Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Vita sales drop again in third week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/vita-sales-drop-again-in-third-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/vita-sales-drop-again-in-third-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/vita-sales-drop-again-in-third-week/#comments Media Create data shows that the PlayStation Vita sold 42,648 units in its third week at Japanese retail, a precipitous drop from last week's already troubling 72,479. Once again, the new handheld trails behind the 3DS (at 197,952), PS3, and, yes, the PSP.

Compare that to the 3DS, which was also perceived as something of a flop in its early days. In its third week on the market (from March 7 through March 13 of last year), 96,463 3DS systems were sold in Japan, with 209,623 preceding. The Vita is clearly off to a slower start.

Once again, no Vita games appeared in the Media Create top 20 software charts, though we expect slow retail software sales even after the system picks up, thanks to the pervasive digital distribution of Vita games.

JoystiqVita sales drop again in third week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanmedia-createplaystationplaystation-vitasalesvitaThu, 05 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vita sales drop below 3DS, PSP in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/vita-sales-drop-below-3ds-psp-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/vita-sales-drop-below-3ds-psp-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/vita-sales-drop-below-3ds-psp-in-japan/#comments The PlayStation Vita appears to be struggling to build an audience in Japan. In its second week on the market, the system sold 72,479 units, according to the Media Create numbers -- outsold by the 3DS, PSP, Wii, and PS3. The software top 20 shows why the 3DS is doing so well right now (it sold 482,200 units): three of the top five games are 3DS releases, including Mario Kart 7 (#1), Super Mario 3D Land (#3), and Monster Hunter Tri-G (#4).

In fact, no Vita games at all appear in the top 20 -- though that makes sense, given the relatively lacking hardware sales and the availability of all retail games on PSN at lower prices.

JoystiqVita sales drop below 3DS, PSP in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsjapanmedia-createnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitapspsalessonyvitawiiWed, 28 Dec 2011 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 tops Japanese charts, Saints Row: The Third debuts at number 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/modern-warfare-3-tops-japanese-charts-saints-row-the-third-deb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/modern-warfare-3-tops-japanese-charts-saints-row-the-third-deb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/modern-warfare-3-tops-japanese-charts-saints-row-the-third-deb/#comments GENKI DA! It's got the rooster, it's got the crow, Modern Warfare 3 is big in Japan. For the week of November 14, according to Media Create, the PS3 version of Activision's latest blockbuster topped the charts at number one with over 180,000 units sold. The Xbox version, incidentally, is in the seventh spot with over 30,000 copies sold.

Meanwhile, Super Mario 3D Land has slipped from the top spot to number four, with over 62,000 copies sold. Perhaps the most surprising of all, however, is that the PS3 version of Saints Row: The Third managed to debut at number five with over 36,000 copies sold. As good as Saints Row: The Third is, we can't help but think Professor Genki had something to do with its success.

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 tops Japanese charts, Saints Row: The Third debuts at number 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3media-createmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3playstationps3saints-row-the-thirdxboxFri, 25 Nov 2011 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza: Of the End hits the top of slow Japanese sales chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/yakuza-of-the-end-hits-the-top-of-slow-japanese-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/yakuza-of-the-end-hits-the-top-of-slow-japanese-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/yakuza-of-the-end-hits-the-top-of-slow-japanese-sales-chart/#comments After an earthquake-prompted delay, Yakuza: Of the End has been officially released in Japan, to ... pretty good sales. Not the best sales of the series, but the best sales of the very slow week. According to 4Gamer's report of Media Create sales, the gangsters vs. zombies shooter sold 298,717 copies in its first week, fewer than Yakuza 4 moved last year (384,000) or Yakuza 3 before (372,000). It wasn't enough to boost hardware sales appreciably, as PS3 sales only increased 594 units over the previous week, to 17,104.

Fans of low numbers will enjoy the rest of the sales chart -- the number two game behind Yakuza was Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D, which earned its position by selling 15,551 copies. See the rest of the "top" ten after the break, and start formulating your plan to revitalize the Japanese game industry. Nintendo's thinking "release the 3DS again in a new color." Sega's plan is, of course, Of the End costume DLC (as seen above!)

Continue reading Yakuza: Of the End hits the top of slow Japanese sales chart

JoystiqYakuza: Of the End hits the top of slow Japanese sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanmedia-createplaystationps3resident-evil-the-mercenaries-3dsalesyakuza-5yakuza-of-the-endThu, 16 Jun 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP overtakes 3DS in weekly Japanese hardware sales ranking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/psp-overtakes-3ds-in-weekly-japanese-hardware-sales-ranking/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/psp-overtakes-3ds-in-weekly-japanese-hardware-sales-ranking/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/psp-overtakes-3ds-in-weekly-japanese-hardware-sales-ranking/#comments The 3DS launched in Japan a little over a month ago, but already, the handheld seems to be losing a bit of steam. The deep-screened device slipped to second place in the weekly Media Create rankings, falling behind the PSP by a margin of about 15,000 units. What's more, according to a report from Japanese news site Inside Games, only around 836,000 3DS units have been sold in Japan so far -- a little over half of the initial Japanese shipment.

The earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11 are likely a huge contributing factor to the device's slow start, and could be tied to the lack of a strong post-launch software lineup, which is certainly hurting sales. Only one 3DS title, Namco's Pro Baseball Famista 2011, made it into the Top 10 in software sales for the week of March 28, compared to six PSP games.

JoystiqPSP overtakes 3DS in weekly Japanese hardware sales ranking originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdshardwareindustryjapanmedia-createnintendosalesFri, 08 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Edgeworth investigates the top of Japan's sales chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/edgeworth-investigates-the-top-of-japans-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/edgeworth-investigates-the-top-of-japans-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/edgeworth-investigates-the-top-of-japans-sales-chart/#commentsThe weekly Media Create rankings make a strong case for the continued existence of the Ace Attorney Investigations series. In its first week of release in Japan, the sequel topped the chart with 132,266 copies sold. It's not quite the start the first Investigations got -- it sold 172,000 copies in its first week back in 2009 -- but it's still first place.

Overall, it was a strong week for new games, and for handheld games. The top four games are all DS or PSP titles, and all came out on the same day, February 3: Macross Triangle Frontier (PSP), White Knight Chronicles: Dogma Wars (PSP) and Dragon Ball Kai: Ultimate Butouden (DS).

JoystiqEdgeworth investigates the top of Japan's sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-attorney-investigations-2dragon-ball-kai-ultimate-butoudendsjapanmacross-triangle-frontiermedia-createnintendoplaystationpspsalessonywhite-knight-chronicles-episode-portable-dogma-warsTue, 15 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The 3rd Birthday debuts at sixth on Japanese charts, Monster Hunter still king]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/the-3rd-birthday-debuts-at-sixth-on-japanese-charts-monster-hun/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/the-3rd-birthday-debuts-at-sixth-on-japanese-charts-monster-hun/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/the-3rd-birthday-debuts-at-sixth-on-japanese-charts-monster-hun/#comments Whether it's due to its significant lack of collectible monsters, or the considerable length of time since the last installment in the Parasite Eve franchise, Square Enix's The 3rd Birthday didn't have the strong debut showing on the Japanese sales charts to which the publisher is likely accustomed. The game placed sixth on the weekly Media Create rankings, pulling in 140,000 during its first week on Japanese store shelves.

The game was buried under continuing top-sellers Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, which placed first with 404,000 units sold, and Pokémon Black and White, whose 165,000 units sold pushed the twin titles dangerously close to the five million mark. That's a whole lot of monochromatic monsters.

JoystiqThe 3rd Birthday debuts at sixth on Japanese charts, Monster Hunter still king originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanmedia-createplaystationpspsalessonysquare-enixthe-3rd-birthdayThu, 30 Dec 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 speeds past 430K sold to top weekly sales in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/gran-turismo-5-speeds-past-430k-sold-to-top-weekly-sales-in-jpn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/gran-turismo-5-speeds-past-430k-sold-to-top-weekly-sales-in-jpn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/gran-turismo-5-speeds-past-430k-sold-to-top-weekly-sales-in-jpn/#comments Not quite Pokémon numbers, Gran Turismo 5's launch week sales were still plenty enough to land the long-awaited racing sim firmly in first place atop Japan's bestsellers list for the week ending November 28. With 430,707 units sold (by Media Create's count) in its first four days at Japanese retail, GT5 is well on its way to recouping development costs that were estimated at $60 million a year ago and becoming a commercial success for Sony.

But slow down, tiger -- Yamauchi's latest "game" is still far from topping the series' standout entry, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, which has amassed lifetime sales of 1.89 million units in Japan (14.89 million worldwide), according to developer Polyphony Digital.

Back to the present: Sony also enjoyed a tremendous spike in PS3 hardware sales last week in Japan, with 68,840 units sold -- nearly a 140-percent increase from the previous week. Complete Japanese software and hardware sales for the GT5 launch week are listed after the break.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5 Racing Pack (Japan)

Continue reading Gran Turismo 5 speeds past 430K sold to top weekly sales in Japan

JoystiqGran Turismo 5 speeds past 430K sold to top weekly sales in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gran-Turismo-5hardwareJapanlaunchmedia-createplaystationpolyphony-digitalps3salessoftwaresonyWed, 01 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect sells 26,000 in Japanese launch weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/kinect-sells-26-000-in-japanese-launch-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/kinect-sells-26-000-in-japanese-launch-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/kinect-sells-26-000-in-japanese-launch-weekend/#comments Kinect had what most people would call a successful launch, moving over one million units worldwide during its first week on store shelves; however, the device wasn't met with quite as warm a reception in Japan. According to Media Create, Microsoft's new all-seeing eye had a "quiet start" in the region, moving just 26,000 units during its launch weekend of November 20 -- that includes both standalone and 360-bundled Kinects.

Also troubling is that no Kinect games made it onto Media Create's Top 20 software sales chart. The highest-selling launch title was DanceMasters, which managed to sell 6,000 copies. On the other hand, four PlayStation Move launch titles made it onto the Top 20 during the controller's launch week, with a combined total of 50,000 copies sold. There's a lot of factors at play, here -- the data coming from a two-day period, the lower install base for the 360, and so on -- but Microsoft's going to have to make a concerted effort if it wants to get the peripheral off the ground in Japan.

JoystiqKinect sells 26,000 in Japanese launch weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japankinectmedia-createmicrosoftsalessoftwarexboxSun, 28 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops debuts at #1 (and #7) in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/call-of-duty-black-ops-debuts-at-1-and-7-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/call-of-duty-black-ops-debuts-at-1-and-7-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/call-of-duty-black-ops-debuts-at-1-and-7-in-japan/#comments Call of Duty: Black Ops launched in Japan last week, and though it wasn't the major cultural phenomenon it was here, it managed to top the Media Create sales charts for the week of Nov. 15-21. Well, the PS3 version did, anyway, with 128,922 copies sold. The Xbox 360 version came in at #7 with 30,279 copies. This is just the subtitled release -- it'll get another sales boost in December when the dubbed version arrives.

Other success stories in Japan last week include the sequel to Fossil Fighters on DS at #2, Pokemon Black/White at #3, Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition at #4, and Tactics Ogre on PSP at #5. Black Ops trumped Colors last week, as Sonic raced to a #33 finish on Wii and #49 on DS.

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops debuts at #1 (and #7) in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call-of-Duty-Black-Opsfossil-fightersfossil-fighters-championsjapanmedia-createpokemon-black-and-whitesalessquare-enixsuper-mario-all-stars-limited-editionFri, 26 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter Frontier Online boosts Xbox 360 sales in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/monster-hunter-freedom-online-boosts-xbox-360-sales-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/monster-hunter-freedom-online-boosts-xbox-360-sales-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/monster-hunter-freedom-online-boosts-xbox-360-sales-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The combination of new hardware and a "newish" Monster Hunter gave the Xbox 360 a considerable sales bump in Japan last week. Media Create reports that 17,000 Xboxes were sold in that time (versus 2,060 the previous week); 15,000 being the new model. That hardware sales rise coincides with the sale of 92,807 copies of Monster Hunter Frontier Online Beginner's Package. Neither the new Xbox owners nor the existing ones saw any need to round out their game collections with additional games -- there were no other 360 games among the top 50 bestselling software for the week.

Though Xbox 360 sales were much higher last week relative to the console's typical performance in Japan, the clear winner was the DSi LL, thanks to a combination of several factors: a price cut, the release of three new colors of the system, and Love Plus+, the latest version of Konami's breakout hit dating game ... which also coincided with three more special-edition DSi LL systems. See the rest of the top ten bestsellers after the break.

Update: changed "Freedom" to "Frontier" in the headline.
[Image credit: GAME Watch]

Continue reading Monster Hunter Frontier Online boosts Xbox 360 sales in Japan

JoystiqMonster Hunter Frontier Online boosts Xbox 360 sales in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsDSi-LLDSi-XLJapanLove-PlusLove-Plus-PlusMedia-Createmicrosoftmonster-hunter-frontiermonster-hunter-frontier-onlinenintendoplaystationps3pspwiixboxFri, 02 Jul 2010 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nier sold far more than anything else in Japan last week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/nier-sold-far-more-than-anything-else-in-japan-last-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/nier-sold-far-more-than-anything-else-in-japan-last-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/nier-sold-far-more-than-anything-else-in-japan-last-week/#commentsJapan may be as confused by Square Enix's Nier as we are -- but it would appear that PS3 owners are answering their questions about the action RPG title firsthand, by purchasing it. The PS3 version, Nier Replicant, is the best-selling title for the week of April 19.25, with 60,000 units sold, according to Gpara's early estimate of Media Create sales rankings.

Nier Gestalt, the version released for Xbox 360 (and also the version released on both consoles in North America) didn't perform quite as well, coming in at number 11 -- possibly due to the older, more gruff main character, but probably due to the fact that it's on Xbox 360. There's no mention of how many copies were sold, but it's fewer than the 12,000 with which Pokemon Ranger: Path of Light achieved the number ten position.

To see how games that aren't Nier performed, check the list after the break.

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading Nier sold far more than anything else in Japan last week

JoystiqNier sold far more than anything else in Japan last week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caviajapanmedia-createMicrosoftniernier-gestaltnier-replicantsalessquare-enixXbox-360Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No More Heroes remakes outsold the original by a little]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/no-more-heroes-remakes-outsold-the-original-by-a-little/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/no-more-heroes-remakes-outsold-the-original-by-a-little/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/no-more-heroes-remakes-outsold-the-original-by-a-little/#commentsWe're not going to say that No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise is a hit, but those of us in constant fear of Marvelous running out of money can breathe a sigh of relief, as the remake has brought a little cash in (more considering that the game is a port and therefore probably less expensive to produce).

In fact, both versions managed to make it into the Media Create top ten, with the PS3 version's 16,000 copies securing a #7 position and the Xbox 360 version's 15,000 copies at #8. Both of these actually outperformed the Wii original, which sold 11,700 copies in its debut week back in 2007.

Now that we think about it, however, the real story might be that 15,000 people in Japan bought an Xbox 360 game in a single week.

Gallery: No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise (PS3/Xbox 360)

JoystiqNo More Heroes remakes outsold the original by a little originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feelplusgrasshopper-manufacturejapanmarvelousmedia-createMicrosoftNintendono-more-heroesno-more-heroes-heroes-paradiseportremakesalessuda-51Suda51WiiXbox-360Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bad Company 2 in good company on Japanese sales chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/bad-company-2-in-good-company-on-japanese-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/bad-company-2-in-good-company-on-japanese-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/bad-company-2-in-good-company-on-japanese-sales-chart/#commentsBattlefield: Bad Company 2 has cracked the Japanese sales chart in its first week of release -- the only Western title to appear in the top ten -- having amassed 28,353 unit in sales of the PS3 version to reach #7 in the weekly rankings. In addition to being the only Western game in the top ten, it's also the only PS3 game!

The Media Create chart is heavy on new games this week. In addition to Battlefield, the third game in what used to be the Badman series debuted at #4, Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce 2 on PSP entered the chart at #5, and NIS's Absolute Hero Modding Project gave the publisher a much-needed source of income at #6. RPG Maker DS is the other new title on the chart, at #8. See the full top ten after the break.

Continue reading Bad Company 2 in good company on Japanese sales chart

JoystiqBad Company 2 in good company on Japanese sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>absolute-hero-modding-projectbattlefield-bad-company-2DSeaElectronic-Artsholy-invasion-of-privacy-badmanjapanmedia-createNintendopokemon-ranger-hikari-no-kisekisalesWiiyuusha-3dTue, 23 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RE5 Gold tops Japanese charts; Heavy Rain floods top ten]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/re5-gold-tops-japanese-charts-heavy-rain-floods-the-top-ten/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/re5-gold-tops-japanese-charts-heavy-rain-floods-the-top-ten/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/re5-gold-tops-japanese-charts-heavy-rain-floods-the-top-ten/#commentsEven without the PlayStation Motion Controller to back it up, Resident Evil 5 has struck gold for a second time. The PS3 version of Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition (Alternative Edition in Japan) hit the top of the Media Create sales chart in Japan following its February 18 release, selling 143,339 copies. God Eater continues to gobble up attention, taking the #2 spot with 64,192 units sold (while passing 500k units sold to date).

Another big PS3 game also debuted in the top ten this week: Heavy Rain, which fell in at #6, selling 26,775 copies. In a way, the Japanese version is the superior release, because the voice acting doesn't seem to have been performed by French people faking Japanese accents. See the full top ten after the break.

Continue reading RE5 Gold tops Japanese charts; Heavy Rain floods top ten

JoystiqRE5 Gold tops Japanese charts; Heavy Rain floods top ten originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomDSgod-eaterheavy-rainInteractive-Dramajapanmedia-createnamco-bandaiNintendoQuantic-Dreamresident-evil-5resident-evil-5-alternative-editionresident-evil-5-gold-editionsalesSCESCEAsoftwareSonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaWiiFri, 26 Feb 2010 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest VI remake approaches 1m Japanese sales in first week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/dragon-quest-vi-remake-approaches-1-million-japanese-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/dragon-quest-vi-remake-approaches-1-million-japanese-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/dragon-quest-vi-remake-approaches-1-million-japanese-sales/#commentsThe debut of the Dragon Quest VI remake for DS proves that a Dragon Quest game doesn't have to be entirely new to sell like crazy in Japan -- just new enough. In its first week at retail, January 25-31, the new version of the classic Super Famicom RPG sold 906,458 copies, according to Media Create, making it by far the top-selling game of the week.

A pair of other newly-released RPGs also did quite well: the PS3 version of tri-Ace's shooty-RPG End of Eternity (we call it "Resonance of Fate") landed in second place on the weekly software chart with 118,088 units sold (the Xbox version charted respectably at #8, selling 27,048 units) and Ar Tonelico 3 hit #4 with 81,633 copies sold. Even the Japanese release of MAG managed to make it into the top ten!

See the complete weekly top ten sales list after the break.

Continue reading Dragon Quest VI remake approaches 1m Japanese sales in first week

JoystiqDragon Quest VI remake approaches 1m Japanese sales in first week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ar-tonelico-3dragon-questdragon-quest-viDSjapanmagmedia-createMicrosoftNintendoresonance-of-fatesalessoftwareXbox-360Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII limit breaks Japanese PS3 software sales record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/final-fantasy-xiii-limit-breaks-japanese-ps3-software-sales-reco/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/final-fantasy-xiii-limit-breaks-japanese-ps3-software-sales-reco/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/final-fantasy-xiii-limit-breaks-japanese-ps3-software-sales-reco/#comments Are you shocked? Probably not, considering we all knew Final Fantasy XIII would make a killing during the initial week of its release. However, the magnitude of the game's success was still a little alarming. Within its first day on the market, it broke one million units, becoming the best-selling PS3 game in Japan. According to Media Create, the game had reached 1,501,964 units by the end of the week, which more than doubled the life-to-date totals of the platform's previous bestseller, Metal Gear Solid 4. It did so in just four days. Great googly moogly!

As you also might have expected, these unprecedented sales also boosted PS3 sales in the region for the week. The platform's sales leaped, much like a gazelle would leap, from 75,086 units sold to 237,086 units (an increase of 215.75 percent). That's an impressive upshot -- but we're not sure it deserves any gibberish exclamations.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII limit breaks Japanese PS3 software sales record originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiiijapanjapanesehardwaresalesmedia-createrecordrpgsalessonysquare-enixThu, 24 Dec 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Devil's Flute plays successfully in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/professor-layton-and-the-devils-flute-japan-likes-what-it-hear/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/professor-layton-and-the-devils-flute-japan-likes-what-it-hear/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/professor-layton-and-the-devils-flute-japan-likes-what-it-hear/#comments
[GAME Watch]
Japan's infatuation with quaint, puzzle-filled villages has yet to wane. The second Professor Layton trilogy has started off on a positive note, with Professor Layton and the Devil's Flute topping the Media Create sales charts. The latest in Level-5's adventure series sold 306,000 copies in its first week at retail.

The rest of the weekly bestsellers list is almost entirely dominated by Wii and DS games, like Tomodachi Collection, Wii Fit Plus and another debut, Momotaro Dentetsu 2010!, the latest Wii release of Hudson's Japan-only, train-themed board game series. The sole exception: Winning Eleven 2010, charting at number 7 with 20,000 copies sold. (The soccer sim's life-to-date sales of 312,000 isn't that far off from Layton's first week!) Additionally, Cave's region-free Xbox 360 shmup Mushihime-sama Futari just missed the top ten.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqProfessor Layton and the Devil's Flute plays successfully in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureDSjapanlevel-5media-createNintendoprofessor-laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-devils-fluteWiiFri, 04 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bayonetta launch continues Platinum's winning streak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/bayonetta-launch-continues-platinums-winning-streak/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/bayonetta-launch-continues-platinums-winning-streak/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/bayonetta-launch-continues-platinums-winning-streak/#commentsBayonetta had a strong debut in Japan this week -- on PS3. The PS3 version of Platinum Games' action title sold 135,242 copies in its first week, topping the Media Create sales chart. The Xbox version had a good launch for an Xbox 360 game in Japan, at 64,325 copies. It wasn't a Resident Evil 5-size launch on either console, though the Xbox 360 version came close, and it wasn't a Wii Sports Resort-level sensation, but it should be enough to be considered a successful launch.

This is Platinum Games's second launch in Japan, and it's the second to debut at the top of the charts. Infinite Space on DS took the winning position back in June, with a comparatively modest 38,394 copies. MadWorld, Platinum's other game, has yet to be released in Japan.

The number two and three spots on Media Create's chart are also occupied by new games: Four Warriors of Light: Final Fantasy Gaiden, the new Final Fantasy for DS made by Matrix Software, and Tekken 6.

JoystiqBayonetta launch continues Platinum's winning streak originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettafinal-fantasy-gaidenmedia-createMicrosoftPlatinum Gamesplatinum-gamesPlatinumGamessegatekken-6Xbox-360Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon remakes break a million in two days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/pokemon-remakes-break-a-million-in-two-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/pokemon-remakes-break-a-million-in-two-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/pokemon-remakes-break-a-million-in-two-days/#commentsThe top two games on the Media Create charts for the week ending September 13 are Pokemon HeartGold and Pokemon SoulSilver. Despite coming out just one day before the end of that week, the games managed to outsell everything else in Japan, almost by a factor of ten. The distribution of the 1,442,990 copies sold was pretty evenly split between the two versions, with Soul Silver's 722,904 copies edging out Heart Gold's 720,086.

The number three spot belongs to Tomodachi Collection, also on the DS, followed by Dragon Quest IX, PS3's Gundam Senki, and Wii Sports Resort. The only other new game in the top ten is MAPLUS Portable Navi 3, a PSP map/navigation program.

JoystiqPokemon remakes break a million in two days originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSjapankidou-senshi-gundam-senkimaplusmedia-createNintendopokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverMon, 21 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Dragon Quest IX sales drop under 100K for the first time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/dragon-quest-ix-drops-under-100k-for-the-first-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/dragon-quest-ix-drops-under-100k-for-the-first-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/dragon-quest-ix-drops-under-100k-for-the-first-time/#commentsLast week, for the first time since its July debut, Dragon Quest IX sold fewer than 100,000 copies. Gamasutra reports that the latest Media Create totals (not yet up on Media Create's site) put Dragon Quest at 79,000 units sold for the week ending August 23, earning it the second-place spot behind another DS game, Nintendo's Tomodachi Collection.

This isn't the first week out of the top spot for DQIX: the August releases of SD Gundam G Generation Wars and Monster Hunter 3 bumped Square Enix's RPG sequel as well. Gamasutra estimates life-to-date sales for DQIX at 3.7 million units -- the rate of growth is slowing, but the results are still ridiculous.

JoystiqWeekly Dragon Quest IX sales drop under 100K for the first time originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSjapanJRPGLevel-5media-createNintendorpgsalessquare-enixtomodachi-collectionFri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest IX leads to increased DS sales in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/17/dragon-quest-ix-leads-to-increased-ds-sales-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/17/dragon-quest-ix-leads-to-increased-ds-sales-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/17/dragon-quest-ix-leads-to-increased-ds-sales-in-japan/#commentsNintendo of America touted the DS's sales in June, noting that the handheld outsold every home console combined, according to the June NPD numbers. Nintendo of Japan has its own success to be proud of, thanks to the release of Dragon Quest IX, which -- can you believe it -- led to increased hardware sales last week.

According to Media Create, the DSi sold 118,202 units last week, up from the previous week's 46,855. That actually seems like a pretty minor boost given that Dragon Quest sold over two million copies, and given that the red DSi launched alongside it. The DS Lite even managed to sell 10,161 units, presumably because DSis were sold out.

[Via MCV]

JoystiqDragon Quest IX leads to increased DS sales in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSjapanJRPGLevel-5media-createNintendoRPGsalessquare-enixFri, 17 Jul 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest IX sells 2.3 million copies in two days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/dragon-quest-ix-sells-2-3-million-copies-in-two-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/dragon-quest-ix-sells-2-3-million-copies-in-two-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/dragon-quest-ix-sells-2-3-million-copies-in-two-days/#commentsJapanese consumers eagerly grabbed up copies of Square Enix's Dragon Quest IX over the weekend, putting to rest any concern that the move to a handheld system would bother fans in the least.

Enterbrain reports that the game sold 2,343,440 copies in its first week -- its "first week" actually being two days. Media Create reports a similar total of 2,318,932 copies. This beats the first-week record set by ... Dragon Quest VIII, of course! Media Create reports a sell-through rate of 81.56%, suggesting (according to Andriasang) that it probably sold out in some locations.

There's something very comforting about reading stories of massive Dragon Quest sales in Japan. It's a reminder that some things in the gaming world are just like we remember them, even after decades. After the break, you can watch the game's intro movie as you begin the long wait for localization.

[Image via GAME Watch, video via Gemaga]

Continue reading Dragon Quest IX sells 2.3 million copies in two days

JoystiqDragon Quest IX sells 2.3 million copies in two days originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9dragon-questDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSenterbrainJRPGLevel-5media-createNintendorpgsalessquare-enixMon, 13 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinite Space takes space at top of Japanese charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/infinite-space-takes-space-at-top-of-japanese-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/infinite-space-takes-space-at-top-of-japanese-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/infinite-space-takes-space-at-top-of-japanese-charts/#commentsPlatinum Games' first release may not have been a sales phenomenon, but the company has found (relative) success with its second, the DS sci-fi roleplaying game Mugen Kouro (Infinite Space). It was a slow week for Japanese software sales, which allowed Infinite Space's 38,394 copies to put it at the top of the Media Create sales chart for last week, its first week in stores.

The three spots below that on the chart also belong to DS games: last week's top seller, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days sits at #2, followed by Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Sloane and Machale's Mysterious Story. The #5 position is held by Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires on PS3.

Gallery: Infinite Space


[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

JoystiqInfinite Space takes space at top of Japanese charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-attorney-investigationsDSinfinite-spacekingdom-heartsmedia-createNintendonude-makerplatinum-gamesrpgsalessegasloane-and-mchales-mysterious-storyFri, 19 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect premieres at No. 3 spot in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/mass-effect-premieres-at-no-3-spot-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/mass-effect-premieres-at-no-3-spot-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/mass-effect-premieres-at-no-3-spot-in-japan/#comments
Looking over Media Create's weekly Japanese software sales chart for May 24 reveals something distinctly non-Japanese is mucking up the list. BioWare's space opera Mass Effect for Xbox 360 premiered in the number three spot, having sold 18,000 copies. Sure, that's less than half of Pro Yakyuu Team o Tsukurou 2, but good on the western RPG for even charting.

Mass Effect released in the Very-Near West in 2007 and -- believe it or not -- actually has a sequel in the works. Oh, and in case you're wondering, Sloan to Michael: Nazo No Monogatari was in the number one spot with 44,000 units.

JoystiqMass Effect premieres at No. 3 spot in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanjapanese-software-salesmass-effectmedia-createFri, 29 May 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo not concerned about declining Japanese Wii sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/nintendo-not-concerned-about-declining-japanese-wii-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/nintendo-not-concerned-about-declining-japanese-wii-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/nintendo-not-concerned-about-declining-japanese-wii-sales/#commentsThe Wii, once an unstoppable sales force in Japan, has started falling behind the PlayStation 3. The whole industry appears to be trending downward, but the Wii's drop is more than proportional.

A Nintendo representative told Financial Times that the company isn't distressed. "It is still the first few months of the year when sales are slow for the industry so we are not particularly concerned," the spokesperson said. "We hope to line up strong software to support hardware sales in the second half of the year." Nintendo has already lined up at least one strong title: Capcom's Monster Hunter 3, which will likely spark an increase in Wii hardware sales when it launches in Japan this summer.

Of course, the main reason for Nintendo not to fret over falling Wii sales is that the company continues to sit at the top of the sales charts with the DS platform.

[Via Edge]

JoystiqNintendo not concerned about declining Japanese Wii sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanjapanesehardwaresalesmedia-createNintendosalesWiiMon, 06 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 3 captures second-best PS3 launch in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/yakuza-3-captures-second-best-ps3-launch-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/yakuza-3-captures-second-best-ps3-launch-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/yakuza-3-captures-second-best-ps3-launch-in-japan/#comments According to early data uncovered by the Japanese site, Drill-No Blog, Yakuza 3 has sold 380,000 units in its first week -- the second-best launch for a PS3 game in that country. If the numbers are accurate, Yakuza 3 (Ry? ga Gotoku 3 in Japan) will only have been bested by Konami's 2008 powerhouse, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, which sold around 465,000 units in its first week. Unfortunately, according to a comment Sega made to VG247, Western gamers may never get a chance to continue the adventures of Kiryu Kazuma as the publisher has no plans to bring the game to North America at this time.

[Via N4G]

JoystiqYakuza 3 captures second-best PS3 launch in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CS1-Teamjapanmedia-createRyu-ga-GotokuRyu-ga-Gotoku-3salessegaYakuzayakuza-3Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 outsells PS3 in Japan for fourth time, Four Horsemen draw closer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/xbox-360-outsells-ps3-in-japan-for-fourth-time-four-horsemen-dr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/xbox-360-outsells-ps3-in-japan-for-fourth-time-four-horsemen-dr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/xbox-360-outsells-ps3-in-japan-for-fourth-time-four-horsemen-dr/#comments
The Xbox 360 has only outsold the PlayStation 3 several times before, so we're reticent to bring the Four Horsemen out of their winter hibernation. However, if Japanese hardware sales tracker Media Create is to be believed, the 360 not only outsold the PS3 in Japan last week, it handily trounced all competition, with sales just over 25,000 units (compared to nearly 17,000 units for Wii and just over 16,000 for PS3).

Considering Star Ocean: The Last Hope was released this past week and is outselling every game on the chart by a margin of at least 3:1 (162,232 units, folks -- in one week!), we're taking a stab in the dark here and saying 360 sales had something to do with that. After all, the last few times we put out a call to the horsemen, two other JRPG titles were to blame: Infinite Undiscovery and Tales of Vesperia.

Can you remember the other game that put 360 on top in Japan for a week? Hint: It involves fire and liberation and ... fighter jets. Give up? Too bad! We're still not telling!

Continue reading Xbox 360 outsells PS3 in Japan for fourth time, Four Horsemen draw closer

JoystiqXbox 360 outsells PS3 in Japan for fourth time, Four Horsemen draw closer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessinfinite-undiscoveryjapanese-hardware-salesmedia-createMicrosoftnamco-bandainamdaisquare-enixsqueenixstar-oceanstar-ocean-the-last-hopetales-of-vesperiaXbox-360Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[White Knight Chronicles debuts with impressive first week sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/white-knight-chronicles-debuts-with-impressive-first-week-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/white-knight-chronicles-debuts-with-impressive-first-week-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/white-knight-chronicles-debuts-with-impressive-first-week-sales/#commentsFiled under:

The official sales figures for White Knight Chronicles' Japanese debut are finally out. Media Create shows that the game sold just under 207,000 units during the week of December 22nd to the 28th. Bearing in mind that White Knight Chronicles is a new IP and that this figure accounts for only three days of sales, we're impressed. To put it into perspective, White Knight Chronicles now has the third best opening week PS3 sales ranking for the region, after MGS4 (476K) and Devil May Cry 4 (212K). Both of which are long-running and very popular franchises.

White Knight Chronicles also had an impact on PS3 hardware sales, keeping the upward momentum going by increasing sales from 39,136 units the previous week to 45,989 units. This is the highest number of units sold in a single week since Metal Gear Solid 4 was released in June (which shifted 75,311 units). We're intrigued to see how both the game and the PS3 itself continue to sell in the following weeks.

JoystiqWhite Knight Chronicles debuts with impressive first week sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanese-hardware-salesmedia-createwhite-knight-chroniclesWed, 07 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese hardware Dec. 15 - Dec. 21: Quite Striking Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/japanese-hardware-dec-15-dec-21-quite-striking-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/japanese-hardware-dec-15-dec-21-quite-striking-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/japanese-hardware-dec-15-dec-21-quite-striking-edition/#commentsFiled under:


We have good news and bad news. The good news is we've figured out how to close strike tags, the bad news is Microsoft isn't taking Japan by storm anymore. According to data company Media Create, Microsoft pushed 12,914 units of its Xbox 360 SKUs between December 15 and December 21 and while sales have spiked nearly 10% higher than last week it wasn't enough to catch up to Sony's PS3 or the ungodly Nintendo Wii. This being the last full week of 2008 sales data we would like to formally guarantee 2009 will be a much better year for the Xbox 360 in Japan***.

***Not a guarantee.

- DSi: 204,144 30,451 (17.53%)
- PSP: 145,957 74,417 (104.02%)
- Wii: 131,054 39,413 (43.01%)
- DS Lite: 50,308 19,188 (61.66%)
- PS3: 39,136 5,448 (16.17%)
- Xbox 360: 12,914 1,117 (9.47%)
- PS2: 8,662 2,003 (30.08%)

[Source: Media Create]

JoystiqJapanese hardware Dec. 15 - Dec. 21: Quite Striking Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanjapanese-hardware-salesmedia-createMon, 29 Dec 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo sweeps Japanese sales charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/nintendo-sweeps-japanese-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/nintendo-sweeps-japanese-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/nintendo-sweeps-japanese-sales-charts/#commentsFiled under: ,


According to the latest Media Create charts, Nintendo platforms completely dominated the market last week in Japan, with all of the top ten games being Wii or DS releases. It may not have been the busiest week in terms of sales -- the best-selling game was the newly-released Taiko no Tatsujin Wii at 106,000 copies -- but that's still a pretty wacky achievement.

Of the ten games on the list, seven were published by Nintendo, and an eighth, Professor Layton and the Final Time Travel, is from a series published by Nintendo outside of Japan. The full top ten, including four Wii games, is after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo sweeps Japanese sales charts

JoystiqNintendo sweeps Japanese sales charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcojapanmario-kartmedia-createtaiko-no-tatsujinwii-fitThu, 18 Dec 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP is on top of its game in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/psp-is-on-top-of-its-game-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/psp-is-on-top-of-its-game-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/psp-is-on-top-of-its-game-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:


It was unlikely the PSP would trump its awesome sales of nearly 160,000 units last week. Nevertheless, the PSP is once again on top, selling 60,467 units. Unfortunately, Sony's high-def console the PlayStation 3 was dead last, selling an abysmal 3,931 units. Look on the bright side though: during this week, Sony's current-gen hardware outsold all its competitors current-gen hardware combined.

Hardware and software sales for the week of October 20th - October 26th:
  • PSP -- 60,467
  • Wii -- 24,292
  • DS Lite -- 22,965
  • Xbox 360 -- 7,844
  • PS2 -- 6,962
  • PS3 -- 3,931

Continue reading PSP is on top of its game in Japan

JoystiqPSP is on top of its game in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>media-createpsppsp-britesalesFri, 31 Oct 2008 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 tops PS3 in Japan for sixth straight week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/xbox-360-tops-ps3-in-japan-for-sixth-straight-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/xbox-360-tops-ps3-in-japan-for-sixth-straight-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/xbox-360-tops-ps3-in-japan-for-sixth-straight-week/#commentsFiled under:


Looks like Xbox 360 has landed itself above the PlayStation 3 in Japan for the sixth straight week, according to Media Create. Still on the heels of Japanese-style role-playing titles like Tales of Vesperia and Infinite Undiscovery the Xbox 360 has come out on top -- fourth overall in sales behind the PSP, DS and Wii -- against the homegrown Sony system for the week ending October 19. Coming soon for the console is The Last Remnant from Square Enix a title that mixes both Western and Eastern gaming conventions into one tight little package and the currently exclusive Star Ocean: The Last Hope, which will land early next year worldwide. Can Microsoft sustain a steady stream of console sales in Japan? Maybe, but if they really want to make a splash they should look into getting the rights to a game with the words "Monster" and "Hunter" in the title.

- PSP: 159,816 135,915 (568.66%)
- DS Lite: 29,839 2,075 (6.50%)
- Wii: 26,024 3,147 (13.76%)
- Xbox 360: 7,856 93 (1.20%)
- PS2: 7,261 279 (4.00%)
- PS3: 4,725 1,009 (17.60%)

JoystiqXbox 360 tops PS3 in Japan for sixth straight week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessjapanmedia-createsalesMon, 27 Oct 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 tops PS3 in Japan, again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/xbox-360-tops-ps3-in-japan-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/xbox-360-tops-ps3-in-japan-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/xbox-360-tops-ps3-in-japan-again/#commentsFiled under:


According to weekly sales figures from Media Create in Japan, Microsoft has beat Sony on its home turf for the second week in a row. Reduced to nearly half of its console sales last week Microsoft was still able to inch out the PlayStation 3 in the Land of the Rising Sun. Of course, Nintendo's DS and Wii one-two-combo remained at the top with Sony's PSP landing comfortably in third. Sales figures, according to Media Create for last week look like this:
  • Nintendo DS - 61,242
  • Wii - 29,921
  • PSP - 28,674
  • Xbox 360 - 13,777
  • PlayStation 3 - 8,156
  • PlayStation 2 - 7,720
On the software side, the Xbox 360 exclusive Infinite Undiscovery fell to #13 in its second-ish week of release with timed-exclusive Tales of Vesperia down to #28. Along with the two recently released titles the Xbox 360 received a price drop that is assumed to be a huge factor in the figures. Or Japanese gamers now love the Xbox. Yeah, that has to be it.

JoystiqXbox 360 tops PS3 in Japan, again originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessjapanmedia-createsalesfiguresFri, 26 Sep 2008 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[False alarm: Xbox 360 may not have outsold Wii in Japan last week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/false-alarm-xbox-360-may-not-have-outsold-wii-in-japan-last-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/false-alarm-xbox-360-may-not-have-outsold-wii-in-japan-last-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/false-alarm-xbox-360-may-not-have-outsold-wii-in-japan-last-wee/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There are now conflicting reports about the week the Earth stood still. It seems the Xbox 360 may not have outsold the Wii in Japan last week, as Media Create's data contradicts that of Famitsu owner Enterbrain, which shows that the Wii actually triumphed. Well, that explains why we're all still here ... because the fabric of existence should have completely torn itself apart.

The Media Create data shows that the Wii sold 29,686 units (up 2,500 from Enterbrain's count), while the Xbox 360 unit count is roughly the same as Enterbrain's figure at 28,188. Now it's time for us to get Uncle Chester out of the bunker and tell him that Fallout 3 won't be an edutainment title.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqFalse alarm: Xbox 360 may not have outsold Wii in Japan last week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanmedia-createmicrosoftnintendoWiiXbox-360Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinite Undiscovery, price cut help Xbox 360 outsell Wii in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/infinite-undiscovery-price-cut-help-xbox-360-outsell-wii-in-jap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/infinite-undiscovery-price-cut-help-xbox-360-outsell-wii-in-jap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/infinite-undiscovery-price-cut-help-xbox-360-outsell-wii-in-jap/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It wasn't so frightening when the Xbox 360 outsold the PS3 for a week back when Tales of Vesperia came out, but now that it's sold more than the Wii during the week ending Sept. 14 ... well, now we're stricken with panic. According to Enterbrain, the Xbox 360 sold 28,861 units during the week, while the Wii sold 27,057 (the PS3 managed 8,050).

Xbox 360 sales were more than likely spurred by the one-two punch of a Japanese price cut and the release of console-exclusive Infinite Undiscovery, which sold 86,708 units in its first week. MCV points out that the 360 has now sold 717,275 units in Japan -- the very foundations of our world would be shaken if it actually went on to sell a million units.

Gallery: Infinite Undiscovery

JoystiqInfinite Undiscovery, price cut help Xbox 360 outsell Wii in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There's so much DS software love in the top ten that we don't know what to highlight! If pressed, though, we'll have to choose Densetsu no Stafi 5, because 1) Stafy is just the cutest and 2) it performed better than the rest. Band Brothers DX is inching toward 200,000 sales, though, and will probably hit that landmark next week.

The other DS love goes to Hana Yori Dango: Koi Seyo Onago, an otome based on an anime/manga/j-drama. Although the chances of it happening are about ... zero ... we'd love to see that one localized, as Hana Yori Dango is one of our guilty pleasures. Last but not least, we'll mention the sometimes inappropriate Gegege no Kitarou, which debuted in ninth. (Oh yeah -- there's also Derby Stallion, but really.)

Software sales gave DS hardware a small boost, but Nintendo's handheld is still stuck behind the PSP:
  • PSP: 56,998 (559)
  • Nintendo DS: 48,540 (1,085)
  • Wii: 41,768 (2,757)
  • PlayStation 3: 12,458 (1,901)
  • PlayStation 2: 10,405 (1,363)
  • Xbox 360: 3,807 (969)
To check out the Japanese software sales numbers and rankings, just click past the break. (Our apologies -- we could only find translations for the top ten games!)

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

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 7/7-7/13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanband-brothersband-brothers-dxchartsdaigasso-band-brothersdensetsu-no-stafiderby-stalliongegege-no-kitarouhana-yori-dangojapankoi-seyo-onagomedia-createstafyFri, 18 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 7/7-7/13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-7-7-7-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-7-7-7-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-7-7-7-13/#commentsFiled under:

We're kind of glad to see Persona 4 blow away the competition in software, even if it's not a Wii game (cough -- it should be). Nothing else really sold all that well, not even the games in the top ten. Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii keep piling on copies to their ever-growing mountains, though, and remain snug in the top ten.

The other big news in terms of Japanese software is the release of Resident Evil 0. Capcom's port did debut at spot six, but only sold 20k copies in its first week. This game won't come even close to being the cash cow that Resident Evil 4 was, but we're sure Capcom will still make a pretty ported penny.

Hardware sales show that the Wii was stuck in third, again:

You can check out Japan's software sales and rankings from last week after the break.

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

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 7/7-7/13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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