Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nielsen: US spending less on games, more on outdoor activities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/nielsen-us-spending-less-on-games-more-on-outdoor-activities/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/nielsen-us-spending-less-on-games-more-on-outdoor-activities/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/nielsen-us-spending-less-on-games-more-on-outdoor-activities/#comments Bad news, friends: We're losing. That's the only way we can digest the latest Nielsen consumer spending report, in which it was revealed that the US national entertainment budget share for games dropped from 9.3 percent in 2009 to 8.5 percent in 2010. Meanwhile, spending on activities that actually require you to cross the threshold of your home into the horrible, dangerous world (like dining out, going to parks, etc.) increased from 20.4 percent to 25.1 percent year-over-year.

Okay, so the raw dollar-amount spent on games hardly changed between the last two years -- but the average American's budget increased in 2010, and none of that new money was handed over the video game industry. Instead, people spent it on outdoor activities. Outdoors! Can you imagine? That's where animals live, you guys.

[Image credit: Nielson]

JoystiqNielsen: US spending less on games, more on outdoor activities originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesschartconsumerdataentertainmentindustrynielsensalesspendingusaSat, 19 Feb 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Austin Independent School District makes deal to buy more video games for classrooms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/austin-independent-school-district-makes-deal-to-buy-more-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/austin-independent-school-district-makes-deal-to-buy-more-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/austin-independent-school-district-makes-deal-to-buy-more-video/#comments
We've seen educational video games show up in the classroom before, and it looks like one school district is coming back for more. The Austin Independent School District has ordered up another set of edu-games from a company called Tabula Digita that provides 3D, first-person action-based games to teach students how to do basic math and algebra. One sample scenario in the games has students calculating the location of an in-game weather station on a graph, and then using the data found there to make charts and track down alien creatures.

The press release doesn't mention costs, but according to its website, 15 single-user licenses to the games cost the school $1049.25 each, making up a cost of just over $24,000 for the entire 350 student program. The students, who were part of a 10-day JumpStart program and had previously failed a math retest, were allowed to play the games for 30 minutes a day, and, afterwards, 82% of the kids said they had improved their understanding of the concepts. No word on how their k/d ratio came out.

JoystiqAustin Independent School District makes deal to buy more video games for classrooms originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dalgebraaustinchartclassroomclassroom-gamesdimension-meducationfirst-persongames-in-the-classroomgaminggaming-in-the-classroomgraphindependentkd-ratiolearningmathschool-districtschoolsThu, 07 Jan 2010 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3: ODST buyers surveyed about their next purchases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/halo-3-odst-buyers-surveyed-about-their-next-purchases/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/halo-3-odst-buyers-surveyed-about-their-next-purchases/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/halo-3-odst-buyers-surveyed-about-their-next-purchases/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Halo fans are strange, otherworldly creatures whose behaviors are difficult to analyze. A consulting firm named OTX recently tried to tap into this demographic's collective hivemind the only way it knew how -- by asking Halo 3: ODST purchasers what title they'll likely pick up next. The firm found that the average Bungie buyer plans to acquire a total of three games within the next few months, with Modern Warfare 2, Assassins Creed 2 and Left 4 Dead 2 being the most desired titles. We're not sure if that means this group enjoys blockbusters, or if they're addicted to games with numerical suffixes.

Though the list of top 20 games charted in this manner is primarily composed of Xbox 360 titles, God of War III was also a popular response; with 18 percent of participants claiming it to be their next purchase. We're beginning to see a pattern develop. A manly, manly pattern.

JoystiqHalo 3: ODST buyers surveyed about their next purchases originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesassassins-creed-2bungieBungie-StudioschartFPSgod-of-war-3god-of-war-iiihalohalo-3-odstleft-4-dead-2MicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmodern-warfare-2Xbox-360Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Top five best sellers for 2009 tracked for each console ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/top-five-best-sellers-for-2009-tracked-for-each-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/top-five-best-sellers-for-2009-tracked-for-each-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/top-five-best-sellers-for-2009-tracked-for-each-console/#comments
Finding it hard to get interested in the June NPDs? Perhaps a visual aide from the folks at Gamasutra will help boost your enthusiasm. They've compiled the sales figures from all of 2009's NPD charts to find the top five best-selling games of the year thus far on each of the three home consoles.

The big winner so far on the PS3 is Killzone 2, trailed closely by Resident Evil 5. On the 360, Resident Evil 5 is currently in the lead, followed by a surprising contender -- UFC 2009: Undisputed. The Wii's current leader is -- who'd have thunk it? -- Wii Fit, followed by Wii Play. For the full five for each platform, check out Gamasutra's writeup.

JoystiqTop five best sellers for 2009 tracked for each console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartkillzone-2MicrosoftNintendonpdrankingresident-evil-5ufc-2009-undisputedWiiwii-fitwii-playXbox-360Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation press release breaks down the real price of consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/playstation-press-release-breaks-down-the-real-price-of-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/playstation-press-release-breaks-down-the-real-price-of-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/playstation-press-release-breaks-down-the-real-price-of-consoles/#commentsFiled under:

SCEA has just sent out a press release detailing what readers of this blog already know. Although PS3 is an expensive machine, it's a better value than the other competing systems. In a press release called "Keeping Entertainment Simple," the company showed this chart showing all the things you get in the PS3 that you can't in other systems. Yes, it's a biased chart, but it's the kind of information that SCEA should spread in the first place. Imagine if they put this info in a retail store? Perhaps more consumers would think kindly of Sony's black box.

JoystiqPlayStation press release breaks down the real price of consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartcomparisonplaystationps3sceawiixbox-360Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii clinches bronze in console usage stakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/wii-clinches-bronze-in-console-usage-stakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/wii-clinches-bronze-in-console-usage-stakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/wii-clinches-bronze-in-console-usage-stakes/#commentsFiled under:

The white coats at Nielsen have been at it again, analysing our gaming lives and charting the consoles we use most. Unlike the Nielsen study we posted about previously, this one takes into account pre-Wii/PS3/Xbox 360 platforms. This means that the PS2 stormed to a predictable, convincing victory: 30.2% of "all measured console minutes" were dedicated to Sony's nine-year-old machine.

Despite its smaller user base, the Xbox 360 was second with 18.3%, while the Wii came third with 13.5% -- high enough, we feel, to put any no-doubt-hilarious Wii/dust jokes to rest. Excellently, the GameCube is following the PS3 more closely than you'd think.

A quick disclaimer before you scuttle past the break to see the data in full: these numbers cover January to October 2008, there's no word on whether non-U.S. gamers were surveyed, and handhelds aren't mentioned, though are presumably bracketed in the "Others" category. Multiple console owners who are richer than us: how closely do your own habits follow this pattern?

Continue reading Wii clinches bronze in console usage stakes

JoystiqWii clinches bronze in console usage stakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartdatanielsennielsen-gamesps2ps3researchSCIENCEusagexbox-360Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[NoA VP spins some software sales for us all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/noa-vp-spins-some-software-sales-for-us-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/noa-vp-spins-some-software-sales-for-us-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/noa-vp-spins-some-software-sales-for-us-all/#commentsFiled under:


Nintendo of America's VP of Marketing, Denise Kaigler, wants to let us all know software sales on the Wii are better than any other console on the market. How does she know this? Why, the fancy chart above, we assume. It's not like she tracked all of this information down herself. In short, this story can be summed up as so: Nintendo rocks, everyone else not so much.

Joystiq posed a good question though: what happens when Wii Play and first-party games are taken out? We bet the chart would look pretty different, to be honest.

JoystiqNoA VP spins some software sales for us all originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesschartdenise-kaiglergraphnintendo-of-americanpdsalesfiguresFri, 08 Aug 2008 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo spins false assumptions on software sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/nintendo-spins-false-assumptions-on-software-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/nintendo-spins-false-assumptions-on-software-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/nintendo-spins-false-assumptions-on-software-sales/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nintendo gave GameDaily a chart to show that the assumption of low software sales for Wii are incorrect. Nintendo's Denise Kaigler wanted to set the "record straight" that the company is "selling third-party games and they are doing very well, and better than [Nintendo's] competitors."

That is a very impressive chart. What we want to know is what happens when two things are taken out of that chart: first-party titles and -- way more importantly in Nintendo's case -- a little piece of "software" called Wii Play. After doing those two things the chart may look the same, it may look totally different, but we'll be sure to post the comparison when we get it.

Update: Third-party chart now up.

JoystiqNintendo spins false assumptions on software sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartdenise-kaiglerkaiglernintendonpdspinWiiFri, 08 Aug 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Across the land, Wiis are being neglected]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/across-the-land-wiis-are-being-neglected/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/across-the-land-wiis-are-being-neglected/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/across-the-land-wiis-are-being-neglected/#commentsFiled under:



Consumer research bods Nielsen recently set out to answer mind-poppingly important questions such as: just how long did an average play session on the Wii last for somebody in North America between the ages of 10 and 26? The results suggest that we should all be paying a little more attention to our poor, neglected Wiis.

While Nintendo's platform enjoys a decent share of gamers' overall gaming time, the rest of Nielsen's statistics paint a damning picture. The Wii lags behind the Xbox 360 and PS3 in both the "average number of sessions a day" and "average usage days per month" (disgraceful commitment there from the over-26 demographic) sections.

The average Wii session also doesn't last as long as those on its two rivals, though no wonder with all of those required installations and ridiculously protracted cut-scenes, amirite? What's that? We're just being sore losers? Fine. Whatever.

JoystiqAcross the land, Wiis are being neglected originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartdatanielsennielsen-gamesps3researchusagexbox-360Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit vs. Let's Yoga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/wii-fit-vs-lets-yoga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/wii-fit-vs-lets-yoga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/wii-fit-vs-lets-yoga/#commentsFiled under:


If you happen to also follow our shenanigans over at DS Fanboy, you might have noticed the yogathon we just wrapped up, courtesy of Let's Yoga, a DS yoga trainer. With the release of Wii Fit, we've now got a great opportunity to compare two entirely different games that include yoga lessons. Five years ago, did you think you'd see that on a gaming site? Viable exergaming options -- we never thought we'd see the day. But how do the two titles stack up to one another? Check out our handy comparison chart, available after the break.

Continue reading Wii Fit vs. Let's Yoga

JoystiqWii Fit vs. Let's Yoga originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartcomparisonexergamingkonamilets-yogatrainingwii-fityogaFri, 23 May 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Chart Bros. Brawl]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/super-chart-bros-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/super-chart-bros-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/super-chart-bros-brawl/#commentsFiled under: ,


This just in: Super Smash Bros. Brawl sold a lot. That's an observation that is neither new or particularly exciting, but put it in graph form and Brawl's phenomenal success is capable of wowing us all over again.

At first glance, we presumed those blue bars represented the first month sales of all three Smash games in the U.S. But no: those are lifetime sales of Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee respectively, while the red bar is Brawl's first month sales. That's right: in its opening month alone, Brawl not only bypassed the lifetime sales of the first title in the franchise, but has already reached 70% of its predecessor's all-time sales. Our flabbers? Consider them gasted.

[Update -- incorrect link removed]

JoystiqSuper Chart Bros. Brawl originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlchartfightinggraphnpdsmash-bros-brawlssbbTue, 22 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Insecticide & Incesticide: How to tell the difference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/insecticide-and-incesticide-how-to-tell-the-difference/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/insecticide-and-incesticide-how-to-tell-the-difference/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/insecticide-and-incesticide-how-to-tell-the-difference/#commentsFiled under:



Having trouble telling the difference between Nirvana's Incesticide album and DS platformer/shooter Insecticide? Afraid that you'll accidentally bring home a 15-year-old CD instead of the hard-boiled detective game? Worry no more!

We've put together a handy guide to help you tell these two "alternative" titles apart. Forget about wandering the streets in a daze, unsure which product features rock-out tracks like "Sliver" and "Son of a Gun!" No more embarrassing yourself in front of friends after mentioning an afternoon spent hunting criminal bugs with Kurt Cobain! We promise you'll never again confuse the game with the album or vice versa -- or your money back! Hit the image above for our life-changing chart!


See also: Nirvana: Plugged back in and electronicized

JoystiqInsecticide & Incesticide: How to tell the difference originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdchartcrackpotcreatgamecockincestincesticideinsecticidejoystiqfeaturesnirvanaThu, 13 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/4-2/10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-4-2-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-4-2-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-4-2-10/#commentsFiled under:

Aside from Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, the best seller for the DS last week was L, the Prologue to Death Note: Rasen no Wana. It's no surprise that this game did well in Japan, as it's based off a popular anime series. It wasn't enough to help the DS overcome the PSP or Wii this week, though, as Brawl and Mobile Suit Gundam kept their respective systems on top easily.
  • Wii: 81,737
  • PSP: 75,912
  • Nintendo DS: 60,464
  • PlayStation 3: 23,985
  • PlayStation 2: 11,038
  • Xbox 360: 3,615
The rest is the same story as last week, with After-School Boy managing to stay in the top thirty, and a new Brain Age-like game thrown in. Check after the break to get a look at the software rankings and sales.

Continue reading Another Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/4-2/10

JoystiqAnother Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/4-2/10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanchartdeath-notedorabasedoraemon-baseballdqivdragon-quest-ivffivfinal-fantasy-ivjapanl-the-prologue-to-death-notemario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createnew-super-mario-bros.nsmbrasen-no-wanarasens-trapsalestaiko-drum-masterFri, 15 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-21-1-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-21-1-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-21-1-27/#commentsFiled under:

Let's face it: the Japanese sales numbers for the week of 1/21 are just foreplay. What we really want to know is how Super Smash Bros. Brawl did, although rumors are coming in that the game sold a whopping 500,000 copies in its first day. All this hype even catapulted the Wii above the DS in hardware sales last week, according to the numbers released by Famitsu. We think the Wii will hold the top spot in Japan for at least another few weeks, while it basks in Brawl's glory.

The Wii may have made a stir in the hardware charts, but all's boring on the software front. Wii Fit shows us its well-toned legs by remaining at the number one spot, and Super Mario Galaxy has fallen out of the top ten once again. Wii Play also slipped a bit, losing some of its former dominance.

To see the Japanese hardware and software figures for last week, look no further than after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanchartfamitsujapanmario-and-sonicmario-party-8salessmgsuper-mario-galaxywii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 01 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-21-1-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-21-1-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-21-1-27/#commentsFiled under:


We apologize for being late with Japan's sales figures from last week, but when we saw the Wii overtake the DS, we needed a minute to recover. Our beloved handheld was pushed out of the top spot in Japan? If you need to see it to believe it:
  • Wii: 79,000
  • DS: 74,000
  • PSP: 61,000
  • PS3: 29,000
  • PS2: 11,000
  • Xbox 360: 4,200
That's right, folks. According to Famitsu's numbers, the DS was dethroned last week by Nintendo's other system, the Wii. We crosschecked the numbers with Media Create's figures just to be sure, which (to our relief) had the DS ahead by a smidge. Since both numbers are equally credible (we use Famitsu numbers because they come out first), we were glad to see that the Wii didn't triumph as a clear winner. Still, we came to realize something -- Super Smash Bros. Brawl just came out in Japan. Once the sales numbers for the game hit the charts (next week), the Wii will probably blow the DS (and every other system) out of the water.

The DS also slacked slightly in software (compared to previous weeks). While games for the handheld still littered the charts, they didn't dominate over other titles as much as usual. Doraemon Baseball (which we haven't heard much of since its debut) did jump up into the number eight spot, though, while Final Fantasy IV fell out of the top twenty completely. Also, Exit DS came out in Japan last week, starting its run with only 5,500 sales.

Check after the break to see the rest of the software sales for the week of 1/21.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanchartdorabasedoraemon-baseballdqivdragon-quest-ivdriving-smash-side-kingexitfamitsuffivfinal-fantasy-ivjapanlaytonmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymkdsprofess-laytonsalestennis-no-oukismaFri, 01 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Advance Wars: Chart of Damage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/advance-wars-chart-of-damage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/advance-wars-chart-of-damage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/advance-wars-chart-of-damage/#commentsFiled under:



The hardcore Advance Wars players among you likely already have all this data committed to heart, but for those of you still figuring out which units are the most effective for a given situation, you might want to have a look at this chart, maybe even print it out and laminate it like we have.

GameFaqs poster GipFace drew up this informative table listing the amount of damage a specific unit will inflict on another, minus any modifiers (e.g. terrain, unit level, etc.). You can spot some new changes and develop a few useful strategems for Days of Ruin based on the presented data:
  • Infantry does as much damage as a Tank when up against an Anti-Tank
  • you can take down a Fighter with an Anti-Air/Duster combo
  • build more Seaplanes!
Remember what Major Adam Steiner used to always say in the BattleTech cartoon: "Information is ammunition!"

JoystiqAdvance Wars: Chart of Damage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advance-warschartdays-of-ruinintelligent-systemsturn-based-strategyThu, 24 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GamePro graphs PS3 and Gamecube sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/gamepro-graphs-ps3-and-gamecube-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/gamepro-graphs-ps3-and-gamecube-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/gamepro-graphs-ps3-and-gamecube-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,


GamePro has put together a graph showing the NPD data on Nintendo's Gamecube and PlayStation 3 sales for their first 10 months after launch. The chart shows how in North America the PS3 sold 1.7 million units in its 10 months since launch compared to the GameCube's 2.2 million. Those that have already sent their rage into overdrive see the implication of this graph as the PS3 will "fail" like the Gamecube. Last week it was a 3DO comparison, this week it's the Gamecube. Although one can easily argue that the PS3 is neither.

Sure the PS3 started rocky, lost assumed exclusives left and right, and Sony can't seem to craft a solid message to save its life. But the PlayStation is still a strong brand that should be able to rectify itself with a competitive price adjustment and some solid titles creating a base for the gaming console. Hopefully Sony can get that line on the graph to start moving up again. They're in no rush, they've got ten years.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqGamePro graphs PS3 and Gamecube sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartgamecubegameprographnpdps3Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii's most popular VC games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/wiis-most-popular-vc-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/wiis-most-popular-vc-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/wiis-most-popular-vc-games/#commentsFiled under: ,


Siliconera's Spencer Yip put together the handy-dandy spreadsheet you see above featuring the most popular Wii Virtual Console games, available for review now following the recent Wii update. The list shows Japan on the left and the US on the right. Nobody seems to know how the popularity of these games is determined, after Siliconera made their list, it changed for Wii Fanboy, then again when we checked. Hopefully the system will become clearer in time.

Look at all that Mario in the Top 10, with a heavy dose of Link for the US. This will certainly be an interesting chart to watch as more games become available. Maybe it will finally spur Xbox Live Arcade to get one. It would be interesting to know what's popular on XBLA, at least we know it wouldn't be Mario all the way down.

[Via Wii Fanboy]

JoystiqWii's most popular VC games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartpopularsiliconeravcvirtual consoleWiiThu, 09 Aug 2007 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/super-mario-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/super-mario-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/super-mario-chart/#commentsFiled under:


NeoGAFfer Stumpokapow compiled this chart of Japanese Mario sales throughout the series, and two things are immediately obvious from looking at it:
  1. Mario sprites still look great! Seriously, yay Mario.
  2. New Super Mario Bros. is huge.
We knew that NSMB was riding the combined influence of Nintendo nostalgia and Being On The Nintendo DS into sales Valhalla, but we didn't realize just how successful it was. If Nintendo ever gets enough DS Lites into Japanese stores, we can almost guarantee that two-million copy gap between it and the original Super Mario Bros. will disappear.

In other good news (in one blogger's opinion and pretty much no one else's), Super Mario 64 is near the bottom of the list, providing evidence that 3D Mario was a failed experiment. This in no way means that Super Mario RPG's position on the list is indicative of the quality of that game. That's, uh, completely different. Check after the break to see the full chart and to register your disgust about our treatment of Mario 64.

Continue reading Super Mario Chart

JoystiqSuper Mario Chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartchartsds liteDsLitemario 64Mario64New-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNintendoPlatformrpgsalesThu, 17 May 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Release drought? A line graph disagrees!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/release-drought-a-line-graph-disagrees/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/release-drought-a-line-graph-disagrees/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/release-drought-a-line-graph-disagrees/#commentsFiled under:


What's the best way to make the Wii seem even cooler? Compare it to the Nintendo 64! Games Radar decided to get to the bottom of the "release drought" issue by comparing the current Wii library to the libraries of the GameCube and N64 after their first four months. The Wii has the most diverse lineup by far, which would seem to prove, for better or worse, that third parties are participating more this time around.

We're kind of surprised the GameCube "launch window" selection was this small, but the N64 numbers look right in line with our impressions. Only, like,four games were ever released for that, and two of them were basically the same 3D Castlevania.

JoystiqRelease drought? A line graph disagrees! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>64chartchartsdroughtgamecubegcgcnn64nintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiwiiThu, 22 Feb 2007 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Simple Wii controller chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/simple-wii-controller-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/simple-wii-controller-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/simple-wii-controller-chart/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We like simple, we like easy and this chart is simple and easy. A one-stop graphic to answer all those Wii controller questions. Feel free to follow the link, print this puppy out and keep it near your Wii for future reference. Now if only the white font were easier to read.

[Thanks WickEd]

JoystiqSimple Wii controller chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartcontrollerGameCubewiiWed, 22 Nov 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese hardware sales, 30 October - 5 November: Stream-of-consciousness edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/japanese-hardware-sales-30-october-5-november-stream-of-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/japanese-hardware-sales-30-october-5-november-stream-of-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/japanese-hardware-sales-30-october-5-november-stream-of-cons/#commentsHmm...Without further ado, I present the inner workings of my iron-clad genius:

well yet another week of hardware sales, I wonder if my post will beat ludwig's, I dunno, we were talking about it earlier and his idea was good as hell, but of course i'd never admit it, damn south africans. when do they even get the wii? i guess probably not for awhile, sucks to be him, but he DID order phoenix wright 2, i wonder if he got it yet, i wanna wait for the american version because of all the typos in the game, why do those bother me so much, oh well, ive plenty of play, guitar hero 2 hasn't even left my tv screen in like days, my roommates are out there right now playing tonight i'm gonna rock you tonight, i really like that song, but man freebird is just too cool, i need to practice it...oh, and not to mention final fantasy 12, or okami which i still havent beaten, or tales of the abyss which I havent even OPENED, or final fantasy V advance, and FFIII in a few days, and yoshi's island 2 and oh yeah those four more games i'm picking up for the wii (twilight princess is 70+ hours?) DAMN YOU VIDEO GAMES my grades are spiraling out of control...well, not really, i got a 97 on my digital design test, take THAT schwartz, wait no one wants to hear about my academic life, well whatever. hell YES battlestar tonight, though i have to set the torrent for it since i'm going to an mc chris concert, which means i better finish this damn post and get on with it. peace out.

- DS Lite: 113,09745,584 (28.73%)
- PSP: 23,725 2,183 (8.43%)
- PS2: 21,832 850 (3.89%)
- Xbox 360: 6,580 5,015 (320.45%)
- GBA SP: 1,443415 (22.34%)
- Game Boy Micro: 1,299 52 (3.85%)
- Gamecube: 6473 (0.47%)
- DS Phat: 373259 (227.19%)
- GBA: 205 (33.3%)
- Xbox: 07 (100.00%)

[Source: Media Create]

JoystiqJapanese hardware sales, 30 October - 5 November: Stream-of-consciousness edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChartConsciousnessEditionFinal FantasyFinalFantasyGuitar Hero 2GuitarHero2HardwareJapanSalesStreamFri, 10 Nov 2006 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA:VCS debuts at 6th in UK game charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/09/gta-vcs-debuts-at-6th-in-uk-game-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/09/gta-vcs-debuts-at-6th-in-uk-game-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/09/gta-vcs-debuts-at-6th-in-uk-game-charts/#commentsFiled under: ,


Take-Two, the parent company of Rockstar Games, needed some financial help. They looked to the PSP as a source for the big bucks, and it looks like they're making a healthy return. Within one week of sales, the PSP-exclusive Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories debuted at number 6 in the UK game charts, making it the top-selling handheld game for the week. With Bully also ranking high, and nary a DS game in sight, it appears that both Take-Two and PSP can breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy their success.

[Via Gamespot]

JoystiqGTA:VCS debuts at 6th in UK game charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullychartchartsgrand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtarockstarsalestake twotake-twoTakeTwoukvcsvice cityvice city storiesViceCityViceCityStoriesThu, 09 Nov 2006 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysts put 360 on top by 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/analysts-put-360-on-top-by-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/analysts-put-360-on-top-by-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/analysts-put-360-on-top-by-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,


It seems like some market research firm has a new prediction for the game industry every day. One day, the PS3 is on top. The next, it's Wii, Wii, Wii (all the way home). Today's chart is all about the 360. IDG estimates that the Xbox 360 will sell 23.9 million units in North America by 2010, followed by the PS3 at 23.5 million, with the Wii in a distant third at 13.6 million units sold. Okay, so for the 360's sake, it's really more of a tie. Granted, these numbers are only for North America, so we have no idea where this puts 360 in a global perspective. Still, most predictions we've seen put the PS3 on top. That makes this chart special. Take off your Fanboy hat for a minute and answer this question: could the 360 really outsell the entrenched juggernaut that is the Playstation?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqAnalysts put 360 on top by 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will the tiny Wii muscle aside the 360 and the PS3? Who would win in a steel cage match? And does size really matter when considering a new console?

Far-reaching philosophical questions about size aside, we stumbled across a chart comparing the heft of the three next generation consoles -- and the original NES is thrown in for good measure. In fact, Nintendo owns the smaller end of this spectrum -- even the old faithful NES is smaller than the 360 or PS3.

We'd like to see some other comparison charts, like heat or noise emissions, amount of damage inflicted by a thrown controller, functionality of each console after the family pet knocks over the entire entertainment system, etc. ... but we guess that we'll have to wait until after release date for some of those. Check the chart out after the jump.

Continue reading Next-gen: does size matter?

JoystiqNext-gen: does size matter? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese hardware sale chart - Sept. 4 - 10, the war in percentagesWell, look how the mighty have fallen. The Nintendo DS Lite, which is the PSP's biggest competitor, saw a 50-percent decline in hardware sales last week. Never mind sales numbers ... who cares about those anyway? It's all about percentages, baby.

The PSP surged on with a six-percent jump in sales that can most likely be attributed to Tales of Phantasia Full Voice Edition's total domination in the software sales chart.

- DS Lite: 113,831 115,108 (50.28%)
- PSP: 29,141 1,642 (5.97%)
- PS2: 19,882 2,821 (12.43%)
- GBA SP: 2,104 647 (23.52%)
- Game Boy Micro: 1,801 10 (0.56%)
- Xbox 360: 1,094 156 (12.48%)
- DS Phat: 1,058 738 (230.63%)
- Gamecube: 696 159 (18.60%)
- GBA: 13 9 (40.91%)
- Xbox: 5 5 (infinite%)
- Wii: 0 0 (0%)

The PSP needs to keep looking in its rear-view mirror, however, because the DS Phat also saw a big spike in its percentages with a whopping 230-percent increase. But, I expect this to be short lived due to its "teh suck."

Also, look at how crappy the Wii is selling. Hah hah, it's being outsold by the original Xbox and hasn't even sold a single unit! Those percentages look pretty bad.

(Via Joystiq)

JoystiqJapanese hardware sale chart - Sept. 4 - 10, the war in percentages originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese software sales chart - Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, Sega does what Sony can'tIsn't it great when the king of the hill is dethroned? Well, if you agree, then you may be happy to know Sega has done what Sony hasn't been able to by outselling all Nintendo games with its new online RPG Phantasy Star Universe.

1. Phantasy Star Universe (PS2) - 120,202 / *NEW
2. New Super Mario Bros. - (DS) 72,763 (2,974,027
3. Brain Age 2 - (DS) 46,662 / 3,119,857
4. Final Fantasy III - (DS) 45,949 / 549,001
5. Tingle RPG - (DS) 45,496 / *NEW
6. Cooking Navi - (DS) 35,689 / 419,733
7. Mario Hoops 3 on 3 - (DS) 34,001 / 267,763
8. Animal Crossing: Wild World - (DS) 32,605 / 3,181,735
9. Rythm Tengoku - (DS) 28,361 / 123,432
10. Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 2 - (DS) 27,540 / 458,474

Aside from PSU, there has been some shuffling of Nintendo DS titles, but there are still no PSP games that have made it in the top 10 for the second week straight. Hopefully, this isn't a trend that continues, but it's always nice to see my beloved Sega doing something right every once and awhile.

(Via Games Are Fun)

JoystiqJapanese software sales chart - Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, Sega does what Sony can't originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is that a broom?Last week, in the land of the rising run, the DS reigned supreme. Unfortunately, however, Nintendo of Japan has one weakness: Role Playing Games.

1. Phantasy Star Universe - PS2 - 120,202 | NEW
2. New Super Mario Bros. - NDS - 72,763 | 2,974,027
3. More DS Brain Training - NDS - 46,662 | 3,119,857
4. Final Fantasy III - NDS - 45,949 | 549,001
5. Tingle RPG - NDS - 45,496 | NEW
6. Nintendo DS Talking Cooking Navi - NDS - 35,689 | 419,733
7. Mario Hoops 3-on-3 - NDS - 34,001 | 267,763
8. Animal Crossing : Wild World - NDS - 32,605 | 3,181,735
9. Rhythm Tengoku - GBA - 28,361 | 123,432
10. Tamagotchi Connexion Corner Shop 2 - NDS - 27,540 | 458,474

Yes, an RPG invariably ends up on this list upon its release in Japan, no matter how clichèd or unoriginal it may be. Final Fantasy III performed a similar feat last week, but looking at the impossibly attenuated sales, one can only assume they're running real short on copies over there. Oh well, we can't be kings forever, right?

(This post in no way bashes Phantasy Star Universe or any of its fine publishers or developers. It's just that the game can't possibly be as cool as any other on this list. No hard feelings.)

JoystiqJapanese software sales, August 21 - August 27: coup d'etat edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fanboys love the numbers game, because nothing tells you the quality of a system like the profit margins of a multi-billion dollar corporation. Sony revealed that as of a week ago, 20 million PSPs have been shipped worldwide. Mind you, these are not representative of sell-through numbers, but it is impressive nonetheless. You can see that the PSP is far more successful in the American and European markets than in the Asian ones (Note: JPN includes shipments to the rest of Asia). Although the PSP has been successful, it appears that Sony's not meeting its own sales expectations: you may remember that Sony anticipated shipping 20 million PSPs in 2006 alone. In order to do that, it'll need to ship 15 million more by year's end. Will the Christmas season prove to be the injection of sales Sony's looking for?

[Via IGN Boards, Insider membership required]

Joystiq20 million PSPs shipped originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartsalesshippedMon, 31 Jul 2006 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[April bodes well for Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/17/april-bodes-well-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/17/april-bodes-well-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/17/april-bodes-well-for-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under:

The US charts of hardware and software sales for April are rolling in, and Microsoft is loving it. Taking the top hardware spot, the Xbox 360 was the most trafficked console of the month.

Even though a certain Disney game might have taken numero uno, the rest of the Top Six were dominated by 360 titles. Here they are: Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, MLB 2K6, Battlefield 2: Modern Combat and Tomb Raider: Legend.

JoystiqApril bodes well for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 May 2006 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360aprilchartchartsgameshardwaremicrosoftsalessoftwarexboxWed, 17 May 2006 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese hardware sales: Lite on its feet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/japanese-hardware-sales-lite-on-its-feet/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/japanese-hardware-sales-lite-on-its-feet/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/japanese-hardware-sales-lite-on-its-feet/#commentsFiled under:

Taking a break from my usual posting routine, I embarked on a totally manly picnic today and quickly found myself gazing up at the sky and trying to spot familiar shapes in the clouds. A tortoise, a banana, a wolf and Optimus Prime all gently floated by, though none of those were quite as interesting as the Japanese sales chart for the week ranging from 20 March to 26 March which quite unexpectedly made an appearance. I quickly jotted the information down right before the cloud morphed into an uncanny Woody Allen. The ranking, according to number of units sold, is a follows:
  • DS Lite: 119,986
  • Phat DS: 39,307
  • PS2: 34,169
  • PSP: 31,077
  • GBA SP: 5,627
  • GB Micro: 4,883
  • Gamecube: 1,458
  • Xbox 360: 1,415
  • Xbox: 117
  • GBA: 98
Before you whip out your calculators, let me break it to you bluntly: The DS Lite sold more units than everything else on the chart combined (and that's including our Phat friend). Coupled with the news that my DS Lite has finally embarked upon a journey across the ocean, it makes for a very happy Nintendo day indeed.

Previous Japanese hardware charts:

JoystiqJapanese hardware sales: Lite on its feet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Apr 2006 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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