Japanese hardware sales, March 31 - April 6: Bad, Bad Company edition

by Griffin McElroy { Apr 13th 2008 at 9:30PM }

The numbers and arrows were quite bland this week -- all systems kept their same rankings, with only minor shifts throughout. The PSP remained in its throne (lovingly crafted by the recently released Japanese mega-hit Monster Hunter Portable 2 G) and the 360 was surpassed in sales, briefly yet unexpectedly, by the Virtual Boy. Now, with all that obligatory industry chatter out of the way, we can focus on a much more important enterprise -- our boycott of Bad Company.

We've all got our own reasons for hating the Brit-rock supergroup -- they kidnapped a charter member of the underground posterband Mott the Hoople, after all, and they've stolen countless girlfriends using their glistening manes and outrageously tight pants -- but it's their insipid interjection of their own band name into their chart-topping singles that really gets our dander irrevocably up. We thought our copy of iTunes had a vicious stuttering problem when it told us we were listening to "Bad Company" by the band Bad Company off the album "Bad Company", and we had to put it down. That blood is on your hands, Rodgers.

We hope you'll offer your support for our righteous cause, and swear off those angel-voiced monsters. No more purchases of (unlikely) further albums. No more costly concerts. No more performances of "Feel Like Makin' Love" at local open mic venues. It'll be a hard war to wage, but with your support, we're confident that we can put these conceited bastards in their place.

- PSP: 120,964

9,022 (6.94%)
- DS Lite: 55,190

3,726 (6.32%)
- Wii: 44,618

4,167 (8.54%)
- PS3: 11,303

97 (0.87%)
- PS2: 10,423

127 (1.23%)
- Xbox 360: 1,452

95 (6.14%)

[Source: Media Create]

See: The Straight Shootin' archives

Tags: japanese-hardware-sa..., japanesehardwaresales

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 13th 2008 9:36PM

Clearly the Wii is doomed... the Wii sales decreased and the PS3 increased...

simmcity @ Apr 13th 2008 9:46PM

Thanks for stating the obvious, yes the PS3 saw an increase and Wii saw a decrease. Wii inst doomed. And yes I know you were being sarcastic, but only to be a dick as usual and to take another jab at the PS3.

playwhutyalike @ Apr 13th 2008 9:49PM

Man, Fernando, do you get a boner over this shit or what?

ThePremierAssassin @ Apr 13th 2008 9:51PM

I get a boner over the sony fanboys reaction to his comments...

Or should I say OVERreaction...

The DS is approaching critical mass I think...

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 13th 2008 9:52PM

I wonder when the year of the PS3 is going to start... according to KrazyKen, "fads only last two years" and the Wii will be the less sold system this year.

The NPD numbers are coming next week (April 17) and according to some analysis, the Wii sold 650,000 vs PS3 350,000.

Another point in consideration: Mario Kart Wii sold 300,000 units in the first day in Japan (it was also released in Europe, but EU numbers come until next week), so, sales will be higer next week, both in Japan and Europe. Even with the release of GTA, I doubt that the PS3 will sell more than the Wii this weeks (not even with the release of GT5P, which is an exclusive title, was enough to beat the Wii).

Another point in consideration: The fiscal year ended in March 31, so Wii production will be higer than before. According to Nintendo, they will increase the production starting this fiscal year:

http://www.gamer.tm/news.php?id=2010&filtr=wii

I don't think that, suddenly, in november, at two years of the Wii launch, the Wii will suddely stop selling, specially in the Holidays...

And finally... I'm glad that Monster Hunter is selling that well, and that PSP sales increased in that way for tht game. That game is not even the next chapter, its just an update from the last game.

Monster Hunter 3 is a Wii exclusive.

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 13th 2008 9:58PM

"The DS is approaching critical mass I think..."

The DS is selling a lot more than any other current system... in Japan the PSP sold more because of the release of Monster Hunter and other big games.

Now, next week in NPD numbers, according to some analysis, the DS sold 670,000 vs PSP 380,000. In Europe the DS sold more than PSP by a huge margin.

Worldwide sales the DS is the best selling system right now... a lot more than the Wii.

Maverick Saturn @ Apr 13th 2008 10:01PM

You actually answered to Fernando?

In that case, his mission is complete, he got a reaction out of the lab monkeys ¬_¬

Now just to wait for Krazy Ken to reply with something even more daft.

Maverick Saturn @ Apr 13th 2008 10:04PM

Oh and Fernando, next time, try to write less facts, I can't be half arsed to read all that unless my name is Krazy Ken or I was a rabid fanboy who needed all that info :S

DangerMouse @ Apr 13th 2008 10:05PM

I hope he doesn't go into a political tirade.

Robotic Rocker @ Apr 13th 2008 10:43PM

*list of DS games for some inexplicable reason*

Advance Wars 3: Battle for Omega Land (Nintendo)
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings (Majesco)
Animal Crossing (Nintendo)
Castlevania (Konami)
Crash Clash Racing (VU Games)
Dragon Ball Z (Atari)
Dragon Ball Z (Banpresto)
Dragon Booster (Konami)
Dragon Quest Monsters series (Square Enix)
Dragon Quest Slime Morimori series (Square Enix)
Dynasty Warriors (Koei)
Feel the Magic: XY-XX (Sega)
Final Fantasy III (Square Enix)
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles series (Square Enix)
GoldenEye: Rogue Agent (Electronic Arts)
GT-DS Racing (MTO)
Kaido Racing Battle (Genki)
Katamari Damacy (Namco)

John McPoop @ Apr 13th 2008 10:46PM

@Fernando

Last I saw GT:Prologue was near 1 Million units sold without counting PSN sales ... Not bad for a demo, eh ... I do think there will be an increase in units sold for the PS3 when MGS 4 drops ... I do not know how much but it seems rather obvious to me that MGS 4 will help move some consoles ... Besides, who really cares what console sells more? ... As long as you enjoy your consoles does it really matter what the PS3 does in terms of sales? ... The 360 continues to sell poorly in the region as it always has but I don't see you pointing that out ... You are truly the definition of a internet troll ... Didn't your parents teach you if you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all? ... If you look at the lack of multiplatform titles for the Wii and no HDD and Sony and Microsoft developing their own "waggle" controls it certainly looks like the Wii could lose some market share ... But then again I don't think most people associate the wii in the same vein as the PS3 & 360 ... I mean the only thing it has in common is it plays video games ... I don't see the Wii going anywhere or dying off but then again I don't see the majority of great 2008 releases people will be playing coming out for the Wii other than SSBB & Mario kart Wii ... Monster Hunter while a fantastic game is not a huge success in the states like it is in Japan ... If I had to guess Capcom could make a PSP port in the states because there would not be a huge drop off in quality from the Wii to the PSP ... I don't mean that as a shot but if you look at say Manuhunt's graphics on PSP vs Wii obviously the Wii is slightly better but its not enough to blow you away ... Really the controls is the only big advantage if your into that ... The motion controls do not always work either as I have read some of the Okami wii reviews be highly critical over the clunky wii controls which is sad because I was going to re-purchase it for the Wii ...

Side Note ...

I know you hate the PS3 and all for no reason but check out the new Naruto game for the PS3 on youtube ... It's damn near impossible to tell the difference between that and the regular anime ... Truly amazing stuff with that game ... You can find early build trailers but here is an in game screen shot and it looks exactly like the anime ...

http://nextgengamers.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/naruto1.jpg

I am not saying the Wii can't do this but even for a PS3 hater this must be impressive ... I think you need to take a Civics class Fernando ... Learn some humility and civility ... Also look up the meaning of double standard ...

Cheers

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 14th 2008 12:25AM

el serpiente @ Apr 14th 2008 2:13AM

Click on your name and you will see a tsunami of dumb.

Jansperus @ Apr 13th 2008 9:52PM

It honestly saddens me that the Xbox 360 is inevitably going to be crushed by the growing momentum of the PS3. I really hoped Microsoft would win this round. It's not that I have anything against Sony. In fact, I believe they are the pioneers in revolutionizing the gaming industry and bringing the future of gaming into the hands of today's generation of hip gamers with more discriminating tastes for their home entertainment. I just don't believe that any one company should maintain a constant and unprecedented lead in the gaming industry for three entire generations! Though unlikely, it might eventually degrade the exceptional quality Sony puts into every console and Bluray(R) game.

Dahk @ Apr 13th 2008 10:02PM

Dood... you actually (R)'ed Blu-Ray? Jeez. Explains the rest of the comment.

Maverick Saturn @ Apr 13th 2008 10:04PM

Lmao

Donald @ Apr 13th 2008 10:28PM

Constant and unprecedented lead? Last time I checked Nintendo had the lead this gen.

i_hate_mtv @ Apr 13th 2008 10:28PM

Why are "hip gamers" a good thing? They're the same demographic that's turning the game industry into Hollywood, IMO.

novel @ Apr 13th 2008 10:50PM

Not me. If possible, I'd hope for 360 to lose this round. This would force MS to even try harder next round by making sure they don't fuck up their hardware (RROD, not including wifi adapter, etc). That was their biggest mistake this time.

John McPoop @ Apr 13th 2008 11:07PM

@Donald

Is Nintendo really in this gen?

I mean a computer is a computer but its like comparing sales and feature sets of a eee PC to that of a Macbook Pro & top of the line Sony Vaio ... Maybe its not the best example but you see what I mean ... I am sure Microsoft and Sony consider Nintendo competition and I am sure Nintendo considers its self firmly in the lead even with a 1 year disadvantage in terms of release date ... Maybe I am just a moron who doesn't understand anything ... But, as an owner of all 3 consoles I really don't consider the Wii in the same planet as the 360 & PS3 ... IMO what has helped the Wii have a stranglehold on the industry is it's price, 1 SKU, family controls & the brand that Nintendo is and the nostalgia well all have in our hearts for Nintendo (those of use over 21 anyway) ... However, I feel what will keep the Wii from being a long term viable option is the lack of any media functions what so ever, non existent multiplatform titles (COD 4 anyone?), online functionality (no headset & friend codes to name a few) and the lack of an HDD periphial ... I still can't believe that Nintendo is having supply issues over a year after release ... Either they are intentionally controlling the supply (possible but unlikely). they did not anticipate as much demand and did not think it would last so they never re-invested into their supply chain (likely) or the demand is so high that even with stream lined development they can't supply enough (possible but unlikely) ... Most hard to find products become easy to find after about 3-4 weeks typically ... One of my best friends works at a Game stop (in a pretty large town mind you) and he said they will usually get 3 or so a week and sometimes only 3 every two weeks ... To me this sounds like Nintendo is controlling the demand by controlling the supply ... It just might be by proxy and not with malice or intentional ... They are more than likely using the same manufacturing techniques and production plants now as they did prior to launch ... Microsoft and Sony also ship and package other products outside of just vide games (especially Sony) so they have a better knowledge of manufacturing techniques and cost cutting that Nntendo is not as seasoned in considering whatever iteration of the Nintendo console is the only hardware they produce (outside of periphials) ... I am not calling Nintendo inept or anything but I think their weaknesses show through when it comes to production ... It could be something completely different or it could be intentional ... who knows

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 13th 2008 11:22PM

So, John...

According to your logic, the DS should not be consider in the same league as the PSP.

Look, at first, you and everyone considered the Wii in the same league as the 360 and PS3, you can read all the past comments, at the end of 2006 and until mid 2007. But now that the Wii surpass the PS3 2:1, you suddenly dont consider the Wii in the league.

Ah, but last year, when the PS3 outsold the Wii two weeks in Japan, everyone was saying that the Wii was fading away, and that the PS3 was crushing the Wii. Remember that?

Now... how can people still say that Nintendo is holding production. Its been 1 year and a half, and every month since launch the Wii outsell both PS3 and 360. I dont think that Nintendo can outsell the competition by holding the production. Its not logic.

Anni @ Apr 13th 2008 11:40PM

"Is Nintendo really in this gen?"

Stopped reading right there.

Jansperus @ Apr 14th 2008 12:16AM

Regarding the question of the Wii's next-generation status, one must consider how we define next-gen. As an extreme gamer who has been playing video games since the days of Atari, it is clear that generations of gaming are defined by their media: i.e. first, there were cartridges, then CDs came along with the PS, the Saturn, and the 3DO, and then DVDs with the Xbox and PS2, and now Bluray(R). So, I will answer your question with another question: what kind of disc does Super Smash Bros. Brawl come in?

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 14th 2008 12:29AM

Monday, 12:16 A.M.

"It is clear that generations of gaming are defined by their media"

I can't even think in a proper response to that post. Just wow. The week is just starting, and I don't think I will read another comment more idiotic than that.

Call of Duty 4, The Orange Box, Devil May Cry 4, Rock Band, Burnout Paradise and any other multiplatform title is not bigger than a DVD9 (let me explain why: because those games are also on the 360... it's clearly that you needed a explanation).

John McPoop @ Apr 14th 2008 4:02AM

@Fernando Rocker

So, John...

According to your logic, the DS should not be consider in the same league as the PSP.*

Look, at first,** you *and everyone considered the Wii in the same league as the 360 and PS3, you can read all the past comments, at the end of 2006 and until mid 2007. But now that the Wii surpass the PS3 2:1, ***you suddenly dont consider the Wii in the league.***

Ah, but last year, when the PS3 outsold the Wii two weeks in Japan, everyone was saying that the Wii was fading away, and that the PS3 was crushing the Wii. Remember that?

Now... how can people still say that Nintendo is holding production. Its been 1 year and a half, and every month since launch the Wii outsell both PS3 and 360. I dont think that Nintendo can outsell the competition by holding the production. Its not logic.****

*The Ds and the PSP have nothing to do with this conversation ... However, following the same logic something like the N Gage would be the one not on the same level as the DS & PSP ... You need to rethink your methods of deductive reasoning ...

** Your using stereo types because I have never said a thing to that effect in my life or on this blog ...

*** I have never considered the Wii in the sane next gen conversation. For you to imply that I all of a sudden did so for my own agenda is completely absurd.

**** Well I went through the possibilities ... Whether or not its intentional it is happening to this very day ... If they are doing it on purpose its brilliant ... If they are not purposely controlling the supply its moronic because they are canibalizing sales to the 360 & PS3 by proxy ... If they are having this bad of supply issues over a year later even you must admit they have issues with their manufacturing process ... It seems to me if they were not purposely holding back the supply we would see Wii consoles on every stores shelves ready for purchase ... No product is that hard to find over a year after its release ... It just is not logical ... I know its just anecdotal evidence but when my local Gamestop and best buy only get 2-3 consoles every week and sometimes every two weeks you know there is some serious supply issues ... It could be on purpose, accidental, bad supply chain or the demand could actually be that high (I find this impossible for over a year)

One of the reasons I believe the Wii is not a true next gen console is because the majority of AAA multiplatform titles are not released for the Wii and when they are they are highly scaled back because the Wii is not capable of running on the same level of the PS360 ... There are other reasons but thats the main one for me ... It is certainly more powerful than a last gen system but not all the way to this gen ... almost like a 1.5 gen console if last gen was 1.0 and this gen is 2.0 ... I do not think developers have maxed out the Wii and this is partly due to the majority of games made that are kid centric mini games ... None of this means the Wii is not fun, has great games and an innovative control mechanic ... Games do not have to run at 1080p to be fun and the Wii is the best example of doing more with less ... I think people tend to take my statement as an insult or a low blow but its really just my opinion based on experience ...

jitty @ Apr 13th 2008 9:54PM

W00t, ps3 sales went up a mind blowing 0.87%!!!

The Artist formally known as Jesus @ Apr 13th 2008 11:47PM

My mind is blown

samfish @ Apr 14th 2008 12:47AM

Since I, like many men, think with my penis, does that mean that I just had an orgasm?

DangerMouse @ Apr 13th 2008 10:04PM

The PS2 is almost selling as well as the PS3. How embarrassing.

Maverick Saturn @ Apr 13th 2008 10:05PM

Thats why they are releasing Monster Hunter 3 exclusive on PS3 to boost its sales like it did PSP!!!

Oh wait...sorry my mistake...

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Apr 13th 2008 10:59PM

same old same old. So boring. I need somethiing mind blowing,like the 360 raping everyone in sales.

That'd blow a lot of minds. Maybe even force some people to kill themselves. But at least it would be exciting.

Maverick Saturn @ Apr 13th 2008 11:11PM

Couldn't care less who blows who out of the competition, as long as I get the games I want :)

Sticking to one console is for nerds, lol

samfish @ Apr 14th 2008 12:49AM

"I need something mind blowing,like the 360 raping everyone in sales."

Happened once before with Ace Combat 6.
The lulz were out in force that day, I do recall.

borland502 (SDF - Macross Ring) @ Apr 14th 2008 7:14AM

"Sticking to one console is for nerds, lol"

And sticking to multiple consoles is for Mormons.

ThePremierAssassin @ Apr 14th 2008 8:43AM

LMAO

Thats a perfect way to start the week...

Paulmichael @ Apr 13th 2008 10:11PM

Virtual Boy?? Where are those numbers? And why would anyone bother tracking how many of those are being sold?

jackbauer(ssbb:0087-2222-7531) @ Apr 13th 2008 10:53PM

seem like everyone is selling we...

I feel like makin' love
dodo dooo
dodo dooo

fuck!

Free Lono @ Apr 13th 2008 11:16PM

Joystiq, if you need sarcastic gamer to help you mobilize the troops in your Bad Company Boycott, just let me know.

We were kind of successful once before...

:D

Max Headroom @ Apr 14th 2008 12:04AM

Boycott Bad Company?! Never! I for one Can't Get Enough. They make me Feel Like Makin' Love. Yeah, I said it - I'm Ready for Love. Listen guys, you've got to Live for the Music to really understand. Anyway, I've got to go Run With the Pack. We're going to be Movin' On down to Electric Land to have ourselves a little Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy. Later!

BC_UK @ Apr 14th 2008 1:37PM

There is ONLY ONE Bad company...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BC_Recordings

Sample their classic hits here:

http://www.chemical-records.co.uk/sc/servlet/Info?Track=BCUK001LP

hvnlysoldr @ Apr 14th 2008 12:49AM

The camera shows Captain Falcon many miles above the stage, falling at a rapid speed, while playing a flaming guitar with his teeth. He gets bored and throws the guitar at a nearby mountain, causing the mountain to explode. Only instead of debris, pornography comes flying out of the explosion, which Captain Falcon looks at while eating raw meat, drinking beer, and flexing his biceps.

He gets bored with the pornography, so he destroys it all with his chest hair, which he can grow at will. He finishes his raw meat and beer, so he eats the beer glass, like a real man. He still has quite a long way to go before he crashes into the stage, so he starts striking manly poses, while shooting bullets out of his iron nipples. These bullets explode upon impact with the ground, launching a flaming truck into the air, straight towards Captain Falcon, who slices it in half before it can reach him with the force created by him flexing his pecks.

As he passes the gas tank, which became detached, he falcon punches it causing it to explode with the force of a nuclear warhead. This propels Captain Falcon towards the stage at an incredible speed.

Captain Falcon crashes into the stage with a pelvic thrust, done at near the speed of light. He climbs out of the crater he created, and flexes every muscle in his body at the same time. The incredible force created by this kills everyone within a 500 mile radius, and every female in the universe climaxes.

BPM [SSBB: 5026 4120 1186] @ Apr 14th 2008 4:48AM

I love a good Captain Falcon story.

waynski1457 @ Apr 14th 2008 5:02AM

That was... beautiful... *tear*

Kye - NDF Sniper @ Apr 14th 2008 11:13AM

He's almost as manly as Chuck Norris.

Kouheikun @ Apr 14th 2008 12:59AM

It looks like the DS is past its prime ... until the DS Micro Lite comes out ...

I'm really looking forward to its missile launcher capacities.

Curmeo @ Apr 14th 2008 1:40AM

- BMW Sports Bike: 120,964 9,022 (6.94%)
- Bicycle: 55,190 3,726 (6.32%)
- Toyota Corolla 2001: 44,618 4,167 (8.54%)
- BMW 7 Series 2006: 11,303 97 (0.87%)
- Honda Accord 2000: 10,423 127 (1.23%)
- Lexus Defect Model 2005: 1,452 95 (6.14%)

Worst Review Ever @ Apr 14th 2008 1:51AM

Keep telling yourself that Curmeo. Here let me help you out a little since your brain power has obviously been completely taxed and you can only think of that stupid fucking car comparison example.

The Wii is a Big Mac, the PS3 is a steak.

The Wii is apartments, the PS3 is mansions.

The Wii is the size of the average dong, the PS3 is the size of Curmeo's dong.

The Wii is how many times I get laid a week, the PS3 is how many times Curmeo has had sex in his entire life.

See, just compare something that represents a large number with something that represents a much, much smaller number. I'm excited to see what you will think of next week.