that that timeframe includes three days of post-DOA4 Xbox 360 market tracking. It didn't help a whole lot. (Just sayin'... some people thought that was the reason the Xbox 360 didn't sell initially, but remember that the DOA series hasn't been on *any* popular system in Japan for about the last 4 years. The Japanese have pretty much forgotten about DOA by now, and Tecmo has screwed themselves there in the process.)
But, yeah, Nintendo's doing pretty well.
D Man @ Jan 10th 2006 10:52PM
I think the comments about the DS being for regular people is right. I have a little sister (28) who hates video games and constantly interrupts me and her husband while we are playing. For Christmas I bought her a DS and Nintendogs: Lab and Friends. She loves her puppy and has been playing with it pretty continually. Since she can't have a dog in her current apartment this gives her something of the feeling of having one without the guilt of not having a yard. Nintendo has realized that the only way to win the console wars is as the Shifu, the Harcesis Child, put it, "The only way to defeat evil is to deny it battle." Don't fight them, make new markets that require creativity.
Neko Tsukimi @ Jan 10th 2006 10:57PM
Yeah, I thought #1's comments sucked as well. If you look at Japan, they love America (as well as most everything else outside of Japan) so that's clearly not to blame. You can't sell someone something they clearly don't want. The 360 may be better (I personally don't think so), but it's soooo not for a Japanese audience even though they're (barely) giving it a good try~
And don't discount those people who are not gamers. Their game purchases totally don't weigh more than that of a non-gamer. Heck, if it's nothing but non-gamers buying games for the DS, that's just more money for Iwata to swim in since the non-gamer market is obviously bigger than the gamer market. Their plan is OBVIOUSLY working and I see no shame in that.
Jago @ Jan 10th 2006 11:16PM
Huey2k2:
It's official! You are an ignorant moron!
ReyBrujo @ Jan 10th 2006 11:16PM
Alex K., best post? Nah, I think http://www.joystiq.com/2005/12/22/nintendo-up-but-microsoft-down-in-japan/#c870345 is a better one:
"Is it any wonder that MS can't sell consoles in Japan? I mean, the most hyped game for xbox360 has been COD2 whether it was released in Japan or not. I mean its a game about a war that ended with them getting the atom bomb! I'm sorry but if the most hyped launch title on PS3 is a game where you get to be an al'queda operative attacking the US, I probably wont buy a PS3 whether they launch that game in the US or not."
vakerrokero @ Jan 10th 2006 11:22PM
I consider the PsP to be a great gadget but not a gaming console. Now that I see that addon for a harddrive totally make me want one, even if carrying a second thing totally makes it obsolete as a portable system. i SURE FIND ALL THOSE EMULATORS THE GREATEST THING GOING FOR IT. but those UMD movies? that sucks, have they been less greedy and release recordable umd would have made the system a best sellers but riding on the playstation made just isn't enough for most people. Does anyone now when we can expect a drop in price on the psp? maybe $150?
japanese are not nationalist, more like elitist. they expect a lot for their money which they spend in seconds. You guys consider it an insult to the U.S. that the rest of the world isn't falling in Microsoft business, who cares?
unlike americans who can are willing to play $$$ just to be trendy and do what everyone they now is doing. That's why if they hear a movie review that says its bad they dont go see it, if they hear Mariah Carey suck one day they hate her and laugh at her, and then they hear she is the greatest singer again and everyone follows her again. Look at boy bands, aren't right now like uncool? but justin timberlake? oh that's different he is a very talented artist. Eminem hates moby? so does America! Robbie Williams is the king of World? who cares! he is from Europe! europeans suck! specially the french! why? they don't shower & they are arrogant with american tourists! Japanese stand in lines for days when they want a new electronic gadget! what? so do we? look at ipods and xbox360 launch! its like a tradition japanese got from us... I could continue for hours about the american culture and they way they think. Ask any person from another country and they will explain more about "how the rest of the world thinks of northamericans" thank god China is the new world leader. the empire is dead.
funkonaut @ Jan 10th 2006 11:25PM
It's official. Huey2k2 has never been outside of the States in his pathetic life.
The Japanese eat up American products. McDonalds, iPods, Levis, and Rock music are just some of the thing that the Japanese consume in huge numbers.
As for the DS, I just got Trauma Center and Sonic Rush and both games are amazing. I've played my DS more than my GCN and PS2 combined in 2005.
truepatriot @ Jan 10th 2006 11:31PM
quick fix that mcdonalds thing is from 4 color rebellion first link was broken =/
http://www.4colorrebellion.com/archives/2006/01/03/the-xbox-360-and-japanese-nationalism
Matt @ Jan 10th 2006 11:47PM
So the Japanese like:
Nintendo and its DS + Games and Square-Enix.
& who could blame them ;)
Probot @ Jan 10th 2006 11:48PM
"15. The DS games were really good this year, but I don't see it continuing with this sort of strength...
I mean seriously, how many "awesome" games do they have in the pipeline?"
Tetris DS,
New Super Mario Bros.,
Metroid Prime Hunters,
Age of Empires,
Final Fantasy III,
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl,
Resident Evil Deadly Silence,
Those all come to mind. Honestly though, I'm betting Super Mario Bros. will be the biggest seller.
deathscythe @ Jan 11th 2006 12:02AM
adding to your list probot:
Ys Strategy
Vandal Hearts DS
Xenosaga I & II
Tenchu DS
Dragon Quest Monsters (Dragon Warrior Monsters
Gyakuten Saiban 4 (Phoenix Wright)
Dracula Castlevania
Custom Robo DS
Kaitou Wario
Ash
Tales of the Tempest
New Harvest Moon: Rune Factory
Final Fantasy:CC
Children of Mana
Bleach DS
Contact
So again at #15, yea...the DS looks like its gonna have a pretty sweet 06 as well.
Brandon @ Jan 11th 2006 12:07AM
I spent an entire semester with a Japanese Roomate. All the products he brought over from Japan were primarily American, His IPOD, his american movies (dubbed in japanese) his clothes were primarily american brands. The only thing that wasnt american, was his PSP and his La Vie notebook (japanese). The point is, they buy whats good, regardless of where its from. The DS is doing well because of games. The PSP would do well also if it wernt for developers treating it as a PORT-able by making rushed ports of ps2 games. Eventually the quality of games on the system will improve and it will begin to rival the DS in sales.
However, its nice to see the PSP doing ok, its not doing huge sales, but making a respectable showing.
mike @ Jan 11th 2006 12:12AM
However, its nice to see the PSP doing ok, its not doing huge sales, but making a respectable showing.
---
if you think you can award a silver medal cuz there are only two parties.. think again.. the GBA is still going...
Back_Lit @ Jan 11th 2006 12:18AM
Supposedly this is the year the PSP comes into its own...will it? I doubt it. But, if developers manage to get console quality RPGs that are great on the go...the PSP might actually pick up in sales. Just some food for thought...though...if there is a Mother 3 I think the DS will sell out again in Japan, and US fanboys will demand a holiday the day of its release.
iGrooveLA @ Jan 11th 2006 1:54AM
http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3775&likref=alert534
according to this, nintendo is redesigning the DS and announcing it on the jan. 16th. that's welcome news 'cuz although i like the DS OK, i think it could be better by being less bulky/heavy and having a brigher screen like the GBmicro...then i'd buy it!
Johan Kruger-Haglert @ Jan 11th 2006 5:41AM
Cool, way to go Nintendo! And Japan, love you :)
namek @ Jan 11th 2006 6:49AM
i've both system home but its been awaile im playing on psp,psp have a lot better graphics and lot of cool games but i've to admit the reason i play more on DS because the games r "easy" and fast to play,for example yesterday i was waiting at railwaystation ,so i took my DS and play Mario Kart online for 10 min till te train arrives.thats the reason i need portable for.
Xbox360-forums.com @ Jan 11th 2006 7:02AM
Glad to see Nintendo doing so well.
randomboy @ Jan 11th 2006 7:03AM
I think this year will see more and more DS developer support. If you think about it, last year they all thought the PSP would trash the DS because of it's graphical power, shininess and the PlayStation brand but needless to say after seeing the continuous great sales figures for the DS, it wouldn't be silly to predict that the DS will be seeing more developers working on it.
However, The PSP will still be around for quite a while (especially in the US where the cool factor is brain washing them) if only for it's media functions. The only way it can disappear (as early as this year) is when and if apple decide to release that widescreen Ipod with wifi (for itunes) and IF Nintendo add a built in play-yan to the new re-designed DS (Play-yan has an SD card slot).
Personally, I imported a DS at launch. I was intrigued by the DS after it's E3 unveiling and couldn't wait for the UK release, but I was hugely disappointed with all the gimmicky games and my DS ended up gathering dust for a few months. But now with all the great titles out and WiFi connection, I see NO reason why I would/should want a PSP.
I have to admit that after the PSP launch I fell under the hype and tried to import it several times but the price kept holding me back (even though I have an Ipod) but now I am much too clever to make such mistakes hence my not buying the XBox360 just yet until the PS3 is released.
If the DS is any indication the Rev will own Japan atleast if only for its DS connectivity.
DG @ Jan 11th 2006 7:54AM
I would buy a PSP is Sony's ads didn't make it look like such a horrible piece of equipment. In one commercial, random gangsters and hard guys play a PSP for two seconds, decide it sucks, and throw it away. In another commercial, mice call the PSP "cheese." Huh? That sells me a video game system?
Poseidongroove @ Jan 11th 2006 1:57PM
Very few folks understand what the PSP is about. It's a convergent device. It's not just a games platform. Who cares if it's not selling in Japan. It's the same way Nokia can't break into Japan and I can't stand Japanese Mobile phones and their cumbersome/funny looking menus. The PSP has of course got great games. I've got loads of friends that have bought one that aren't hard core gamers. Best Games Metal Gear Acid, Lumines and Wipeout Pure. GTA is rubbish. I don't know why everyone loves it. As for DS. It's for kids period. Besides, My PSP has replaced my Radio for Streaming Podcasts wirelessly. It's and Edutainment Device Get It.....
Jago @ Jan 11th 2006 2:35PM
"As for DS. It's for kids period."
If you are that kindof person that needs to know that others think you are "cool" b/cyou use a certain device then that is pretty sad.
As for Metal Gear Acid being a "good" game? I dunno about that b/c soon after it launched I was already seeing stores selling used copies of that title. I would agree that Lumines and Wipeout were good launch
titles but they would have been "must have" titles if they had TRUE wifi multiplayer. The PSP does not have one game that can equal the amount of popularity that Animal Crossing or Mario Kart for online play.
Have you actually sat down and played some of the
titles on the DS? Saying that it is "for kids" is an ignorant statement b/c A LOT of adults are buying it for themselves.
maylon @ Jan 11th 2006 2:50PM
I will never tire of reading these awful analogies, but I suppose it is par for the course on this site. As for Huey 2k2's comment, I partly agree with him. The Japanese are very prideful and nationalistic of one industry, and that is consumer electronics. You simply cannot compare that market with fast food. Electronics/games are one thing the Japanese will never concede defeat in. All your reactions to Huey 2k2 are really not very well thought out. You are all idiots.
Poseidongroove @ Jan 11th 2006 4:16PM
Of course I have played them. I've had several PDAs and I'm sick and tired of using touchscreen controllers. Innovative maybe in the games world. Otherwise, not. I'm not into brainless mindless shooting games. I prefer games to task my brain. Hence, GTA is rubbish. My main point remains the same. The PSP is a misunderstood device. Most talk about the PSP focus too much on the gaming capabilities. I can undestand this if you're a hard core gamer. Anyway, I see things differently, you can read my views at Poseidongroove.
Saying the DS is for kids of course is to incite DS fanboys response.
Thanks
Puck @ Jan 11th 2006 4:21PM
I am over 40 and I admit I went out and got me a DS/Mario Kart bundle for christmas. I also got the GBA version of Super Mario Brothers 3 for the other game slot. I have 4 kids all with their own GBA and computer. We also have a PS2 but they all want to play the DS just for Mario Kart. That game alone is worth the system price. Its just plain fun. We will be buying a Rev when it comes out, no questions asked.
Sanitarium @ Jan 11th 2006 5:19PM
"In one commercial, random gangsters and hard guys play a PSP for two seconds, decide it sucks, and throw it away."
Thats hilarious.
I never interpretted that commercial like that, but now it seems so obvious.
And I just wanted to point out, by the end of this year, or e3 07 at the latest, expect at least to get some concrete details on Zelda DS.
You know its coming.
Jago @ Jan 11th 2006 6:51PM
"Saying the DS is for kids of course is to incite DS fanboys response."
Which means you are bringing yourself down to the level of blind fanboys (which I am not btw.)
"I prefer games to task my brain."
Games are meant to be fun btw and just so happens that the DS has alot of those titles. Some of the best and most difficult titles are also the simpliest.
Comparing touchscreen games on a PDA and touchscreen games on the DS is night and day. You can't compare the two b/c the PDA is PRIMARLIY a device used for entering personal information and keeping your life in order.
If Sony wants the PSP to be looked at as a multi-purpose device then they shouldn't be marketing it as primarily a game machines which also does other stuff. The MAJORITY of the commercials for the PSP are showing it as a game device.
"Electronics/games are one thing the Japanese will never concede defeat in. All your reactions to Huey 2k2 are really not very well thought out. You are all idiots."
Did you ever think that the reason why they buy their electronics more is b/c their electronics are actually good? Here in the US, Korean and Japanese electronics are among the best and most popular.
maylon @ Jan 12th 2006 10:18AM
Yawn. Not a very good argument Jago.
josh @ Jan 12th 2006 11:47AM
"Best Games Metal Gear Acid, Lumines and Wipeout Pure."
Weren't all these launch titles? Has the PSP had no other good games come out since launch? I'm actually asking, I don't know much about their release list.
As far as brain-challenging DS games, I would recommend Advance Wars : Dual Strike - it's a turn based strategy game, doesn't really use the touch features (you can use the stylus or the keypad to input your moves), and is very clever and challenging - one of my favorite games of the last year or so on any system (and I own PS2/GC/Xbox).
Jago @ Jan 12th 2006 2:09PM
"Yawn. Not a very good argument Jago."
That wasn't a very good response either...