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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/30-7/6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-30-7-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-30-7-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-30-7-6/#commentsFiled under:

The most recent Japanese charts showed us that musical instruments have more legs than horses, as Band Brothers DX jumped up into the first place spot. Meanwhie, Nanashi no Game made its debut in the top ten, but only sold a total of 30,000 copies.

Hardware sales were also interesting, as the DS stubbornly held onto the second spot:
  • PSP: 56,439 (2,442)
  • Nintendo DS: 47,455 (1,429)
  • Wii: 44,525 (3,955)
  • PlayStation 3: 14,359 (3,614)
  • PlayStation 2: 11,768 ( 4,095)
  • Xbox 360: 4,776 (328)
With the Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G craze finally starting to quiet a bit, we don't think it will be too long before the PSP dips closer to DS sales (as long as Nintendo's handheld can maintain its own momentum). Enough about the future, though -- it's all about the now. So, go on and see how software fared last week in Japan by clicking past the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/30-7/6

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/30-7/6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Wii had a lot of software representation in the top ten this week, with a third-party game taking the highest honors -- Namco Bandai's Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. Japan's Wii RPG love wasn't enough to put the newest Tales game into first place, though; a DS title about horse racing, Derby Stallion, took that coveted position. Yet, Symphonia's first week sales are pretty impressive.

The other Wii games that found themselves in the top ten were Mario Super Sluggers, and of course Wii Fit and Mario Kart. As for hardware, the Wii dropped to third place, falling behind the DS by a minuscule margin:

To see the top ten software sales numbers and rankings, just clicky clicky on the "continue reading" link below.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/23-6/29

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/23-6/29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanchartsdawn-of-the-new-worldgamesalesjapanmario-kartmario-kart-wiimario-super-sluggersmedia-createsuper-mario-stadiumtales-of-symphoniawii-fitFri, 04 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/23-6/29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-23-6-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-23-6-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-23-6-29/#commentsFiled under:

Oh, Japanese gamers, how we love you -- after all, only you would buy 150,000 copies of Derby Stallion in one week. Such sales were enough to put this DS horse racing sim into first place, above Band Brothers DX and even the Wii's Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. Besides Derby Stallion and Band Brothers, another DS title that made it into the top ten was Higurashi no Naku Koru ni Kazuna, a murder mystery visual novel.

The beauty of it all is that this DS software success managed to propel DS hardware into second place, barely skating past the Wii:
  • PSP: 58,861 (490)
  • Nintendo DS: 48,884 (12,285)
  • Wii: 48,480 (7,443)
  • PlayStation 3: 17,973 (2,363)
  • PlayStation 2: 7,673 (1,327)
  • Xbox 360: 5,104 (2,549)
To see sales numbers and rankings for the top ten games, just click past the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/23-6/29

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/23-6/29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanband-brothers-dxchartsdaigasso-band-brothersderby-stalliongamesaleshigurashi-no-naku-koruhigurashi-no-nakukoru-ni-kizunajapanmedia-createFri, 04 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/16-6/22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-16-6-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-16-6-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-16-6-22/#commentsFiled under:

The DS found itself back in cozy old third place in this week's chart, as the hype from Metal Gear Solid 4 died down a bit in Japan:
  • PSP: 59,531 (5,325)
  • Wii: 41,037 (4,527)
  • NDS: 36,599 (2,602)
  • PS3: 20,336 (54,975)
  • PS2: 6,346 (951)
  • Xbox 360: 2,555 (392)
Meanwhile, Let's Make a Pro Baseball Team's steady climb back into the top ten makes us wonder if supply just wasn't meeting demand a few weeks earlier, when the game fell out of the top thirty.

Yet overall, the DS had a relatively boring week in terms of software, with no exciting new releases to congratulate or poke fun at (unless you consider the budget-priced re-release of Puyo Puyo 15th Anniversary "exciting" and "new").

If you want to see what Japanese gamers were buying last week, though, just click on past the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/16-6/22

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/16-6/22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Well, except for the PSP, that is. Sony's handheld is still as mighty as ever. Even so, the Wii toppled all the other home consoles once again last week, reclaiming its second-place spot:

The new Wii kid on the block in the charts is Mario Super Sluggers, which didn't sell as well as we thought it would, considering that it's a baseball game -- one published by Nintendo, no less. That's why we love Japanese sales so much, though. Just when we think we have the country all figured out, it goes and surprises us again.

Everything else Wii related is pretty much just business as usual, but check past the break to see where the games ranked in the top thirty and how much the top tenners sold.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/16-6/22

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/16-6/22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbrawlchartsfamily-trainergamesalesjapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimario-super-sluggersmedia-createmystery-dungeonshiren-the-wanderer-3smash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 27 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/9-6/15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-9-6-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-9-6-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-9-6-15/#commentsFiled under:


Last week in Japan was all about Sony dominance, as Metal Gear Solid 4 rocketed the PS3 into first. The Wii still did pretty well for itself, though, nabbing the third spot in hardware and nine of the top thirty in software:

Shiren the Wanderer 3 managed to remain in the top ten despite the Metal Gear bullying, but everything else was as we expected. Just click past the break if you want to check out the software rankings and sales numbers.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/9-6/15

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/9-6/15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbattalion-wars-2bwiichartsfamily-trainergamesalesjapanmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createmysterious-dungeonshiren-the-wanderershiren-the-wanderer-3super-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 20 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/9-6/15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-9-6-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-9-6-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-9-6-15/#commentsFiled under:

Just as we were starting to get comfortable with the DS coming in third consistently on the Japanese hardware charts, Metal Gear Solid 4 came out and helped push our favorite handheld down to fourth. Fourth! Meaning, it only did better than the PS2 and 360. Snaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake!

DS hardware did get a little boost, though, despite the fact that not much new software made its way into the charts:
  • Playstation 3: 75,311 (64,455)
  • PSP: 64,675 (2,659)
  • Wii: 45,564 (925)
  • Nintendo DS: 39,201 (4,181)
  • PlayStation 2: 7,297 (1,018)
  • Xbox 360: 2,163 (117)
There were some surprises this week, as Let's Make a Pro Baseball Team! found itself back in the top thirty (so did Pokémon Diamond). But, you can just see all the hot software action for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/9-6/15

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/9-6/15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartsevangeliongamesaleshirameki-traininghisshou-pachinkoinfinite-frontierjapanlets-make-a-pro-baseball-teammajin-tantei-nogami-neuromario-kartmedia-createmore-brain-agemore-toeic-testnew-super-mario-brospokemonpokemon-diamonpokemon-diamondpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnagesuper-robot-warssuper-robot-wars-og-sagataiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujinwe-are-fossil-diggersyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 20 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/2-6/8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-2-6-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-2-6-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-2-6-8/#commentsFiled under:

The top Wii game last week wasn't Mario Kart, or even Wii Fit. Rather, beloved roguelike Shiren got the coveted title, as Shiren the Wanderer 3 debuted in second behind the PS3's new Dragon Ball Z. The previously mentioned Nintendo games did show up in the top ten, though, along with Family Trainer.

We're happy to see both Smash Bros. Brawl and Battalion Wars 2 hanging tough in the top thirty; the previous week had us a bit worried. In hardware, though, the Wii remains sandwiched between the PSP and the DS:

Just click on past the break if you'd like to see how Wii software fared.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/2-6/8

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/2-6/8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbattalion-wars-2brawlbwiichartsfamily-trainergamesalesjapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createmystery-dungeonshiren-the-wanderershiren-the-wanderer-3smash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 13 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/2-6/8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-2-6-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-2-6-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-2-6-8/#commentsFiled under:

We're crying for Namco Bandai's Tears of 99 right now, as the game debuted in the twenty-third spot this week. We guess Japanese gamers just didn't feel like being bummed out, and therefore avoided buying this original title. Sad, indeed.

The rest of DS software didn't do so hot, either. Detective game Misa Yamamura Suspense premiered in fifth, and Beautiful Letter Training continues to sell incredibly well for a nongame about calligraphy, but otherwise sales were a disappointment. Front Mission 2089 and Endless Frontier: Super Robot Wars OG Saga are already showing a lack of legs, since both of the games dropped considerably from the previous week. Glory of Herakles and Let's Make a Pro Baseball Team! have even fallen out of the top thirty completely.

Hardware is the same old story:
  • PSP: 62,016 (9,970)
  • Wii: 44,639 (6,212)
  • Nintendo DS: 35,020 (3,335)
  • PlayStation 3: 10,856 (1,687)
  • PlayStation 2: 6,279 (924)
  • Xbox 360: 2,280 (321)
Check out all the software numbers and rankings for yourself, should you feel so inclined. They're listed after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/2-6/8

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/2-6/8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Fit gained some competition last week, as Family Trainer finally made its debut in Japan. Even so, Namco Bandai's game couldn't overtake Nintendo's six-month-old fitness title. Many Wii games were also pushed to the bottom of the top thirty in this week's chart, with Smash Bros. Brawl in danger of falling off completely.

Despite less than stellar software sales, Wii hardware performed well. Yet, once again, the Wii fell behind the currently dominating PSP:

The software figures are located after the break, so click on.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/26-6/1

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/26-6/1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbattalion-wars-2brawlbwiichartsfamily-trainergamesalesjapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createsmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 06 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/26-6/1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-26-6-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-26-6-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-26-6-1/#commentsFiled under:

Two DS games debuted in the top ten this week (Endless Frontier: Super Robot Wars OG Saga and the cutesy spatial puzzler Empty Space Training), but otherwise, DS software had a relatively lackluster performance. Only twelve titles ended up in the top thirty, which is low for Nintendo's handheld. As for hardware, the DS is getting comfortable in third place behind the PSP and Wii:
  • PSP: 71,986 (7,537)
  • Wii: 50,851 (1,804)
  • Nintendo DS: 38,355 (951)
  • PlayStation 3: 9,169 (98)
  • PlayStation 2: 7,203 (14)
  • Xbox 360: 1,959 (12)
Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness is another game that premiered last week, taking twelfth in the charts. If it follows the path of games like Let's Make a Pro Baseball Team! and Glory of Herakles, though, it's likely to drop soon. As for English of the Dead, the game didn't debut in the top fifty, and according to Famitsu it only sold 1,500 copies in its first week.

Click on past the break to see the other software numbers and rankings from 5/29 to 6/1.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/26-6/1

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/26-6/1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After a somewhat stalwart week, DS software recovered nicely and once again dominated the charts. Even though the same amount of games appeared in the top thirty (fifteen in total), they ranked higher on average than they did in the previous week. Good software sales also gave DS hardware a little boost:
  • PSP: 64,449 (6,087)
  • Wii: 49,047 (7,475)
  • Nintendo DS: 37,404 (2,499)
  • PlayStation 3: 9.071 (1,370)
  • PlayStation 2: 7,189 (167)
  • Xbox 360: 1,947 (473)
Four new games debuted in the top thirty, including Sega's Let's Make a Pro Baseball Team!, which nabbed the first place spot from Monster Hunter. The other three games were Glory of Herakles, Scarlet Fragment, and Tea Dogs Room 3. Herakles (or Hercules, if you prefer) is the title that sparks our interest the most, as it's an interesting RPG published by Nintendo. Even so, it's first week sales were (unfortunately) subpar, yet good enough to land it in the top ten.

Check out the sales numbers and rankings for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/19-5/25

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/19-5/25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventureanother-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartscurious-villagegamesalesglory-of-heraklesglory-of-herculesjapankanji-brain-testlaytonlets-make-a-pro-baseball-teamluminous-arc-2mario-kartmario-kart-dsmedia-createnew-super-mario-brosnsmbpokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnageprofessor-laytonproof-of-spiritsalesscarlet-fragmentsim-city-2taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintea-dogs-room-3tottadowe-are-fossil-diggerswe-are-fossil-holdersyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 30 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/19-5/25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-19-5-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-19-5-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-19-5-25/#commentsFiled under:

No new Wii games debuted last week; at least, none that ended up in the top thirty. There was one teensy weensy title that was introduced into the Japanese market, though. You may have heard of it: Guitar Hero III.

To put it bluntly, sales for the game were low. In fact, it didn't even make the top fifty in Media Create's charts, and Famitsu reports that the title only sold 1,300 copies. Compared to sales in other regions (like North America and Europe, for example), where Guitar Hero III performed fiercely, you can see that tastes often differ between western and eastern gamers.

Other than that, there's not to much to report about the software charts. Battalion Wars 2 managed to hang in the top ten, while Mario Kart Wii slipped into third place. Meanwhile, Smash Bros. Brawl might be in danger of falling out of the top thirty soon.

In hardware, the gap between the Wii and the PSP lessened as sales for Nintendo's console rose, while sales for Sony's handheld fell. Still, the PSP had a lead of about 15,000 units last week, keeping the Wii locked in its second place spot:

The software numbers are located after the break, so go on and take a look.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/19-5/25

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/19-5/25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbattalion-wars-2brawlbwiichartsdeca-sportadeca-sportsgamesalesgh3ghiiiguitar-heroguitar-hero-3guitar-hero-iiijapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createsalessmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 30 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/12-5/18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-12-5-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-12-5-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-12-5-18/#commentsFiled under:

The new kid on the Japanese Wii software block last week was Battalion Wars 2, which faired well enough in its debut to hit the top ten. Will it stay there? Our guess is no, sadly. Still, it's nice to see the game get some recognition in Japan.

Once again, the only non-Nintendo title for the Wii that made the top thirty was Deca Sports, which dropped thirteen spots from the week before. Ouch. We're not sure what made Japan fall so out of love with Deca Sports in one week, but the game seems to have lost some of its legs. Smash Bros. Brawl also took a spill, falling from tenth place to nineteenth.

The other noticeable drop was Mario Kart Wii, which only fell one spot, but an important spot -- from first to second -- and finally succumbed to the frightening power of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G. Hardware was also a PSP victory, as the handheld beat all other systems by a convincing margin.

Now that you've seen the hardware numbers, check past the break for the software sales.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/12-5/18

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/12-5/18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbattalion-wars-2brawlbwiichartsdeca-sportadeca-sportsgamesalesjapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createsalessmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 23 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/12-5/18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-12-5-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-12-5-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-12-5-18/#commentsFiled under:

The spotlight this week is on Luminous Arc 2: Will, a game that has yet to be confirmed for English language localization. While we're forced to sit and wait jealously, though, forty thousand Japanese gamers ran out and bought the title. Only falling behind the juggernauts Monster Hunter and Mario Kart Wii (and almost squeezing past Nintendo's racer), Image Epoch's SRPG debuted pretty impressively.

In other sales news, the announcement for another Professor Layton game in Japan managed to push the first title in the series back into the top thirty. Aside from that, there weren't any differences in DS software worth mentioning.

In terms of hardware, the numbers for the DS weren't so hot. In fact, we don't remember the sales numbers for Nintendo's handheld ever being this low in Japan. With everyone and their mother already owning a DS in the country, does the system still have room for growth? We won't know for sure until the next big software push, but for now it looks like the dual-screened handheld should get comfy in that third place spot.
  • PSP: 70,536 (19,348)
  • Wii: 41,572 (25,736)
  • Nintendo DS: 34,905 (16,323)
  • PlayStation 3: 7,701 (353)
  • PlayStation 2: 7,022 (442)
  • Xbox 360: 1,474 (176)
The software numbers are located after the break, so go on and take a look. They won't bite!*

*DS Fanboy claims no responsibility for those who get bitten by our sales figures.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/12-5/18

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/12-5/18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventureanother-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartscrayon-shin-chanemblem-of-gundamfate-of-heatgamesalesgyakuten-saibanhome-teacher-hitman-rebornjapankanji-brain-testluminous-arc-2mario-kartmedia-createnew-super-mario-brosnsmbphoenix-wrightpokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnageprofessor-laytonsalessim-city-2taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintottadowe-are-fossil-diggerswe-are-fossil-holderswillyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 23 May 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/5-5/11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-5-5-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-5-5-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-5-5-11/#commentsFiled under:


There's no new DS software in the top of the charts to report this week, but that doesn't mean Nintendo's little handheld didn't completely clean house. In fact, nineteen of the top thirty were DS games, showing how gluttonous the dual-screened portable can get when it comes to sales. Some old favorites also popped back up around the bottom, including Brain Age 2, Animal Crossing, and the original Taiko Drum Master DS.

Hardware continues to be a struggle, though. That doesn't mean the DS is doing poorly, because it's not; sales for the handheld even jumped up almost 10,000 units since last week. However, since the PSP and Wii have been doing so well lately, it's hard for Nintendo's handheld to compete:
  • PSP: 89,884
  • Wii: 67,308
  • Nintendo DS: 51,228
  • PlayStation 3: 8,054
  • PlayStation 2: 7,464
  • Xbox 360: 1,298
We have no doubt that the DS will be on top again soon enough, but until then, you can check out the satisfactory software numbers posted after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/5-5/11

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/5-5/11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventureanimal-crossinganother-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingbrain-age-2calligraphy-trainingchartscrayon-shin-chanemblem-of-gundamgamesaleshitman-rebornjapankanji-brain-testmario-and-sonicmario-partymedia-createnarutonew-super-mario-brospokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnagesim-city-2taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujinwe-are-fossil-diggerswe-are-fossil-holdersyattermanyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 16 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/5-5/11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-5-5-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-5-5-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-5-5-11/#commentsFiled under:

The gap between Wii and PSP sales is slowly but surely decreasing, making us wonder if the Wii might be able to overtake Sony's handheld once the Monster Hunter hype dies down:
  • PSP: 89,884
  • Wii: 67,308
  • Nintendo DS: 51,228
  • PlayStation 3: 8,054
  • PlayStation 2: 7,464
  • Xbox 360: 1,298
Yet, the true triumph for the Wii last week was in software. Nintendo scored big all-around, but the Wii claimed six of the top ten spots in the chart. Keep in mind, though, that all the Wii games that made it to the top thirty are first-party titles, with the exception of Deca Sports.

In other news, Smash Bros. Brawl managed to hop up five spots, showing us that it won't be disappearing any time soon. Meanwhile, Mario Kart is inching nearer to Brawl's total sales, making it a close race between the two games. To see how they're currently fairing against each other, just click past the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/5-5/11

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/5-5/11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbrawlchartsdeca-sportsgamesalesjapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createsmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 16 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One third of Japanese Wii owners have Wii Fit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/one-third-of-japanese-wii-owners-have-wii-fit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/one-third-of-japanese-wii-owners-have-wii-fit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/one-third-of-japanese-wii-owners-have-wii-fit/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, sales charts show us that Wii Fit is popular among Japanese gamers. To give you a sense of just how well it's doing, though, Enterbrain recently reported that two million copies of the fitness title have been sold in Japan. Matched with recent reports of six million Wii consoles being sold in the region, that means every one in three Japanese Wii owners bought a copy of Wii Fit.

It hasn't yet caught up to its Nintendo cousin, Wii Sports, which has almost reached the three million mark. Yet, keep in mind that 1) Wii Fit was released a year after Wii Sports and 2) Wii Fit is a lot more expensive; it costs more than a usual Wii game, while Wii Sports costs less than the standard. To throw in another interesting comparison, Media Create sales indicate that there are almost as many Wii Fit owners in Japan as PS3 owners (with the PS3 currently having a 50,000 unit edge).

While we find it unlikely that Wii Fit will hit the same one-in-three ownership ratio in Europe and North America, we have little doubt that the exercise software will do well in those regions, too. Let it be said that Nintendo definitely understands the casual market.

Gallery: Wii Fit



[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqOne third of Japanese Wii owners have Wii Fit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enterbrainfamitsugamesalesjapanmedia-createsaleswii-fitwii-sportsWed, 14 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/28-5/4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-28-5-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-28-5-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-28-5-4/#commentsFiled under:


Ah, remember Link's Crossbow Training? The game that was bundled with the Wii Zapper last November (December, for PALs)? It was only released in Japan last week. If sales are any indication, though, Japanese gamers were clamoring for the goron-junk shooter rail shooter, as it claimed the third place spot.

Even so, Link had to hail to the king (baby), as Mario Kart Wii still dominated the charts. The other big news for Mario Kart Wii? It passed one million sales in the Far East, denoting its success. Meanwhile, Deca Sports clamored back into the top ten, but Brawl only slipped further downward, thus answering our question from last week. Also proving that the Japanese love their sports games for the Wii, Bandai Namco's Pro Baseball Family Stadium debuted at spot twenty.

The Wii triumphed in hardware last week as well. While the console continues to trail behind Sony's handheld, Wii sales went up almost 30,000 units from last week -- perhaps from the Link's Crossbow boost. Go on and check things out for yourself after the break, if you feel so inclined.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/28-5/4

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/28-5/4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbrawlchartsdeca-sportadeca-sportsgamesalesjapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createpro-baseball-family-stadiumsalessmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 09 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/28-5/4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-28-5-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-28-5-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-28-5-4/#commentsFiled under:

We realized today that we don't know Japan as well as we thought we did. With our reasoning, a new Gundam game + the popularity of the DS = cha-ching. While the debuting Emblem of Gundam had decent sales for its first week, though, taking the twelfth spot isn't all that impressive -- especially since there was only one new release cluttering up the top ten.

On the other hand, We're Fossil Diggers, Pokemon Ranger, and the Taiko Drum Master DS sequel continued to shine, giving the DS a nice piece of top ten representation. Batonnage managed to reach the half-million mark, while the other two games neared 100,000 copies sold.

For hardware, DS numbers went up since last week, but the handheld is still convincingly behind the PSP and Wii in recent sales. If you want to see the numbers, though, just click past the break. You can check out the software listings there, too.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/28-5/4

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/28-5/4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mario Kart Wii continues to top the charts in Japan, but a lot of movement happened with the Wii's other software. Because a bunch of new games came out last week, Wii Sports, Deca Sports, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl were all knocked out of the top ten. We know that Wii Sports will return to top ten fame soon enough, since it always does, but we'll be interested to see whether the other two titles can pull that off as well.

On the hardware side of things, the Wii got sandwiched by the two portables as it jumped up into second place:
  • PSP: 92,411
  • Wii: 48,796
  • Nintendo DS: 42,435
  • PlayStation 3: 9,107
  • PlayStation 2: 7,108
  • Xbox 360: 1,283
To see the software sales, just bring your super smooth moves past the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/21-4/27

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/21-4/27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbrawlchartsdeca-sportadeca-sportsgamesalesjapanmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createsalessmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 02 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/21-4/27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-21-4-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-21-4-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-21-4-27/#commentsFiled under:

Not only did the PSP gain momentum with the hideous brown, er, we mean shiny bronze model that released in Japan last week, but the Wii also beat out its portable cousin, sending the DS to third place in hardware sales:
  • PSP: 92,411
  • Wii: 48,796
  • Nintendo DS: 42,435
  • PlayStation 3: 9,107
  • PlayStation 2: 7,108
  • Xbox 360: 1,283
DS software fared better, though, with two new releases gracing the coveted top ten. Taiko Drum Master: 7 Islands' Adventure was the shining star of the week, reaching almost 56,000 sales. Summon Night gets an honorary mention, though, as it debuted in the fifth spot.

To check out the other new releases and software placings, just keep on reading ... forever.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/21-4/27

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/21-4/27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventureace-attorneyanother-week-in-japanapollo-justicebatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartsdetective-saburou-jinguujifossilgamesalesgyakuten-saiban-4inextinguishable-heartjapanmario-kartmedia-createnarutopokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnagesalesshippuuden-shinobi-retsuden-iisim-city-2summon-nightsurprising-startling-battletaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintottadowe-are-fossil-diggeswe-are-fossil-holdersyattermanyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 02 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/7-4/13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-7-4-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-7-4-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-7-4-13/#commentsFiled under:

It looks like just the same old stuff for Wii sales in Japan last week. Wait a minute -- what's that, you say? Mario Kart Wii dominated Japan? Sure enough, sitting pretty at the top of the charts is Nintendo's famous kart racer, with almost half a million copies sold in its first week.

Despite the Mario Kart bump, the Wii only took third place in hardware. Considering that Japanese gamers love them some handhelds, though, that's not too much of a surprise. One little observation that may floor you, on the other hand, is that Brawl was already overtaken by Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G in total sales.

See it to believe it after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/7-4/13

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/7-4/13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbrawlchartsdeca-sportsgamesalesjapanmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createsalessmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 18 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/7-4/13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-7-4-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-7-4-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-7-4-13/#commentsFiled under:

In a strange turn of events, there's only one new DS game in Japan's top thirty this week, and that's Oshiri Kajiri Mushi's Rhythm Lesson DS. In case that title doesn't ring a bell, you may know it better as "that butt-biting bug game." If there's one thing we've learned from this bug, it's that biting is serious business. Despite Japan's love for DS software and quirky rhythm games, though, Oshiri Kajiri Mushi only debuted in the eighteenth spot. Perhaps butt biting is even too weird for Japan?

In hardware, the DS fell behind the PSP once again. Yet, there's already signs of the Monster Hunter hype beginning to dwindle, as the PSP sold 35,000 less units than the week before. Will the new brown model that comes out next week help the PSP keep a wide lead, or will the gap start to narrow again between the two handhelds? We're looking forward to finding out!

To see the Japanese placings and numbers, just check after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/7-4/13

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/7-4/13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganother-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingcase-closedchartscrayon-shin-changamesalesgundamharvest-moonjapankanji-brain-testmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createmissing-professor-and-the-puzzling-towermobile-suit-gundam-00new-super-mario-brosnsmboshiri-kajiri-mushipokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnagerhythm-lession-dssalesshining-sun-and-friendssim-city-2taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintottadowild-worldyowikos-deserted-islandFri, 18 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiko Drum Master ships 500k]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/taiko-drum-master-ships-500k/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/taiko-drum-master-ships-500k/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/taiko-drum-master-ships-500k/#commentsFiled under: ,

Those of you who pay attention to Japanese sales have probably noticed that week after week, Taiko Drum Master DS sits comfortably in the top thirty. It may not sell absurd quantities (according to Famitsu, usually around 6,000 copies per week as of late), but it can't be argued that the game has legs, especially considering that it debuted nine months ago. In fact, it's the only third-party game for a Nintendo system that shows up on the charts with such consistency.

It was only a matter of time, then, before the game hit the 500k landmark. We're glad to see Namco's game doing so well, and hopefully the DS sequel will find similar success.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqTaiko Drum Master ships 500k originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcogamesalesjapanmusicnamconamco-bandairhythmtaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujinSat, 12 Apr 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/31-4/6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-31-4-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-31-4-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-31-4-6/#commentsFiled under:

Sony dominated the first (and last) five in the top thirty software chart, but aside from that, everything else was Nintendo. The DS had fifteen games to represent it, but even if you added up the sales numbers for all those games, the total wouldn't come close to what Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G sold in its second week.

Pokemon Ranger: Batonnage was once again the best-selling DS game, but newcomer Tottado! Yowiko's Deserted Island Life (which is about famous Japanese comedians being stranded on an island) did well, also. In hardware, the DS was crushed for the second week in a row by the PSP, which had its sales boosted by Monster Hunter and Star Ocean 2.

Hardware:
  • PSP: 120,964
  • Nintendo DS: 55,190
  • Wii: 44,618
  • PlayStation 3: 11,303
  • PlayStation 2: 10,423
  • Xbox 360: 1,452
To see the software listings, just check after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/31-4/6

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/31-4/6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganother-week-in-japanbeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingcase-closedchartscrayon-shin-changamesalesgundam-00harvest-moonmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createmissing-professor-and-the-puzzling-towermobile-suit-gundam-00new-super-mario-brosnsmbpokemonpokemon-ranger-batonnagesalesseeking-the-lost-planetshining-sun-and-friendssim-city-2taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintime-hollowtottadowild-worldyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 11 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/31-4/6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-31-4-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-31-4-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-31-4-6/#commentsFiled under:

Last week was once again all about Sony. Although Nintendo still had a good showing in the top thirty, there were only five Wii games in the software chart. Wii Fit continues to be the system's best-seller, but Super Smash Brothers Brawl and Deca Sports also made appearances in the top ten.

As for hardware, the Wii once again trails behind the handhelds, but leads the pack in home consoles.

Hardware:
  • PSP: 120,964
  • Nintendo DS: 55,190
  • Wii: 44,618
  • PlayStation 3: 11,303
  • PlayStation 2: 10,423
  • Xbox 360: 1,452
More numbers can be seen after the break!

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/31-4/6

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/31-4/6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlchartsdeca-sportsgamesalesjapanmedia-createsalessmash-bros-brawlssbbwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 11 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/24-3/30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-24-3-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-24-3-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-24-3-30/#commentsFiled under:

The PSP might have dominated in Japan, selling as much hardware last week as every other system combined, but that doesn't mean the DS didn't do well for itself. In fact, Nintendo's handheld came in second place, selling around 60,000 units.

The story is similar in software, as DS titles came no where near to matching the sales of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, yet there was still a lot of DS representation in the top thirty, as usual. New titles rleased last week that made the cut include Mobile Suit Gundam 00, which debuted in third, Vitamin X Evolution, Lux Pain, and Home Teacher Hitman Reborn!

Towards the bottom of the software chart, New Super Mario Bros. reappeared while Taiko Drum Master hung stubbornly onto the thirtieth spot. To see how other games were rearranged, just check after the break for the listings.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/24-3/30

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/24-3/30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartscrayon-shin-changamesalesgundam-00harvest-moonhome-teacher-hitman-rebornjapanlux-painmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createmobile-suit-gundam-00new-super-mario-brosnsmbpokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-2pokemon-ranger-batonnagesalesseeking-the-lost-pastshining-sun-and-friendssim-city-2taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintime-hollowvitamin-xvitamin-x-evolutionvongole-battle-diceFri, 04 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/24-3/30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-24-3-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-24-3-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-24-3-30/#commentsFiled under:

For the first time in a long time, the Wii is down to having only five games in Japan's top thirty. As House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return fell of the charts in its second week and Everyone's General Knowledge Training TV disappeared after having a good run, only the regulars remain.

Deca Sports is the exception, being the only Wii title on the charts without either "Wii" or "Smash Bros." in its name, but even that is showing early signs of fatigue. While the game managed to nab the eighth spot and sell 29,000 copies, its Nintendo counterpart, Wii Sports, is nipping at its heels in spot twelve. This may seem insignificant, but keep in mind that Wii Sports has been out for around seventeen months, wheras Deca Sports has only been out for two weeks.

In the hardware department, the Wii got a beat down from the handhelds (especially the PSP), but still continues to do better than any other console in Japan. This week, for example, the Wii sold over four times the amount of PS3s, its closest console competitor.

Of course, you can just take a look at all the numbers for yourself by clicking past the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/24-3/30

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/24-3/30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanchartsdeca-sportseveryones-general-knowledge-training-tvgamesaleshotdhouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-2-and-3-returnjapanmedia-createsalessmash-bros-brawlssbbwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 04 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/17-3/23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-17-3-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-17-3-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-17-3-23/#commentsFiled under:

Goodbye, Family Ski and Winning Eleven: Play Maker 2008 -- we hardly knew ye. While Family Ski enjoyed a seven-week run in the top thirty, Wining Eleven (aka Pro Evolution Soccer) only lasted for four. It's no coincidence that they fell off this week, though, as fifteen spots were taken up by new releases.

The big Wii dog in town was not Brawl (which ended up 7th), and not even Wii Fit (which ended up 5th), but new release Deca Sports. We can't help but wonder if the appearance of Deca Sports will have an effect on that other sports game for the Wii. Is there room for both on the charts? (We think so.) And will Deca Sports have the same longevity as Wii Sports? (Probably not, but we're sure the game will do well for itself.) It's also worth noting that Deca Sports had the third highest third-party sales debut for the Wiil, following only Dragon Quest: Swords and Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/17-3/23

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/17-3/23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbaroquebrawlchartsdeca-sportseveryones-general-knowledge-training-tvfamitsugamesaleshotdhouse-of-the-dead-2-and-3-returnjapanmedia-createsmash-bros-brawlssbbwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 28 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/17-3/23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-17-3-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-17-3-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-17-3-23/#commentsFiled under:

Last week was the week of new releases! Anticipating high holiday sales, many publishers made sure to release their games last week, with a total of fifteen ending up in the top thirty (seven of those being DS titles). With this slew of new releases, though, a lot of games were bumped off the chart to make room. Etrian Odyssey II and Soma Bringer, for example, did not survive the onslaught. Yet, somehow Mario Kart DS managed to move up a spot -- that game never ceases to amaze us.

The top of the heap was none other than Pokémon Ranger: Batonnage, which completely crushed the competition in its debut week. Sim City 2 DS did well also, ending up in the number four spot. In fact, this is the best an EA game has ever done in its first week in Japan, with the exception of the FIFA titles. Time Hollow and Super Dodgeball are some other notable new releases, ending up in spots ten and seventeen, respectively.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/17-3/23

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/17-3/23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbangai-obangai-o-spiritsbatonnagebeautiful-letter-tra...bimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartscrayon-shin-chandragon-sworddramatic-dungeonetrian-odyssey-iifamitsugamesalesharvest-moonjapankekkaishimario-kartmario-partymedia-createninja-gaidenpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-baton...sakura-warsshining-sun-and-frie...shugo-charasim-city-2soma-bringersuper-dodgeball-braw...taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintime-hollowFri, 28 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/10-3/16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-10-3-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-10-3-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-10-3-16/#commentsFiled under:


Japanophiles and sales chart nerds, it's that time of week again to take a look at last week's sales in the Land of the Rising Sun. Those of you who've been keeping up won't find much excitement in this week's chart, though. All the same software from the week before showed up, but it might not be long before Family Ski and Winning Eleven fall out of the top thirty.

It was also nice to see Metroid Prime 3: Corruption stick around, as the Nintendo FPS nabbed the number eleven spot for this week. Other than that, the only noticeable difference is that Smash Bros. dropped to fourth. What's interesting is that Brawl is no longer the best selling Wii game, either, as Wii Fit reclaimed that honor. We also learned that you can't keep the big three (Wii Fit, Wii Sports, and Wii Play) out of the top ten for long.

In hardware sales, the Wii fell a smidge behind the PSP, and did only slightly better than the DS.

Hardware:
  • PSP: 57,651
  • Wii: 55,845
  • Nintendo DS: 53,266
  • PlayStation 3: 14,934
  • PlayStation 2: 9,930
  • Xbox 360: 1,744
To see the software numbers and rankings for last week, make sure to click past the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/10-3/16

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/10-3/16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbrawlchartscorruptioneveryones-general-knowledge-training-tvgamesalesjapanmedia-createmetroid-prime-3pesplay-maker-2008pro-evolution-soccersmash-bros-brawlssbbwii-fitwii-playwii-sportswinning-elevenFri, 21 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/10-3/16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-10-3-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-10-3-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-10-3-16/#commentsFiled under:

"If you bundle a game with a special brush stylus, they will come," the heavens whispered to Nintendo.

While we expected Beautiful Letter Training (also known as Bimoji or Calligraphy Training) to do well, we didn't expect it to sell 66,000 copies in its first week. This first-party effort by Nintendo looks as polished and full of content as a calligraphy nongame could get, but we're still surprised by the high demand for this game in Japan. Nintendo has understood sales markets better than anyone else this generation, though, so we probably should have expected this.

Also appearing on the charts are both versions of Hayate the Combat Butler, as we predicted. The mansion edition was slightly more popular, as preference was given to the little girls in little black dresses. At the sixth spot was Shugo Chara!, which, in case you were wondering, is yet another manga/anime-based game about a school girl.

Harvest Moon: Shining Sun and Friends, meanwhile, jumped back into the top ten, while Soma Bringer dropped down a few notches. One other notable game on the chart is the infamous Duel Love, which debuted at spot twenty-seven. That's not a great start for the title, but perhaps nipple rubbing is more niche in Japan than we thought.

Despite making a killing in software and having fifteen games in the top thirty, the DS remained in third for hardware sales. Still, considering that everyone and their mother already owns a DS in Japan, we're somewhat surprised that it comes so close to the top, week after week.

Mosey on after the break to see the numbers in full, folks.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/10-3/16

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/10-3/16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartsdoraemonduel-loveetrian-odyssey-2gamesalesharvest-moonhayate-the-combat-bu...japanjirou-akagawa-mysterymario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createmkdsnew-super-mario-brosnobita-and-the-green-giantnocturnensmbroyal-grailshining-sun-and-friendsshugo-charasoma-bringertaikotaiko-drum-masterthe-invited-killerthree-eggs-and-the-joker-in-loveFri, 21 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: No sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/ds-daily-no-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/ds-daily-no-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/ds-daily-no-sale/#commentsFiled under:

Here at DS Fanboy, we're pretty enamored by sales charts. We're constantly cheering on some of our favorite games, hoping that they'll get the recognition they deserve. Unfortunately, it's not a perfect world, and that's not always the case.

Are there any DS games that you can think of that you wish had sold better? Share some tragic sales stories with us -- we're listening.

JoystiqDS Daily: No sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamesalessalesSat, 15 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP best selling Sony system in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/psp-best-selling-sony-system-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/psp-best-selling-sony-system-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/psp-best-selling-sony-system-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:

In January anyway. IGN is reporting that the PS3 sold 148,000 units in January, while the power house that is the PS2 sold 111,000 units. The PSP however, sold 230,000 systems to easily take the crown for best selling Sony system in Japan this January. I know that seems like a typo, but indeed the PSP outsold it's next and current gen siblings. There's been a lot of rosy news for PSP and PSP owners lately. Hopefully the good news continues going forward!

JoystiqPSP best selling Sony system in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game salesGameSalesjanuaryjapanPS2PS3PSPWed, 07 Feb 2007 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Publishers expected to have slow 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/publishers-expected-to-have-slow-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/publishers-expected-to-have-slow-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/publishers-expected-to-have-slow-2007/#commentsFiled under:

A number of gaming companies have had decent 2006 performances. Ubisoft (EPA:UBI) is beginning to reverse their losing trend as is Infogrames (EPA:IFG); companies like THQ (THQI) are doing well and even GameStop (GME) is enjoying the success the publishing houses are. However, some analysts believe that this is going to be a temporary boost and publishers are going to have a weaker 2007.

DFC Intelligence has stated that 2007 will be a weaker year for game publishers (which contrasts other expectations). This decline is mainly because of the reduction of PS2 desirability as the system will be replaced by the next three consoles as well as a additive effect of third party publishers having had historically poor sales on Nintendo platforms. The hardest to be hit are expected to be Electronic Arts (ERTS) and Take Two (TTWO) as they are too heavily invested in Sony systems (one being in poor supply and the other expected to have declining software sales).

The trend is, however, just part of the console cycle. The year after the new batch of consoles launches has shown to be bad for the game creators. Current gen levels are still low and developers are cutting back on last-gen software development, giving the existing install base little to play. However, with major releases at the end of 2007 like Halo 3 and Final Fantasy XIII (which, ironically, are sequels of the titles that launched in 2001, the end of the second year after the PS2 launched), the slump will likely end there ... that is if poor third party success on a Nintendo console since the N64 doesn't persist.

JoystiqPublishers expected to have slow 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game publishersgame salesGamePublishersGameSalesgaming salesGamingSalesnintendo wiiNintendoWiiplaystation 3Playstation3PS3publisher financial statementspublisher salesPublisherFinancialStatementsPublisherSaleswiixbox 360Xbox360Tue, 19 Dec 2006 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Invest virtual cash in game sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/invest-virtual-cash-in-game-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/invest-virtual-cash-in-game-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/invest-virtual-cash-in-game-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fanboys may have a serious fling with their various system, but are they willing to put their money where their mouth is? Apart from the indignity of having to go with a competitor (or give up on gaming entirely) if their choice fails to materialize as a big winner, most of the fanboy community doesn't have any tangible stake in the entire system; that is, they aren't going to be losing their livelihood over the downfall of one system or another.

A new site, The simExchange, asks fanboys of all stripes to ante up and bet on who is going to be the best; albeit, without risking any real money. The simExchange is set up as a stock exchange where users can "invest" fake money in consoles and individual game titles. Game values are based on sales levels or anticipation level for those that aren't yet released/currently in short supply; Red Steel is a perfect example, rising sharply until Wii launch then nose diving afterward.

The simExchange looks to be an entertaining diversion between your regularly scheduled gaming sessions and scouring Joystiq for news. The site could be a perfect way to test your ability to predict what's hot and what's not. Sign up and see if you can make a big profit, or you may end up diving off the top of the virtual stock exchange when you lose your eShirt.

[Thanks, Matt B.]

JoystiqInvest virtual cash in game sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console warsConsoleWarsgame salesgame stock marketGameSalesGameStockMarketWed, 06 Dec 2006 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[UK software sales chart, Nov. 5-11: The Brits dig GTA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/uk-software-sales-chart-nov-5-11-the-brits-dig-gta/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/uk-software-sales-chart-nov-5-11-the-brits-dig-gta/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/uk-software-sales-chart-nov-5-11-the-brits-dig-gta/#commentsFiled under: ,

UK software sales chart, Nov. 5-11: The Brits dig GTA: VCSDespite falling one spot from last week, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is the top handheld in the United Kingdom for the second week in a row. Now, If there's one PSP franchise that's guaranteed to have massive success, it's gotta be Grand Theft Auto.
  1. Need for Speed Carbon (PS2)
  2. WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2007 (PS2)
  3. Call of Duty 3 (PS2)
  4. Pro Evolution Soccer 6 (Xbox 360)
  5. FIFA 07 (PS2)
  6. The Sims 2: Pets (PC)
  7. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (PSP)
  8. LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (PS2)
  9. Medieval 2: Total War (PC)
  10. Bully (PS2)
I find it very interesting to look at the software charts from the three major regions. While the Japanese seem to exclusively play the DS, the Brits have more broader tastes in their games and systems. Now that Vice City Stories has been out in the UK for a couple weeks, it will be interesting to see if it can maintain its sales figures.

[Via Gamespot]

JoystiqUK software sales chart, Nov. 5-11: The Brits dig GTA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game salesGameSalesgrand theft auto vice city storiesGrandTheftAutoViceCityStoriesGTA: VCSGta:Vcsjapanese sales chartsJapaneseSalesChartsthe simsTheSimsuk software sales chartUkSoftwareSalesChartWed, 15 Nov 2006 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Former EGM editor speaks on state of PSP in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/26/former-egm-editor-speaks-on-state-of-psp-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/26/former-egm-editor-speaks-on-state-of-psp-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/26/former-egm-editor-speaks-on-state-of-psp-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:

Former EGM editor speaks on state of PSP in JapanIt's been no secret that the PSP has struggled to keep up with the DS Lite in Japan, although one Sony exec says otherwise. Former EGM editor turned part owner of the Japan-based localization firm 8-4, John Ricciardi, was recently interviewed by Gamasutra on the state of gaming in Japan, and he shed some light on why the PSP is losing the portable gaming war.

"I think there's some kind of disconnect between the people who create the hardware and the people who sell it." He said the PSP started off strong, but have been hindered by some fundamental hardware issues. "I felt like I was holding the future," but the game-based ramifications of the hardware are not well thought through. Another problem with the PSP is it "costs almost as much to make a [PSP] game as to make a PS2 game," he said.

Well, Ricciardi didn't really say anything we didn't already know about the PSP, but it's interesting to hear industry insiders express the same complaints most of us gamers have. However, Sony made a pretty damn good showing at the Tokyo Game Show, so let's hope things are on the up and up.

[Via Gamasutra]

JoystiqFormer EGM editor speaks on state of PSP in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmelectronic gaming monthlyElectronicGamingMonthlygamasutragame salesGameSalesjohn ricciardiJohnRicciardilocorocopsp gamingpsp in japanPspGamingPspInJapantokyo game showTokyoGameShowTue, 26 Sep 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Bungie with business sense would make Halo 4 and 5 and...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/28/a-bungie-with-business-sense-would-make-halo-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/28/a-bungie-with-business-sense-would-make-halo-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/28/a-bungie-with-business-sense-would-make-halo-4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Recently there have been some rumblings that Bungie won't make another Halo game after Halo 3 which appear to be centered around a statement that Marty O'Donnell made in an interview with the BBC. In this interview, Marty says, "We all want Halo to be the great ending to an epic trilogy. We look at what Peter Jackson did with the Lord of the Rings films - which each film bettering the previous one and that is what we are aiming for." Does that mean we won't be seeing another Halo game in the future? To people who understand that making video games is a business, the rumors (which are already half-disproved) that Bungie would end the Halo franchise anytime soon are ridiculous.

The first two Halo games combined have sold 14.3 million units. That puts the Halo franchise within the top 30 best-selling game franchises of all time. Without Halo, Microsoft might as well not have bothered with the Xbox; Halo and Halo 2 sold more units than the next six best selling games on the Xbox combined (if you're wondering, these games are Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, Fable, GTA: Double Pack, Project Gotham Racing, and Need for Speed: Underground 2). With a Halo movie on the way, and the facts that Halo 2 sold more units than the first and is still the #1 game played on Xbox Live under Bungie's belt, it wouldn't be wrong to say that the Halo franchise is increasing in popularity.

The bottom line is that Bungie and Microsoft would have to be stupid to end their most lucrative franchise ever after #3. We don't claim to have any insider information, we don't dispute Marty's statement and we don't deny the possibility that Bungie will create new franchises, but based on pure business logic we'd expect to see at least another two games based on the Halo universe. From a business perspective, for Bungie to dump the Halo franchise after 3 would be sheer stupidity.

[Source for sales figures, Image from 1001 Fonts]

JoystiqA Bungie with business sense would make Halo 4 and 5 and... originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jul 2006 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieBusinessFableFranchisesGame salesGameSalesGTAHaloHalo 2Halo 3Halo franchiseHalo2Halo3HaloFranchiseLord of the RingsLordOfTheRingsMarty O\\\'DonnellMartyO\\\'donnellNeed for Speed UndergroundNeedForSpeedUndergroundNFSPGRProject Gotham RacingProjectGothamRacingXboxXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveFri, 28 Jul 2006 07:45:00 EST