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[New Mario Party coming to 3DS this winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/new-mario-party-coming-to-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/new-mario-party-coming-to-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/new-mario-party-coming-to-3ds/#comments New Mario Party coming to 3DSYou could find a new Mario Party 3DS game in your Christmas stocking this year, since one is being released in Japan, North America, and Europe this winter. The news comes via this morning's Nintendo Direct broadcast, and if you've ever played, seen, or even imagined Mario Party, you know the deal. It's multiplayer competitive minigames.

There are some new twists, like AR minigames and some that use drawing. 7 different boards each use their own rule sets. It's coming out this winter.

JoystiqNew Mario Party coming to 3DS this winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmario-partynintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-aprilrelease-dateWed, 17 Apr 2013 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Yep, there's a Mario Party 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/yep-theres-a-mario-party-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/yep-theres-a-mario-party-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/yep-theres-a-mario-party-9/#comments You saw the logo unceremoniously flashed on the screen at Nintendo's E3 presentation; now see the trailer and screens. The Miis have cleaned up after their tame soiree, handing the keys to the venue back to Mario and pals, who are throwing Mario Party 9 on the Wii.

We were going to joke about Mario being a serial partier, but we realized that just twelve get-togethers (counting the GBA, DS, and e-Reader outings) since 1998 is actually not that much social interaction.

Gallery: Mario Party 9 (E3 2011)

Continue reading Yep, there's a Mario Party 9

JoystiqYep, there's a Mario Party 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011mario-partymario-party-9nintendowiiSun, 12 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Wii Party' revealed by Iwata (think: Mario Party with Miis)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/wii-party-revealed-by-nintendo-iwata/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/wii-party-revealed-by-nintendo-iwata/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/wii-party-revealed-by-nintendo-iwata/#comments
Screenshot party in the gallery!During his financial results briefing to investors, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed the next game in the company's flagship "Wii" series: Wii Party. The game, Iwata said, is designed to be a "marquee party game for Wii" -- akin to Mario Party minus some of the frills, like the board-game framing or the Waluigi. You could also think of it like any of the dozens of minigame collections already available for the Wii, but with the potential to be good.

Wii Party joins Wii Sports and sequel Resort, Wii Play, the Wii Fits, and (cough) Wii Music in the Wii-branded game series. The party game stars player-created Miis (instead of Mario characters) and includes a "Living Party" mode that uses just the Wiimote. 1-4-player games shown in screenshots include sugoroku (the Japanese board game that's also the basis for WiiWare's Family Pirate Party), "International Vacation Game," "Mii Jyan," roulette, and bingo; and 1-2-player games, filed in the "Pair Party" category, include Mii compatibility check, "Balance Ship" and Mii Match.

"Nintendo has not launched a marquee party game since Mario Party 8, launched in summer 2007," Iwata told investors (through translation). "However, since Wii is usually being played by several people at once and the global sales of Mario Party have reached 7.6 million units, a party title has great potential. This is one of the titles which, we hope, will play an important role for this fiscal year." In other words, Wii Party will be released, at least in Japan, before the end of March 2011.

The best thing about Wii Party? It'll allow Nyko to bring back the canceled Party Station as a game-specific accessory.

Gallery: Wii Party


[Via Kotaku]

Joystiq'Wii Party' revealed by Iwata (think: Mario Party with Miis) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-partymiisminigamesNintendoparty-gamesrelease-datesatoru-iwataWiiwii-partyFri, 07 May 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Nintendo's Worst]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/top-5-nintendos-worst/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/top-5-nintendos-worst/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/top-5-nintendos-worst/#commentsFiled under:


15 days ago, Guns N' Roses released their comically delayed album Chinese Democracy, giving hope to those who are still awaiting Duke Nukem Forever. Unfortunately, anyone looking for another Appetite for Destruction will be disappointed, as the new album's overcoming of its absurd delay overshadowed the album itself. One should question the album's association to the same band of twenty years ago, as Velvet Revolver contains more members of that legendary set. A more accurate title would be "Axl Rose solo project with some Buckethead." After hearing the album, I can confirm that it deserves a hearty "meh." If you truly consider this to be a Guns N' Roses album (which I'm not so sure that I do), it's undoubtedly their worst.

This got me thinking about the bottom rungs of other quality serial productions. Being the nerd that I am, it didn't take long for thoughts to drift towards gaming. We're all aware that it's a bit redundant to bash Nintendo as a company. But one aspect of the Big N which is almost never called into question is the quality of their games. Certainly there's always a few outliers which stray from conventional feelings just for disarray's sake, and good for them. Yet one would have to be certifiably bonkers to label anything from the main Zelda or Mario series as a truly terrible game. But like anyone who hasn't sold their soul to the devil, there's bound to be a few slip-ups. When you're talking about a history as enormous to gaming as Nintendo's, it'd be suspicious if there wasn't a blotch here or there.

These aren't quite at the top of the "worst games of all time" list, but they'd certainly be if the list was Nintendo-exclusive.



The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.

JoystiqTop 5: Nintendo's Worst originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-gamesice-climberice-climbersjoystiqfeaturesmario-partymario-party-advancenintendopokemonpokemon-dashshovelwaretop-5urban-championwii-playMon, 08 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's Gold Box is full of DS treasures [update 5]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/amazons-gold-box-is-full-of-ds-treasures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/amazons-gold-box-is-full-of-ds-treasures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/amazons-gold-box-is-full-of-ds-treasures/#commentsFiled under:

Hey, guess what? You can buy Super Smash Bros. Brawl on Amazon today (and today only) for $25.99!

What a minute -- why are we posting about a Brawl deal on DS Fanboy, of all places? Because, friends, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Amazon is offering up nine Nintendo deals today, which (if our guesses are correct) includes five DS games.

Since all of the said games are published by Nintendo you might own most of them already, but if not, they're games that are definitely worth getting for cheap. So, all you stingy folks that are able to order from Amazon.com should check past the break to see what Gold Box sales are in store for you today.

Continue reading Amazon's Gold Box is full of DS treasures [update 5]

JoystiqAmazon's Gold Box is full of DS treasures [update 5] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondeal-of-the-dayGame-Freakgold-boxlegend-of-zeldamario-kartmario-kart-dsmario-partymario-party-dsNew-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNintendophantom-hourglassPokemonPokemon-DiamondPokemon-PearlRPGThe-Pokemon-Companyyoshis-islandzeldaFri, 27 Jun 2008 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Another exhaustive list of Japan's best-sellers of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/another-exhaustive-list-of-japans-best-sellers-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/another-exhaustive-list-of-japans-best-sellers-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/another-exhaustive-list-of-japans-best-sellers-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Remember that haaauuuuge list of Japan's 500 highest-selling games of 2007? Well, sorry, but you'll have to forget them all. Yep, every last one of 'em. That's because we now have a new list which is also claiming to feature the 500 best-selling games of 2007 in Japan. This one has been compiled by Enterbrain (the original was from rival data-gatherers Media Create), and it's ever so slightly different.

The good news is that, despite the origins of each list being different, the overriding message is still the same, and that message is: DS rules all yaaay. Both lists agree that Wii Sports was top dog, but the top DS games have been jumbled about. Now, for example, it is the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers games that are top of the DS pile, while Mario Party DS drops to second. The changes are subtle, but definitely exist. Hit the break to see the top ten DS games!

Continue reading Another exhaustive list of Japan's best-sellers of 2007

JoystiqAnother exhaustive list of Japan's best-sellers of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007animal-crossingbrain-trainingdqivdragon-quest-ivexplorers-of-darknessexplorers-of-timefamitsuGame-Freakjapanlistmario-kartmario-partyNew-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNintendophantom-hourglassPlatformPokemonPokemon-DiamondPokemon-PearlRPGThe-Pokemon-Companyyoshis-islandzeldaTue, 17 Jun 2008 22:00:00 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:


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 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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventureace-attorneyanother-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartscrayon-shin-chanemblem-of-gundamfate-of-heartfossilgamesalesgundamgyakuten-saibanhome-teacher-hitman-rebornjapankanji-brain-testmario-kartmario-kart-dsmario-partymario-party-dsmedia-createmkdsnarutonew-super-mario-brosnsmbphoenix-wrightpokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnagesalesshippuuden-shinobi-retsuden-iisim-city-2summon-nighttaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintottadowe-are-fossil-diggeswe-are-fossil-holdersyattermanyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 09 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/14-4/20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-14-4-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-14-4-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-14-4-20/#commentsFiled under:

Something caused a Phoenix Wright sales revival, and we suspect it was the Gyakuten Meets Orchestra concert (which was also a Gyakuten Kenji hype event). Both the first and second Gyakuten Saiban games for the DS ended up in the top thirty this week.

Newcomer We're Fossil Diggers (a second-party effort by RED Entertainment that actually sounds really fun, at least to the dinosaur lovers in us) deserves all the glory, though. Debuting at third place, this unique piece of software did rather well for itself in its first week.

Besides the same old games that have been showing up in the charts for the past few weeks, the other notable is Square-Enix's dull-sounding bookkeeping game. It seems like a rather niche title to end up in the top thirty, but who knows -- maybe a lot of Japanese folks are getting ready to take the Level 3 Bookkeeping exam. Or, maybe they just can't resist a game by the beloved Squeenix.

To see all the placings and numbers for yourselves, just click on past the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/14-4/20

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/14-4/20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-attorneyanimal-crossingbookkeepingcrayon-shin-chanfossilgundamgyakuten-saibangyakuten-saiban-2harvest-moonjustice-for-allkanji-brain-testkaseki-horidaamario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymobile-suit-gundam-00new-super-mario-brosnsmbphoenix-wrightred-entertainmentshining-sun-and-friendssim-city-2square-enixtaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintottadowe-are-fossil-diggeswe-are-fossil-holderswild-worldyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 25 Apr 2008 15:00:00 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[DS software extremely well-represented in 2007 Japanese sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/ds-software-extremely-well-represented-in-2007-japanese-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/ds-software-extremely-well-represented-in-2007-japanese-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/ds-software-extremely-well-represented-in-2007-japanese-sales/#commentsFiled under: ,

Japanese site geimin.net has compiled a list of the 500 highest-selling games in Japan (according to Media Create numbers), and, as would be expected of a video game thing related to Japan, the DS shows up a lot. 215 times, in fact.

What was the top-selling DS game of 2007? No, not Brain Age 2. Newer, and slightly more game-like. That's right, it was Mario Party DS, which was also #4 overall in sales. We knew it was getting crazy sales, but we didn't realize that it was doing that well. Also a surprise though it shouldn't have been: Dragon Quest IV, which was the fourth highest-selling DS game and the overall eighth best-selling game. We've compiled the top 10 DS games and placed them after the break, but we encourage you to have a look at the whole list!

Continue reading DS software extremely well-represented in 2007 Japanese sales

JoystiqDS software extremely well-represented in 2007 Japanese sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-ivjapanmario-partymedia-createMon, 14 Apr 2008 10:30:00 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[Wii and friends: A Great Match]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/wii-and-friends-a-great-match/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/wii-and-friends-a-great-match/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/wii-and-friends-a-great-match/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Why do we love the Wii with friends? Because we want all to share the splendor and majesty that comes from playing the best home gaming console around. So that's why we set out to bring you a nice, easy package of great multiplayer games for the Wii.

Both online and local multiplayer is covered, as well as games that have released and those that are still in production. We hope you find this useful in your own life, in some small way, or at least a good place to link a friend who has no idea what they're getting into with the Wii. So read on and see what we have in store, then come back here and tell us what multiplayer experiences you enjoy most on the Wii!

JoystiqWii and friends: A Great Match originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bombermanbwiicapcomdeca-sportsendless-oceanguitarherohudsonjoysoundjoystiqfeaturesmadden08mariomario-kartmario-kart-wiimario-partymarioparty8mariostrikerschargedmp8multiplayernintendonintendo-wiipbrpokemonresident-evilreucrock-bandsmash-bros-brawltetristrauma-centertraumacenterumbrella-chronicleswariowarewiiWed, 09 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Featuring charts from across the region, Another Week in Europe documents the buying habits and quirky tastes of a whole continent of DS lovers.

After a gray, unrelenting winter (for most of us in the unglamorous northern bits, anyway), the clocks went forward for Europe earlier this week, which we suppose means we're now fully immersed in spring (hence the daffodils, you see -- we really think long and hard about those pictures). Fittingly, the European sales charts are full of the joys of spring themselves!

Wait, no, hold on, we're lying again. Must stop lying. In reality, they're still pretty much unchanged from last week, with the one notable exception being Magic Made Fun (known as Master of Illusion in the U.S.) which debuted on the continent this week, where it reached 8th in Germany, and 7th in Spain -- we expected a little more from this sorcery sim, considering its catch-all appeal.

Anyhow, here's to April, when Assassin's Creed, Draglade, and The World Ends With You should arrive to help shake things up. Make the jump for this week's charts.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Been keeping up with sales figures from Japan recently? If so, you'll have noticed something unusual: for the first time in years, the DS isn't absolutely creaming the competition. Whether the PSP's resurgence will last is another debate for another post, but it hasn't been able to prevent Nintendo's handheld from taking top spot in fiscal year 2007.

The DS won in style as well, selling 6.34 million units (that's one DS sold every five seconds, FYI) and comfortably beating the Wii (3.74m sales) into second place. In case you're wondering, that sound you can hear is Iwata, Reggie, and Shiggy clinking champagne glasses on board their yacht of solid gold.

The gap between the Wii and PSP is considerably smaller, while the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 occupy fourth and fifth place respectively (mystifyingly, the PlayStation 2 wasn't counted). And it wasn't only hardware sales that Nintendo dominated -- the five best-selling games were all from the Nintendo stable, with Wii Fit, Mario Party DS, Wii Sports, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon doing the business. Make like Godzilla and stomp past the break for the charts.

Continue reading Big in Japan: DS coasts to fiscal 2007 victory

JoystiqBig in Japan: DS coasts to fiscal 2007 victory originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlchartsjapanmario-partymystery-dungeonpokemonps3pspwiiwii-fitwii-sportsxbox-360Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:00:00 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:

"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[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/3-3/9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-3-3-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-3-3-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-3-3-9/#commentsFiled under:

Japan loves Doraemon, and it shows. Not only did the manga-based robot cat have a successful DS baseball game, but now a game based on the manga itself debuted in the top ten.

Soma Bringer was still the top dog for the handheld, though, selling a total of 68,000 copies in two weeks. Are numbers like these high enough to motivate Monolith Soft to bring the game to English speaking markets? Well, we certainly hope so, but that remains to be seen.

As for hardware, the DS stayed in third place again last week, but wasn't too far behind the PSP:
  • Wii: 57,068
  • PSP: 53,924
  • Nintendo DS: 48,658
  • PlayStation 3: 21,008
  • PlayStation 2: 10,429
  • Xbox 360: 2,891
The numbers and placings for software are listed after the break, so if you're curious, just click away.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/3-3/9

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/3-3/9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-in-the-skyanimal-crossinganother-week-in-japandoraemonetrian-odyssey-iigirls-sidegirls-side-2nd-seasonharvest-moonjapanjirou-akagawa-mysterykanji-brain-testkeroro-gunsou-3mario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createnew-super-mario-brosnobita-and-the-green-giantnocturnensmbroyal-grailsalesshining-sun-and-friendssoma-bringertaikotaiko-drum-masterthe-invited-killertokimeki-memorialwild-worldFri, 14 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/18-2/24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-18-2-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-18-2-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-18-2-24/#commentsFiled under:

The DS and PSP seem to be in a tooth-and-nail fight for second place. This week, the PSP took back the second spot, but just barely.

Hardware:
  • Wii: 63,504
  • PSP: 53,373
  • Nintendo DS: 50,151
  • PlayStation 3: 14,060
  • PlayStation 2: 9,634
  • Xbox 360: 2,001
The DS did better in software, though, with Etrian Odyssey II becoming popular in its first week. The DS dungeon crawler was only 9,000 units away from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, in fact. Harvest Moon: Shining Sun and Friends was another DS champ, ending up 5th on this week's chart.

There were twelve DS games in the top thirty, which is impressive, especially considering the ton of new releases that came out last week. The new software did manage to bump a bunch of DS games out of the top thirty, though, including big names like Professor Layton and Pandora's Box, Dragon Quest IV, and Final Fantasy IV. To see the software placements, make sure to check after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/18-2/24

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/18-2/24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death-noteetrian-odyssey-iigirls-sidegirls-side-second-seasonharvest-moonkage-bunshin-emakimario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymy-heart-to-younarutoneon-genesis-evangelionnew-super-mario-brosnsmbpopulousrasens-trapshining-sun-and-friendsshippuuden-dairansentaiko-drum-masterthe-royal-grailtokimeki-memorialFri, 29 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/11-2/17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-11-2-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-11-2-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-11-2-17/#commentsFiled under:

The DS reclaimed second place for hardware, managing to inch past the PSP on this week's chart. A bunch of new releases helped the handheld's sales, as fifteen of the top thirty games last week were DS titles.

Hardware:
  • Wii: 78,583
  • Nintendo DS: 62,362
  • PSP: 59,645
  • PlayStation 3: 17,637
  • PlayStation 2: 11,266
  • Xbox 360: 2,198
The top contender for the dual-screened portable last week was the Japanese dating sim, Tokimeki Memorial: Girl's Side 2nd Season, which beat everything except Smash Bros. and Wii Fit. Meanwhile, After-School Boy and Doraemon Baseball were knocked out of the top thirty, but remained in the top fifty (along with Rune Factory 2). Overall, though, it was a great software week for the DS. If you want to see why, check out the numbers after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/11-2/17

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/11-2/17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganother-week-in-japandeath-notedigimon-championshipdqivdragon-quest-ivffivfinal-fantasy-ivfirst-of-the-north-stargirls-sidegirls-side-second-seasonjapankanji-brain-testlaytonmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createmkdsnarutonew-super-mario-brosnsmbprofessor-layton-2salestaiko-drum-mastertokimeki-memorialwarriors-roadwild-worldFri, 22 Feb 2008 13:30:00 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[January NPD: Precipitous]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/january-npd-precipitous/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/january-npd-precipitous/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/january-npd-precipitous/#commentsFiled under: ,

The good news this month is that yet again, the DS Lite occupies the top spot on an NPD list. The bad news: that's only true if you organize the list by the percentage in which sales dropped since December. Keep in mind that Christmas is over -- a phenomenal success of a Christmas, at that -- and we're back to normal sales levels. In fact, we're not even back to normal sales levels yet, thanks to hardware shortages.

Still, there's no way we can make a 90% drop look good. Speaking of not good (for us), the software sales are after the break. The DS brings up the rear in software sales as well, with the top 10 showing attributable entirely to Mario's leisure time.
  • Wii: 274K 1.08m (80%)
  • PS3: 269K 528K (66%)
  • PS2: 264K 836K (76%)
  • DS Lite: 251K 2.22m (90%)
  • PSP: 230K 830K (78%)
  • Xbox 360: 230K 1.03m (82%)

Continue reading January NPD: Precipitous

JoystiqJanuary NPD: Precipitous originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-and-sonicmario-partynpdFri, 15 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Promotional Consideration: Return of the reused assets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/promotional-consideration-return-of-the-reused-assets/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/promotional-consideration-return-of-the-reused-assets/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/promotional-consideration-return-of-the-reused-assets/#commentsFiled under:



Promotional Consideration is a weekly feature about the Nintendo DS advertisements you usually flip past, change the channel on, or just tune out.

Revisiting last week's theme of recycled assets, we're taking a look at the familiar artwork seen in a recent print ad for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. Unlike the Flower, Sun, and Rain commercial which repurposed an old promotional music video to great effect, this one's a forgetful piece, the video game equivalent of a comic book cover with a generic superhero-team action shot.

Continue reading Promotional Consideration: Return of the reused assets

JoystiqPromotional Consideration: Return of the reused assets originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-dance-revolutionmario-and-sonicmario-mixmario-partyminigameolympicspromotional-considerationpromotionalconsiderationsegaSun, 10 Feb 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/28-2/3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-28-2-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-28-2-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-28-2-3/#commentsFiled under:

It's a sad day for the DS in Japan. As Media Create's hardware figures from last week were released, we found out that not only the Wii topped the DS (like the week before), but also the PSP managed to overtake the dual-screened handheld.

Hardware:
  • Wii: 94,473
  • PSP: 72,528
  • Nintendo DS: 67,472
  • PlayStation 3: 41,796
  • PlayStation 2: 12,115
  • Xbox 360: 6,060
According to Media Create, the DS only had one game in the top ten (Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games). That's not surprising, since there were many new releases on other systems, but it's far from the DS dominance that we're used to. Still, it was nice to see some low-key games like After-School Boy, Taiko Drum Master, and Doraemon Baseball getting love in Japan.

Check after the break to see the full list of software rankings from last week.

Continue reading Another Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/28-2/3

JoystiqAnother Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/28-2/3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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[Newsflash: Many people own Wiis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/newsflash-many-people-own-wiis/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/newsflash-many-people-own-wiis/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/newsflash-many-people-own-wiis/#commentsFiled under:

The Wii might not taste as delicious as a hot cake (results pending), but it certainly sells as good as one. After less than fifteen months since its release, the Wii has sold over 20 million units worldwide. Through rigorous scientific calculations, Nintendo Wii Fanboy has decided to officially quantify that total as "a lot." Most of these units were sold in the past nine months, causing Nintendo's profits to nearly double in that time.

Nintendo has also reported that 6 million of those Wii units were sold in Europe. The top selling software in the continent includes Wii Play (selling 2.3 million copies), Super Mario Galaxy (selling 1.3 million), Mario Party 8 (selling 1 million), and Twilight Princess (selling 1.3 million).

Not too shabby, Nintendo.

[Via press release]

JoystiqNewsflash: Many people own Wiis originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseuropemario-partysalessmgsuper-mario-galaxytwilight-princesswii-playzeldaThu, 24 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/14-1/20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-14-1-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-14-1-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-14-1-20/#commentsFiled under:


The DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games premiered last week, immediately shooting to the top of the charts. Only Wii Fit could keep the game from taking the number one spot. Aside from Mario & Sonic and the Professor Layton sequel, though, most DS games found themselves in the bottom half of the top twenty. Rune Factory 2 even threatens to slip off completely after a few promising weeks.

As for the hardware numbers, it's the same old story. The DS continues to sell well, and once again takes the #1 spot with Japanese gamers.

Hardware:
  • DS: 91,000
  • Wii: 76,000
  • PSP: 65,000
  • PS3: 32,000
  • PS2: 13,000
  • Xbox 360: 4,400
The Japanese software numbers for the week of 1/14 are listed after the break.

Continue reading Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/14-1/20

JoystiqAnother week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/14-1/20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganother-week-in-japanchartsdqivdragon-quest-ivfamitsuffivfinal-fantasy-ivjapanlaytonmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymkdsnew-super-mario-brothersnsmbprofessor-laytonrune-factory-2salesWed, 23 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/14-1/20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-14-1-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-14-1-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-14-1-20/#commentsFiled under:


We already know that the Wii is doing well in Japan. How has the hardware and software been shaping up against other consoles and games, though? Let's take a look at last week's sales to find out.

The Wii continues to flip-flop positions with the PSP, this time ending up on the more favorable side of the coin. Regaining the second place spot with 76,000 units sold, the Wii only dropped 6,000 units from last week's numbers.

Wii software continues to do well, too -- at least concerning "Wii" and "Mario" games. Wii Fit sales in Japan were even greater than DS handheld sales. Super Mario Galaxy also ended up back in the top ten, in part because of consistent sales, and in part because a few DS games lost steam.

Some other Wii games didn't make the top of the charts, like Trauma Center: New Blood (which sold 3,100 copies last week in its debut).

Check out the actual sales numbers and rankings for hardware and software after the break.

Continue reading Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/14-1/20

JoystiqAnother week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/14-1/20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanchartsfamitsujapanmario-and-sonicmario-partynew-bloodsalessmgsuper-mario-galaxytrauma-centerwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsWed, 23 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii sales surpass 5 million in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/wii-surpasses-5-million-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/wii-surpasses-5-million-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/wii-surpasses-5-million-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,


Japanese publication Famitsu (via MCV) is reporting that the Nintendo Wii has surpassed the 5 million mark for hardware sales. As of January 20, Nintendo sold 5,019,337 units in just less than 14 months since the console's launch. Total sales for the Wii in the United States were 7.38 million as of the end of 2007, according to NPD data released last week.

The top five best-selling games in Japan are, perhaps unsurprisingly, all from Nintendo -- two Mario games and three titles geared towards the casual market. If the list is accurate, then the Wii only has four platinum-selling titles and Mario Galaxy hasn't yet passed the 900,000 threshold. Check out the list after the break.

[Via GameDaily]

Continue reading Wii sales surpass 5 million in Japan

JoystiqWii sales surpass 5 million in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanmariomario-galaxymario-partynintendosalesWiiwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsWed, 23 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/7-1/13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-7-1-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-7-1-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-7-1-13/#commentsFiled under:

The PSP might be inching closer to the DS in hardware sales, but the dual-screened handheld continues to dominate the software charts. Half of the games in the top twenty were DS games, while the Wii, PSP, PS2 and PS3 shared the other half.

Many of the top games were old favorites, but relative newcomers like Final Fantasy IV and Rune Factory 2 did well, too. Professor Layton 2 continues to help its predecessor sell more copies, giving the original Layton a chance to reach one million sales. For the most part, though, it was a quiet and predictable week in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Hardware:
  • DS: 103,000
  • PSP: 84,000
  • Wii: 82,000
  • PS3: 34,000
  • PS2: 15,000
  • Xbox 360: 5,500
The software sales can be seen after the break.

Continue reading Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/7-1/13

JoystiqAnother week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/7-1/13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganother-week-in-japanchartsdqivdragon-quest-ivfamitsuffivfinal-fantasy-ivjapanlaytonmario-kartmario-partymkdsnew-super-mario-brothersnsmbpokemonpokemon-mystery-dungeonprofessor-laytonrune-factory-2saleswild-worldWed, 16 Jan 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/31-1/6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-12-31-1-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-12-31-1-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-12-31-1-6/#commentsFiled under:

The big news with last week's sales numbers is not that the DS managed to top 300,000 again, but that the New Super Mario Bros. broke five million in Japan. Not only that, but the game took the sixteenth spot in today's Famistu chart.

Also showing legs is Mario Kart DS, which sold 68,000 copies to take the number eight spot. While it's no surprise that Mario Kart does well week after week (after week), we didn't expect it to make the top ten. We're also happy to see some new DS blood enter the ring, with Rune Factory 2 selling 56,000 in its debut.

The rise in sales from the previous week was most likely due to the New Years holiday, which is a popular shopping period in Japan. These numbers are almost certainly not sustainable, though, so we should see a big difference next week. Of course, we fully expect that the DS will end up on top, as always, with a smattering of its games in the top ten.

Check after the break to see the numbers, with NSMB sales tacked on for good measure.

Continue reading Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/31-1/6

JoystiqAnother week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/31-1/6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanchartsdq4dqivdragon-quest-4dragon-quest-ivfamitsuff4ffivfinal-fantasy-4final-fantasy-ivjapanlaytonmario-kartmario-partymkdsnew-super-mario-brosnsmbpokemon-mystery-dungeonprofessor-layton-2rune-factory-2salesWed, 09 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/24-12/31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-12-24-12-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-12-24-12-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-12-24-12-31/#commentsFiled under:

We were finally able to get our greedy little hands on the Japanese sales numbers from Famitsu for the week of 12/24, and came to find that the DS had another great week.

Unsurprisingly, the DS took the top spot in hardware sales, moving 195,000 units. While this was a drop from the week before's incredible numbers, it certainly isn't a bad showing for the three-year-old handheld.

In terms of software, Final Fantasy IV is continuing to sell well, meaning that more remakes in the series are sure to follow. The other Square-Enix remake on the charts, Dragon Quest IV, managed to go platinum this week. Mario Party DS, meanwhile, was the only other DS game to make the top ten, as the Professor Layton sequel slipped to the number eleven spot.

To see the hardware and software sales numbers for the the week of 12/24, check after the break.

Continue reading Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/24-12/31

JoystiqAnother week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/24-12/31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanchartsdq4dqivdragon-quest-4dragon-quest-ivfamitsuff4ffivfinal-fantasy-4final-fantasy-ivjapanlaytonmario-partymario-party-dspokemon-mystery-dungeonsalesSat, 05 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/17-12/23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-12-17-12-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-12-17-12-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-12-17-12-23/#commentsFiled under:

Another week in Japan has come and gone, which means yet another week of ridiculous success for the DS. The hardware managed to top 300k for the week, while heavy hitters like Final Fantasy IV, Dragon Quest IV, and Mario Party DS littered the top ten in the software charts. It was also a good week for baseball game Dorabase, which debuted at the number nine spot with 96k, selling 90% of it's total stock.

Hardware:
  • DS: 319,000
  • Wii: 264,000
  • PSP: 162,000
  • PS3: 51,000
  • PS2: 24,000
  • Xbox 360: 8,100
Check after the break to see the software numbers for 12/17-12/23 in Japan.

Continue reading Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/17-12/23

JoystiqAnother week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/17-12/23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japancard-herochartsdorabasedq4dqivdragon-quest-4dragon-quest-ivfamitsuff4ffivfinal-fantasy-4final-fantasy-ivjapanlaytonmario-kartmario-partymariokartpokemon-dungeonsalesWed, 26 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/10-12/16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-12-10-12-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-12-10-12-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-12-10-12-16/#commentsFiled under:


Be careful with that DS of yours. It may be small and look all cute with its two screens, but that thing is a monster. How else could a system manage an 89,000 boost in hardware sales from last week's already ridiculously high numbers? The DS just continues to blow everything else away, selling 91,000 units more than the competing PSP (which also had a good week in Japan).

As for software sales, however, only three of the system's biggest contenders (Mario Party DS, Professor Layton II, and Dragon Quest IV) managed to make it into the top ten. Not only did these three games do well for the week, but their total sales are pretty outstanding. We wouldn't be surprised to see all of them reach the million mark at some point.

Check after the break to see Japan's hardware and software numbers for the week of 12/10-12/16.

Continue reading Another week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/10-12/16

JoystiqAnother week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 12/10-12/16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanchartsdq4dqivdragon-quest-4dragon-quest-ivfamitsuhardwarelaytonmario-partymario-party-dssalessoftwareWed, 19 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of November 19th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-november-19th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-november-19th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-november-19th/#commentsFiled under:

What's a gamer to do this week, with both Mario Party DS and Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings on the table? Sometimes, we just have to make the tough decisions ... and it looks like Great Auntie Ethel might not be getting a present this year during the holidays.

What, you didn't expect us to choose between the games, did you?
  • Baby Pals
  • CSI: Dark Motives
  • Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings
  • Godzilla Unleashed
  • John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland
  • Mario Party DS
  • Petz: Hamsterz Life 2
  • Strawberry Shortcake: The Four Seasons Cake

Continue reading DS releases for the week of November 19th

JoystiqDS releases for the week of November 19th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby-palscsifinal-fantasygodzilla-unleasedhamsterzjohn-deeremario-partypetzrevenant-wingsstrawberry-shortcakeMon, 19 Nov 2007 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Oh, oh-oh, oh, ohhhh! It's Mario Party DS!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/oh-oh-oh-oh-ohhhh-its-mario-party-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/oh-oh-oh-oh-ohhhh-its-mario-party-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/oh-oh-oh-oh-ohhhh-its-mario-party-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,


We were pretty skeptical of Mario Party DS, having been nonplussed by the previous portable Party (and most of the console versions, as well). In fact, we had resigned ourselves to just not being Mario Party people. But then we saw this commercial, with its bouncy, nonsensical Kidz Bop song, and ... let's just say we were successfully advertised to. If the song is in the game, we're definitely buying it; if it's not, we're still buying it to show our support of the song.

At first we thought this must be some other region's crazy Mario Party commercial with the speech overdubbed into English. It appears on the American Mario Party DS website, though, which means that it must be a U.S. commercial. Is the song even ... language?

[Via GoNintendo]


JoystiqOh, oh-oh, oh, ohhhh! It's Mario Party DS! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hudsonHudsonsoftmario-partyMario-Party-DSmariopartyMinigameminigamesNintendopartyMon, 19 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: It's-a Mario Party!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/friday-video-its-a-mario-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/friday-video-its-a-mario-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/friday-video-its-a-mario-party/#commentsFiled under:


Mario Party DS is headed our way next week, so it only seemed fitting that we give the crew a little time in the video spotlight. The opening video makes a nice complement to our positively enormous gallery below. And while we may be disappointed about the lack of Wi-Fi support (really, is there a game that needs it more?), we can settle for download play.

JoystiqFriday Video: It's-a Mario Party! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-partymini-gameopeningpartyFri, 16 Nov 2007 19:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Party DS trailer and screens arrive fashionably late]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/mario-party-ds-trailer-and-screens-arrive-fashionably-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/mario-party-ds-trailer-and-screens-arrive-fashionably-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/mario-party-ds-trailer-and-screens-arrive-fashionably-late/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mario Party's last handheld outing did not end well. In fact, Mario Party Advance was an absolutely witless selection of dour, unimaginative minigames, the vast majority of which were way too simplistic/based on luck to be worth our time. Yes, muggins here had to review it; did you sense any bitterness?

However, we maintain a degree of optimism for the arrival of Mario Party DS in just over ten days. For starters, we're looking forward to seeing how the DS's touchscreen tech is implemented, while the media you can see in this post and elsewhere shows potential. That, and the game has the bestest boxart EVAR.


[Via Games Press]

JoystiqMario Party DS trailer and screens arrive fashionably late originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 22:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HudsonHudson-SoftHudsonsoftMarioMario-PartyMario-Party-DSMinigameNintendoPartyThu, 08 Nov 2007 22:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario is having a party, and you're all invited (to a website)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/mario-is-having-a-party-and-youre-all-invited-to-a-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/mario-is-having-a-party-and-youre-all-invited-to-a-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/mario-is-having-a-party-and-youre-all-invited-to-a-website/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Japanese Mario Party DS site is open, and full of screens, videos and general festiveness. There's some information about the different multiplayer modes of the game, which include Party Modes such as 4-player Battle Royal, 2-on-2 Tag Matches, and duels. All of them are just playing minigames against other people, but it's nice to mix it up however possible.

There are also Minigame Modes, which are different from the Party Modes in some way, and include Free Play, Battle Mode, Score Attack, and more. Extra Modes include Color Territory and Draw and Catch, both of which seem to involve capturing squares on a big board via winning minigames. One thing this website makes clear is that there are a lot of modes. We're happy to see Hudson putting so much effort into keeping this Party fresh.

JoystiqMario is having a party, and you're all invited (to a website) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hudsonmario-partymariopartyminigamesFri, 19 Oct 2007 13:20:00 EST