Japanese hardware sales, Feb. 2 - Feb. 8: Redundant redundancies edition
by Griffin McElroy 
{ Feb 15th 2009 at 8:50PM }
We've elected to simplify a startling number of positions here at the Institute, including Stat Trackers, Adders, Subtractors, Analyzers, Percentage Calculators, Red and Green Arrow Breeders, Pun Writers, Pun Editors, and our LOLcat Locator. We even restructured the guy who was in charge of the optimization procedures. We'd like to call this irony, but we can't be sure. We smartsized our Literary Device Examiner.
We also unhired our Witty Remark That Actually Pertains to The Current Week's Sales Figures Guy -- luckily, his services won't be needed, as this week's chart looks alarmingly similar to the last fifty. Just hop into our archives, and choose your favorite wisecrack. Take our word for it -- it'll still be relevant.
- DSi: 49,529
6,084 (10.94%)- PSP: 34,969
9,166 (20.77%)- Wii: 20,412
2,866 (12.31%)- PS3: 16,082
1,323 (7.60%) - DS Lite: 12,484
2,663 (17.58%) - Xbox 360: 8,311
204 (2.52%)- PS2: 5,089
245 (4.59%)[Source: Media Create]
See: The smartsized archives
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Strategy_Panda @ Feb 15th 2009 8:57PM
NOOOOOO!!!! not the LOLcat Locator!
For the love of god, someone think of the children!
Tactics_Pedobear (The Former slycooper_rocker) @ Feb 15th 2009 9:03PM
they died ten minutes ago from the horror.
Strategy_Panda @ Feb 15th 2009 9:25PM
u take deze Joystiq. sav da kidz
http://tinyurl.com/25kncy
Thatoneguy64 @ Feb 15th 2009 9:00PM
"Pun Writers, Pun Editors"
You... you fired Ludwig? HOW COULD YOU
Tactics_Pedobear (The Former slycooper_rocker) @ Feb 15th 2009 9:03PM
am i the only one that finds it strange that out of all the consoles, the only one that went up in sales is the 360? that's...strange.
CONSPIRACY!
Tactics_Pedobear (The Former slycooper_rocker) @ Feb 15th 2009 10:58PM
my avatar seems to be coming and going as it pleases. is this normal?
Tactics_Pedobear (The Former slycooper_rocker) @ Feb 15th 2009 11:01PM
oh star ocean 4... that explains it.
JediKnight @ Feb 15th 2009 9:09PM
360 went up!? Weird...
ps3 is getting dangerously close to Wii sales...
Moptimus Slime (Leader of the Taylor Swift Defense Force, Gobot in disguise) @ Feb 15th 2009 9:15PM
I think you mean Wii sales are dangerously close to PS3 sales. That sounds more like something YOU would say.
Mr Khan @ Feb 15th 2009 9:24PM
It can only lead to something good. As the Wii slides in Japan, Nintendo will be called to action, and it shall be awesome
Moptimus Slime (Leader of the Taylor Swift Defense Force, Gobot in disguise) @ Feb 15th 2009 9:29PM
wait, wasn't the whole "Nintendo focus on Japan" the reason we got no games this holiday season? They got Disaster, Fatal Frame, etc. We got De Blob (which is awesome) and Shaun White (also good). Seems a little bit unfair doesn't it?
Also, the Japanese market isn't "Shrinking", its slowing. Everyone (and I mean everyone) has bought at least 1 console (where the real money is), now you'll see game sales increase. And with Monster Hunter 3 this summer? I wish Square would release Dragon Quest IX during the same week and just watch as the economy just explodes in one big yengasm
Insight @ Feb 15th 2009 9:30PM
"Hopefully sony goes down next month or Nintendo goes way up. At least the DSi is destroying the psp."
I will never understand why you think that a console 'destroying' another console in terms of sales is a good thing that benefits us gamers in the end. Why do you hope Sony 'goes down'? Oh, that's right, unintelligible, nonsensical bias against a faceless megacorporation.
Moptimus Slime (Leader of the Taylor Swift Defense Force, Gobot in disguise) @ Feb 15th 2009 9:35PM
because I don't have to buy more than one console just to occasionally use one for the random exclusive (looking at you, PS3). Besides, having one Omnipotent machine will end all flame wars, so the "1337 xXHARDCOREXx" gamers can focus their efforts on targeting those dirty casuals who are killing the industry like some sort of cancer.
Insight @ Feb 15th 2009 9:41PM
"I don't have to buy more than one console just to occasionally use one for the random exclusive (looking at you, PS3)."
I don't own a PS3 but I'm also not an ignorant tard (looking at you, VespundamXIIIRedux). Last I checked, the PS3 had a pretty good year last year, and this year looks even better (I'm thinking about picking one up seeing as, right now, it has the best looking lineup of 09). If anything, that statement can only apply to the Wii, and even that's about to change (March is looking good).
"Besides, having one Omnipotent machine will end all flame wars, so the "1337 xXHARDCOREXx" gamers can focus their efforts on targeting those dirty casuals who are killing the industry like some sort of cancer."
Damnit, now I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not.
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Feb 15th 2009 10:35PM
There really isn't a reason to have every console unless your just a super hardcore gamer. I had all three of them since each launched but since I sold the 360 I have gotten just as much gaming goodness from my Wii & PS3. It's nice to have all three for the exclusives but it's really not necessary unless there are games you can't live without. It's not like any of them have a shortage of quality games. Depending on your preferences you might find that the Wii has a very weak stable of games or you might find that the PS3 & 360 have nothing but generic clones. I tend to think the PS3 & 360 have the games that I prefer to play more so than the Wii. We mostly use our Wii for family gaming night and as our kids console. That's not an insult to the console it's just my personal preferences.
Moptimus Slime (Leader of the Taylor Swift Defense Force, Gobot in disguise) @ Feb 15th 2009 10:39PM
Rule of thumb: 90% of what I post is sarcasm. Especially if I reference:
*The "Console War"
*Hardcore VS. Casual
*generalizations (everyone on Xbox Live is a 13 year old racist homophobe)
Insight @ Feb 15th 2009 10:40PM
"*generalizations (everyone on Xbox Live is a 13 year old racist homophobe)"
Still can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not; that's no generalization
Lionbacker steamID: detfan1957 @ Feb 16th 2009 12:22AM
That's no generalization, that's a space station!
Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
sam @ Feb 16th 2009 9:10AM
@Mr Khan:
By 'awesome' I hope you meant 'reducing the price a few thousand yen and maybe even releasing different colours' because I don't see much more as likely in the way of action to prop up Japanese Wii sales...
Doug @ Feb 15th 2009 9:26PM
I'm always wondering who buys these things when no "great" games are coming out. I mean, unless you're really into Fear 2, and I mean REALLY into.
Moptimus Slime (Leader of the Taylor Swift Defense Force, Gobot in disguise) @ Feb 15th 2009 9:31PM
yes we all know how much those Japs love dem First Person shooters. Also, Street Fighter 4 came out this week in Japan. Thats what they're buying
Doug @ Feb 16th 2009 12:43AM
Ah, that's right. But it only sold 84k :O!
Evan @ Feb 16th 2009 9:23AM
There is a real lack of games that Japanese gamers want...
Top 5 selling PS2 games in Japan:
- Dragon Quest VIII
- Final Fantasy X
- Final Fantasy XII
- Final Fantasy X-2
- Gran Turismo 3
Top 5 selling PS1 games in Japan:
- Dragon Quest VII
- Final Fantasy VIII
- Final Fantasy VII
- Final Fantasy IX
- Gran Turismo
Notice anything that might be missing this console generation?
Happy_man @ Feb 15th 2009 9:28PM
For those of you that need to be in the know of why console sales are like that, 360 is geting another exclusive JRPG(star ocean 4), Wii has no notable games coming out other than the usual showelware, and the PS3 is still not coming out with any good software which has changed this week with Street Fighters 4 (360 geting it too), and Yakuza next week.
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Feb 15th 2009 10:11PM
The PS3 has White Knight Chronicles a few weeks ago and Yakuza 3 is next week I believe. Big mistake by SE to make SO4 a 360 exclusive in JAP.
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Feb 15th 2009 10:12PM
*had not has ...
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Feb 15th 2009 9:40PM
I'm interested to see the boost the PS3 gets from Yakuza 3. I'm dangerously close to importing it day 1 because it appears SEGA won't localize it for other territories. It looks like Shenmue meets GTA (when GTA was fun).
In case any of you haven't heard of the game do yourself a favor and drool over these videos.
http://www.gametrailers.com/game/9234.html
Xta Large, Unfanboy Extraordinaire @ Feb 15th 2009 9:42PM
I'm not gonna bother watching the videos unless the game is in english. Is it?
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Feb 15th 2009 10:03PM
nope. Hopefully it gets localized.
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Feb 15th 2009 10:06PM
but you should watch the videos because they are incredible. It's shenmue meets GTA!
Moptimus Slime (Leader of the Taylor Swift Defense Force, Gobot in disguise) @ Feb 15th 2009 10:21PM
"It's shenmue meets GTA!"
so its a cat petting simulator with hookers? I honestly don't know shit about this game but it sounds awesome
Insight @ Feb 15th 2009 10:40PM
Sounds like Vesper didn't watch the video. Or read anything about the game. Or knows what he's talking about.
Not gonna get hostile. I like your posts when they aren't god awfully ignorant. Sooo, I'll just say, watch the vids. I know you didn't like GTA4, but the fusion of gameplay elements may at the very least intrigue you.
Anywhos, as much as I'd like to be hyped over this game, (and I understand the appeal behind the Yakuza games but) I don't like the series much, and the game isn't coming to America anyway.
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Feb 15th 2009 10:40PM
Look at the videos and you will get an idea about the game. It's like GTA when it was still fun (before GTA IV) and is certainly the spiritual successor to Shenmue which I feel is one of the best games ever made. It looks to have superb graphics, engaging story, beautiful character models, vivd color palette, refined mini games and a brutal fighting system. I've been a fan of the series for a long time now (I have completed Yakuza 1 & 2) and this one looks to up the ante even higher. I really hope SEGA decides to localize it for the NA market so that I won't have to import it and can actually know what the hell I'm doing. I'll get it either way but would obviously prefer a speedy localization. If Yakuza 2 is any indicator we can expect a lengthy dealy and in the end will only get subtitles and menus anyway.
Moptimus Slime (Leader of the Taylor Swift Defense Force, Gobot in disguise) @ Feb 15th 2009 10:40PM
Jedi, dont be hating just because ITS NOT 4 MAH XBAWKZ FULL CIRCLE
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Feb 15th 2009 10:42PM
Insight
That has yet to be determined. From what I have read at the official SEGA forums a decision hasn't been made either way yet. There is a petition going around the net requesting NA & EU localization of Yakuza 3. I would be perfectly happy with menus and subtitles.
EndCat @ Feb 15th 2009 11:02PM
I didn't like Yakuza 1 and 2, the fighting system was terrible. What makes Yakuza 3
any different? I looked at the video and I think its gonna be the same as the first two, just with better graphics but the same gameplay.
Is there a demo I can play? I would like to try it before I buy it.
Noshino @ Feb 15th 2009 11:19PM
uh, well, for me Yakuza is better than GTA.
Better Story/Characters
Better Combat mechanics
Better Sountrack (except for the English voice acting)
The only aspect in which I think GTA is better than Yakuza is how big the world is, but Yakuza makes up for it by being more detailed.
But GTA gets more praise/sales because of its higher focus on creating chaos/being a criminal, even tho Kiryu is a much more likeable character than any of the ones from all GTA games....
Biggie @ Feb 16th 2009 9:13AM
It is strange that they made it 360 only, but isn't Star Ocean a bigger seller on this side of the pond than in Japan?
The sad truth is if you are a JRPG fan you really need to own a 360, who would have predicted that coming into this generation.
Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Feb 16th 2009 9:31AM
"Better Story/Characters
Better Combat mechanics"
Really? I played the first yakuza and I thought the combat system was absolute trash.
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Feb 16th 2009 2:54PM
Vegeeta,
Absolute trash?
Your entitled to your opinion but thats sounds like some serious hyperbole. To each his own but I like the combat in both Yakuza games thus far.
JediKnight @ Feb 15th 2009 11:17PM
Insight...
It's the more fact that johnny is clearly getting an orgasmic reaction when he thinks of GTAIV just like all the people who were hyping the game and still this day defend the "perfect 10s" the game somehow managed to pull from the asses of all the reviewers.
While GTAIV was a good game. I didn't love it however. I didn't hate though. It just ended up being a "meh" game that made me wonder why the hell I was so swept up in the furor over the game and why the hell I pre ordered it....
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Feb 15th 2009 11:39PM
Oh OK I see you exposed yourself again. Didn't even know that was you.
You must have missed the part where I said "It looks like Shenmue meets GTA (when GTA was fun)" and "It's like GTA when it was still fun (before GTA IV)".
Look how desperate you are grasping for straws and provoking conflict where there is none. I've been pretty steadfast in my belief that GTA IV was rather boring, tedious and in my opinion overrated.
Go ahead and spin that in some stupid way to make yourself look like more of a dick. Quit jocking my nuts so much you freak.
Strategy_Panda @ Feb 16th 2009 1:38AM
good god, you're still talking about that game?
also, don't feed the animal people
mynk @ Feb 15th 2009 11:39PM
dont you mean the lolcat lolcator
WRE @ Feb 16th 2009 1:05AM
I lol'ed.
WRE @ Feb 16th 2009 12:56AM
I don't care what you guys think, GTA 4 was and is awesome. If you can't enjoy a nice game of Cops 'n' Crooks, what the hell is wrong with you?
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Feb 16th 2009 1:10AM
I liked the story, atmosphere, graphics, online component and pretty much everything they did with GTA IV. What I didn't like was a lack of character customization, vehicle customization, no challenges and the removing of other things like planes and parachute's that made the GTA series so fun. The open world doesn't work if there isn't anything to do other than watch tv, bowling etc ... They took the fun out of it from my perspective. I can't get sucked in for 3-4 hours just messing around the city anymore. It's like missions or nothing with IV.
j.howlett @ Feb 16th 2009 1:32AM
i like gta4, it's just that it's missing that special something. when you get to turn off your phone though you can have some carefree gta fun
Moptimus Slime (Leader of the Taylor Swift Defense Force, Gobot in disguise) @ Feb 16th 2009 1:50AM
I treat GTA IV like I treated Transformers. If you ignore the license, you're left with something great. Its only when you associate it with its predecessors that the flaws stand out
Noshino @ Feb 16th 2009 2:07AM
Moptimus,
Well, I ll somewhat agree to your thinking, although it is silly. It reminds of Ubisoft Montreal in that some people were praising the latest Prince of Persia, despite the fact that it didn't even match the quality of their previous works.
Anyway, as for Transformers, you would not only have to ignore the license, but the story and acting as well, it was just horrible. You could have very well replace the Transformers with any alien being, hell, even a bug, and it could have fit perfectly.