NPD's latest software tie ratios for consoles

by Alexander Sliwinski { Apr 24th 2008 at 5:25PM }

With Nintendo announcing its global software tie ratio (attach rate) this morning, we were curious to know what the current software sales ratio was in the States for current-gen consoles. We contacted NPD, which gave us its latest figures. The data represents the amount of software sold per console divided by the number of consoles sold in the US.

Xbox 360: software sales ratio: 7.5
Wii: software sales ratio: 5.3
PS3: software sales ratio: 4.6

Just for kicks, we asked about the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP, which have the ratios of 4.7 and 4.2 respectively. The data shows a significant change since the last time we checked in half a year ago. The Xbox 360 has maintained its solid lead, but the Wii has rallied from 3.4 to 5.3. As always, we do have to take "software" top-seller Wii Play skewing the data into account, but Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Guitar Hero III also helped. The PS3 has ticked up one game from 3.5 to 4.6. The real takeaway from this data is that console owners are growing their software library no matter which console they own.

Tags: attach-rate, npd, sales, software-ratio, tie-ratio

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

D_Average @ Apr 24th 2008 5:27PM

The Wii slays the PS3 once again!

joeyg @ Apr 24th 2008 5:39PM

i wonder what would happen if you take Wiiplay out (because of the wiimote), and wiisports.

Ninjakamster @ Apr 24th 2008 5:41PM

Er, it always has, in every imaginable aspect. Its not really news anymore. : )

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 24th 2008 5:46PM

joeyg

And I wonder what happen to the PS3 if you take out GTA, MGS, GT, Ratchet, Motorstorm and Uncharted bundles.

And the POS Eye of Judgement.

tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 24th 2008 5:48PM

It's always funny when a wii owner calls another system's game or games a POS

SharpShooter @ Apr 24th 2008 5:52PM

Um, Fernando, those are actual games, not some collection of shitty mini-games.

Ninjakamster @ Apr 24th 2008 6:00PM

Last time I checked Fernando, Wiisports is bundled with the Wii (in North America at least), whereas Motorstorm, Rachet and Clank, Resistance, etc. are not.

Your not very good at making fair comparisons, admit it.

Kenology @ Apr 24th 2008 6:11PM

@ Sharpshooter -

How are you gonna say Wii Play is not a GAME, and then call it a "collection of shitty mini-GAMES" in the same sentence!?

Do you not see the obvious contradiction there!?

D_Average @ Apr 24th 2008 6:18PM

I guess "slay" was an offensive word, my apologies. Let me try again, the Wii respectfully defeats the PS3 by 0.7 games, not bad.

Go White Sox and Go other Team @ Apr 24th 2008 6:45PM

In hardware units and software you are correct. But in terms of technology and funtionality that can continually be updated and expanded, you are incorrect.
Does it really feel good to you that 1 mega corporation has sold more units than another mega corporation? Do you beat your chest and say, I'm the man? Everyone brags about something sometime, but if this is what you brag about, you must lead a very boring, sad, existance.

Zoesch @ Apr 24th 2008 6:47PM

No, it's not offensive, you're just an idiot... like Fernando.

I love how you people get so riled up and aggressive over pieces of plastic made by companies where you don't work or own stock in.

D_Average @ Apr 24th 2008 7:14PM

Sounds like somebody's jealous.....

Paul (PSN: heypaul) @ Apr 24th 2008 9:32PM

The difference, Fernando, is that with PS3, users have the choice of whether to buy the system individually or bundled with a game. With the Wii, I'm forced to buy Wii Sports whether I want it or not. You could argue that many, if not most, people would buy Wii Sports anyway, but believing the Wii and PS3 bundle situations to be the same is certainly is the case. And no one can argue that Wii Play would've sold anywhere near as well if it hadn't come with a controller.

To get a real apples to apples comparison, you'd have to figure out what percentage of the Wii Sports and Wii Play purchases would've taken place without the forced package in deals. Since we'll never no this, this entire argument is moot. (You needn't eliminate the PS3 bundles since in no situation are you forced to buy a game with your console.)

rv @ Apr 24th 2008 9:37PM

WII WINS MY LIFE IS COMPLETE!!!!

Paul (PSN: heypaul) @ Apr 24th 2008 9:38PM

I can't proofread type for shit.

*certainly not the case
*never know this

Draco @ Apr 24th 2008 5:29PM

I thought the 360 was about that level already? I guess new users have been keeping down the attach rate.

tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 24th 2008 5:31PM

I haven't bought a ps3 game since last june, which will change when MGS comes out. It's just more sensible to buy multiplatform games for 360 right now.

PojoMofo @ Apr 24th 2008 6:30PM

So you havent played Rachet, or Uncharted, or UT3??

your missing out buddy

Tranando @ Apr 24th 2008 6:34PM

Don't forget GT5:Prologue, or GTA IV (the decent version).

tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 24th 2008 6:41PM

I rented uncharted, liked it. I'll buy ratchet and rebuy uncharted when they go further down in price and get home support.
I hate fast paced shooters so no UT3 for me.

And tranando, no GT 5 prologue for me I will never ever buy an incomplete game no matter how much content is in it. As for GTA 4 I'm getting the superior 360 version for the achievements and DLC. I saw it in action yesterday and it runs flawlessly (not to mention looked fucking amazing).

tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 24th 2008 6:42PM

doh i meant *buy* uncharted when it goes further down in price, not re-buy.

DP @ Apr 24th 2008 6:58PM

*chuckle* No, I think I'm quite alright, PojoMofo.

Anticrawl @ Apr 24th 2008 7:18PM

What is really supprising by this recent data is that the Wii is actually increasing it's software to console ratio. Insane considering how low it was in the NPD numbers not long ago and in last place. Perhaps one can account for the growth with the launch of SSBB, Galaxy and Mario & Sonic Olympics.

In any case I'm very supprised the Wii caught up so quickly. Maybe it is indeed a viable platform to develope on. Wasn't looking so good with the last few sets of numbers.

copa @ Apr 24th 2008 5:36PM

Oh, so that's why MGS4 is coming to the XBox 360.

Grog @ Apr 24th 2008 5:58PM

+1 for you for today's Gasoline Post of the Day!

Ninjakamster @ Apr 24th 2008 6:01PM

OMG! MGS4 going to the superior console where 3x as many can enjoy it with achievements, Xbox Live, rumble, etc!?!?!?!?!?

LULZ!!!!!!!!

Mr Khan @ Apr 24th 2008 5:34PM

"Another one bites the dust" (one being anti-Wii rallying point)

Shagittarius @ Apr 24th 2008 5:36PM

Not really , if your not Nintendo your not selling much on the Wii.

Doesn't really entice 3rd party developers to do anything other than throw crap and ports at the wii and see if anything sticks.

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 24th 2008 5:41PM

Thats not Nintendo fault, Shagi.

If third party developers want to sell games, they need to invest a big budget and make a game with the level of quality of Nintendo games.

Or at least advertise their games.

Noshino @ Apr 24th 2008 6:00PM

err...Fernando, but don't you think that 3rd party studios feel grateful when Sony or Microsoft advertise their games? do you really think that that advertisement is made just for Microsoft or Sony? dude, that is a huge influence

Its like if I produce this tool, which one would I go to? Home Depot, Lowe's, or Ace? I know that Home Depot and Lowe's will advertise my product at their own cost...

hvnlysoldr @ Apr 25th 2008 12:57AM

Another one rides the bus

BPM [SSBB: 5026 4120 1186] @ Apr 24th 2008 5:37PM

Hooray for everybody! Everybody wins!

Except for you. You lose.

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 24th 2008 5:38PM

And now you have to multiple the tie ratio with the install base:

Wii: 5.3 x 25 million = 132.5m

360: 7.5 x 18 million = 135m

PS3: 4.6 x 12 million = 55.2m

I guess some people is buying a console for his video playback capabilities.

Ninjakamster @ Apr 24th 2008 5:40PM

GASP! NO SHIT!?

Go White Sox and Go other Team @ Apr 24th 2008 5:41PM

Fernando

This is NPD so you cannot count all 25 million worldwide Wii sales.

cc123 @ Apr 24th 2008 5:42PM

Fernando fails at reading.

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 24th 2008 5:49PM

Actually, you are right, my mistake...

So, the Wii tie ratio may be bigger than the 360 then... the Wii is dominating the charts over Europe, and in Japan the 360 is practically dead.

NATO_Duke @ Apr 24th 2008 5:53PM

Fernando, buddy, why does everything have to be pushing Wii doing so well? We get it, it sold a lot of games. How does pitching this so much help you in life?

Who gives a damn if nintendo makes 1$ more or less than MS or Sony if all three of them still made a boatload of cash in the first place?

xFenixKnightx @ Apr 24th 2008 7:39PM

Fernando heart his Wii, what else is new? =P

Benny @ Apr 24th 2008 7:40PM

Actually Fernando, 360 games sell a lot over here (UK). 360 software gets prime shelf-space in most GAME stores...

xFenixKnightx @ Apr 24th 2008 8:16PM

Oh and Fernando...buddy? =) Last time I checked...

Assassins Creed
Marvel UA
Uncharted DF
Dead or Alive 4
Lego Starwars TCS
Tekken Dark Res
Tetris Evolution
Skate
Portal
NBA2K
Fight Night Round 3
Madden
Dark Sector
Omega 5
Ridge Racer6
GTAIV
Soul Calibur 4
Tekken 6
Wipeout HD
Streetfighter II
UMK3
Ninja Gaiden 2
Resident Evil 5
Etc....

these WERE NOT FPS's or shooters for that matter. So your little "Fenix loves shooters" saying is FAIL! One thing that isnt fail? Is that you love casual and kid games buddy. I just need you to realize that. Muchas Gracias! I'm out! ;)

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 24th 2008 9:04PM

Yes Fenix... I play kid games because I like Nintendo. I play with toys... you are very macho and manly because you play M games with guns.

I'm casual because I don't play a lot of 360 and your games.

Dude... just because you play those games you are hardcore... and don't judge only for the games I play on the 360 (which I dont play often). I just find more satisfing to finish for example, Persona FES over CoD4 or Fire Emblem over Halo 3, or Metroid Prime over Dark Sector.

xFenixKnightx @ Apr 24th 2008 9:55PM

Its too bad the Wii doesn't have a stat tracker a la 360 so we can see exactly what games you are "finishing". lol And who is saying I am macho? I go gaga over Mario games, Zelda games, and Donkey Kong, Banjo and those likes too. Oh and Im talking about real Mario games, SMG, Sunshine, 64, World, 3, etc. not Mario Tennis and Strykers.

Im just saying buddy, theres no need for hostility here. I just think you need to take a step back and realize that you are posting the same thing over and over and over again. Wii =P know it ALL already loco. I personally have never said the Wii is a fad I just think that Nintendo is going in the wrong direction right now man. Im really let down and I know for a fact that Im not alone on this. Check this out...

http://www.thedigitallifestyle.tv/2008/04/gaming-wii-is-lie.html

And when you sent everyone on LIVE that message about buying MKWii well I let you know the truth. Look at the video on GT.com its looks nearly identical and that sucks big tyme =(

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 24th 2008 10:08PM

I'm not mad dude, not at all... I really enjoy your comments. You are on my favs... peace. En verdad me caes bien. Disculpa si dije algo ofensivo.

PS. Las pistas de Gamecube y otras pistas retro mantienen una calidad similar a la original. Las pistas que en verdad te sorprenderan son las nuevas. Confia en mi =p

xFenixKnightx @ Apr 24th 2008 10:19PM

No trust me Im still getting it. lol I need to hook my shit up downstairs so I can get a signal from my router and get my friend code.

Go White Sox and Go other Team @ Apr 24th 2008 5:40PM

Joystiq,

WiiPlay and WiiSports (yes the one that is packed in with the system) are also counted as software. So those 2 alone account for quite a bit of overall software.

But really, who cares? Buy the games you want on the console you want.

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 24th 2008 5:42PM

Half of Wii Sports out there are sold at retailers. How many times do we need to say that?

Plus, people still have to pay $50 for WiiPlay.

Spoit @ Apr 26th 2008 3:18AM

In the nintendo report it is, but NPD doesn't count Wii sports

GatorSax2010 @ Apr 24th 2008 5:52PM

"But really, who cares? Buy the games you want on the console you want."

Words of wisdom, indeed.

Go White Sox and Go other Team @ Apr 24th 2008 6:25PM

thanks for the correction Spoit. I just don't understand the logic with some of the Nintendo supporters. Why does it matter to you how many games a system has per console purchased? To me, that does quantity does not equal quality. I find it funny that Nintendo used that excuse during the GameCube and N64 days.

If I sell 10 Sentras and 1 Skyline, does the amount of Setras make it better than the Skyline? No it does'nt.
Maybe that is not the best analogy but I could not think of anything better at the moment.

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