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[Wii Play: Motion has stone skipping, ghost hunting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/wii-play-motion-has-stone-skipping-ghost-hunting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/wii-play-motion-has-stone-skipping-ghost-hunting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/wii-play-motion-has-stone-skipping-ghost-hunting/#comments Nintendo hasn't officially detailed the MotionPlus-enhanced minigames in the Wii Play: Motion collection, but a set of screenshots posted by GoNintendo gives an impression of all the new minigames you'll own when you decide to buy another Wiimote.

There's a game in which you fly around using an umbrella in strong wind; one called "Spooky Search," which makes use of the Wiimote speaker (to locate ghosts in your room); a stone-skipping game; and a sort of "Human Tetris" scenario in which you pose a Mii to fit through Mii-shaped holes in the wall. There's also a side-scrolling minigame about guiding balloons through mazes, something diving-themed, and a spacecraft flight game.

Wii Play: Motion will begin irritating hardcore gamers with sales on June 13 in North America and June 24 in Europe.

JoystiqWii Play: Motion has stone skipping, ghost hunting originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europenintendoq2-2011release-datewiiwii-playwii-play-motionFri, 29 Apr 2011 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Guitar Hero 3 is this generation's highest-grossing game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/npd-guitar-hero-3-is-this-generations-highest-grossing-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/npd-guitar-hero-3-is-this-generations-highest-grossing-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/npd-guitar-hero-3-is-this-generations-highest-grossing-game/#comments Call of Duty: Black Ops might be the best-selling game by unit sales, but it isn't the US bestseller in terms of gross revenue. According to NPD data going back to 1995, and compiled by CNBC, the honor of the highest-grossing game of "this generation" goes to another Activision game, the Axl Rose-angering Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock. Black Ops is #2.

The list of the NPD's top ten best-selling games by revenue (after the break) includes a second Guitar Hero game, too -- R.I.P. -- along with Rock Band and both Wii Fits, which suggests that the best way to make a lot of revenue is simply to make your game cost more. Although Wii Play and Mario Kart Wii are also on the list, so maybe people just really like finding peripherals inside their game boxes, like cereal box prizes.

Continue reading NPD: Guitar Hero 3 is this generation's highest-grossing game

JoystiqNPD: Guitar Hero 3 is this generation's highest-grossing game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-4GH3GH3-Legends-Of-RockGuitar-Hero-3Guitar-Hero-3-Legends-Of-Rockguitar-hero-world-tourLegends-Of-Rockmario-kart-wiimicrosoftmodern-warfare-2nintendonpdpcplaystationps3rock-bandsaleswiiwii-fitwii-playxboxFri, 25 Mar 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: 65.3 million Wiimotes sold in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/nintendo-65-3-million-wiimotes-sold-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/nintendo-65-3-million-wiimotes-sold-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/nintendo-65-3-million-wiimotes-sold-in-us/#commentsNintendo announced an unusual statistic today: 65.3 million Wii Remotes have been sold in the US since the system's 2006 launch. That includes the 30.41 million Wiimotes included in system bundles sold in the country to date (according to NPD data gathered by Nintendo), along with the 12.92 million controllers sold in Wii Play bundles.

Of the standalone Wiimotes, the white model has sold by far the most, at 18.56 million -- which makes sense, given it was the only option for the first three years of the system's availability. The black Wiimote, introduced in November 2009, has sold 2.44 million units; while the pink and blue versions released on Valentine's Day 2010 have sold 467,500 and 465,200 units, respectively.

They will all be obsolete on November 7.

JoystiqNintendo: 65.3 million Wiimotes sold in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllershardwarenintendonpdperipheralssaleswiiWii-Playwii-remotewiimoteMon, 25 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Wii Play is best selling 'game' of all time in the US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/npd-wii-play-is-best-selling-game-of-all-time-in-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/npd-wii-play-is-best-selling-game-of-all-time-in-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/npd-wii-play-is-best-selling-game-of-all-time-in-the-us/#comments If there's a statistic measuring how well a game sold, you're likely to find Wii Play lingering in it somewhere. It's not only been the best-selling game of 2009, but also just recently made itself known as the top seller for the last decade. Now, according to NPD data (via GameSpot), the software-hardware hybrid has claimed another throne: top-selling non-PC US game ever.

It's a pretty prestigious list and while no exact figures are listed (save for the bundle's October performance, selling a whopping 11.1 million units in that month alone), the other games listed should give you an indication of just how many homes Wii Play has invaded. Taking second place is Guitar Hero III, the first game to earn $1 billion in revenue, followed by Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The others in the top ten are generally expected, including Activision's other $1 billion earner, Modern Warfare 2 (notable because, damn, that was fast!), along with a pair of other Call of Duty games. Head over to GameSpot for the full list.

JoystiqNPD: Wii Play is best selling 'game' of all time in the US originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-4call-of-duty-4-modern-warfarecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2Call-of-Duty-World-at-WarDSgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-san-andreasGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-3guitar-hero-iiiinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfaremodern-warfare-2NintendonpdrockstarsalesWiiwii-playXbox-360Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain official site launches, announces 'Four Days Challenge']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/heavy-rain-official-site-launches-announces-four-days-challeng/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/heavy-rain-official-site-launches-announces-four-days-challeng/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/heavy-rain-official-site-launches-announces-four-days-challeng/#comments Heavy Rain's marketing may be missing that "mainstream appeal" factor it needs to push sales with the Wii Play crowd, but the folks in charge of the game's website sure do know how to whet the whistle of those of us chomping at the bit for anything new. Starting on January 26 and running "in real time across three weeks," the Heavy Rain "Four Days Challenge" intends on tasking participants with solving a murder mystery.

The advergame's description claims it consists of "interacting with characters, identifying clues [and] making decisions," allowing those involved to complete said tasks between Tuesday and Friday of the three weeks that the game is scheduled to run. You can head over to the sign-up site right now and get yourself all set up for what is sure to be three weeks jam-packed with pure, unbridled excitement. Or a viral marketing campaign. But hey, at very least, you'll get yourself a voucher for a free Heavy Rain t-shirt in Home. That's something, right? Right?

Hey guys, where are you going?

Gallery: Heavy Rain

[Via VG247]

JoystiqHeavy Rain official site launches, announces 'Four Days Challenge' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>four-daysfour-days-challengeheavy-rainInteractive-Dramaofficial-websiteQuantic-Dreamquantic-dreamsSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americawii-playSun, 17 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit may surpass San Andreas sales, Wii Play is top selling 'game' of the last 10 years]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/wii-fit-may-surpass-san-andreas-sales-wii-play-is-top-selling/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/wii-fit-may-surpass-san-andreas-sales-wii-play-is-top-selling/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/wii-fit-may-surpass-san-andreas-sales-wii-play-is-top-selling/#comments
Wii Fit is on the verge of becoming the second-highest selling "game" in the US of the last 10 years. IGN reports on NPD data, revealing that Wii Fit has reached 7.9 million sales, passing by Grand Theft Auto: Vice City's 6.9 million and creeping up quickly on Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' 8.25 million units. The only thing ready to kill Wii Fit's momentum is Wii Fit Plus, which will replace the previous version at retail.

Some out there are probably ready to argue that Wii Fit should not be counted among other games. Yeah, those folks are going to pitch a fit about the top seller: Wii Play. The controller-bundled "software" holds the crown, having reached 11.1 million sales. We can't wait to see how the Vitality Sensor does.

JoystiqWii Fit may surpass San Andreas sales, Wii Play is top selling 'game' of the last 10 years originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-san-andreasNintendonpdWiiwii-fitwii-fit-pluswii-playTue, 13 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top five best sellers for 2009 tracked for each console ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/top-five-best-sellers-for-2009-tracked-for-each-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/top-five-best-sellers-for-2009-tracked-for-each-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/top-five-best-sellers-for-2009-tracked-for-each-console/#comments
Finding it hard to get interested in the June NPDs? Perhaps a visual aide from the folks at Gamasutra will help boost your enthusiasm. They've compiled the sales figures from all of 2009's NPD charts to find the top five best-selling games of the year thus far on each of the three home consoles.

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartkillzone-2MicrosoftNintendonpdrankingresident-evil-5ufc-2009-undisputedWiiwii-fitwii-playXbox-360Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Top brands of 2008 owned by Nintendo, EA, Activision, and not Sony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/top-brands-of-2008-owned-by-nintendo-ea-activision-and-not-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/top-brands-of-2008-owned-by-nintendo-ea-activision-and-not-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/top-brands-of-2008-owned-by-nintendo-ea-activision-and-not-so/#commentsWedbush Morgan Securities' 2009 industry report includes a list of the top thirty brands of 2008. The report notes that of the companies whose brands appear on the list, Nintendo, EA, and Activision were the only three with more than one brand to generate over $100 million at retail in the US last year.

And boy, did they. The top brand of the year, Guitar Hero -- perhaps you've heard of it -- was responsible for $992 million in US sales in 2008. The next two brands, Mario Bros. and Rock Band, generated $761 million and $662 million, respectively.

One company is notably absent from the top brands list: "Most strikingly," the report reads, "Sony had no top 30 brands for the third year in a row." Microsoft had two brands on the list (Gears of War and Fable) and Nintendo had four (Mario Bros., Wii Fit, Wii Play, and Pokémon). See the list of brands after the break.

Continue reading Top brands of 2008 owned by Nintendo, EA, Activision, and not Sony

JoystiqTop brands of 2008 owned by Nintendo, EA, Activision, and not Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbrandseaElectronic-Artsfablegears-of-warguitar-heromariopachterpokemonrock-bandwedbush-morganwii-fitwii-playTue, 30 Jun 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 million accept Wii Play with Wiimote purchase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/10-million-accept-wii-play-with-wiimote-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/10-million-accept-wii-play-with-wiimote-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/10-million-accept-wii-play-with-wiimote-purchase/#comments
Nintendo brings word that its Wii Play software has sold over 10 million units in the United States. When combined with the 12.7 million Wiimotes sold individually, that's a whole lot of people waggling together in living rooms and old folks' homes.

Nintendo's EVP of Sales & Marketing Cammie Dunaway says, "Even if you believe people are buying Wii Play solely for the controller ..." No, that's not what anybody with more than 512MB under their hood believes. People are buying the controller solely for Wii Play. We're sure it looks lovely to see Wii Play at the top of the NPD's software sales list month after month, but we all know that's based on a fabrication of what's the real star in that product bundle. Of course, all of this is debatable.

Joystiq10 million accept Wii Play with Wiimote purchase originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoWiiwii-playFri, 20 Mar 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Play back on top of UK sales charts this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/wii-play-back-on-top-of-uk-sales-charts-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/wii-play-back-on-top-of-uk-sales-charts-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/wii-play-back-on-top-of-uk-sales-charts-this-week/#commentsFiled under:


Wii Play has finally regained its spot at the top of the charts in the UK, as it has bested previous top-seller Mario Kart Wii this week. Not since February of last year has Wii Play been the top dog in the UK, which is just plain surprising, if you ask us. Sure, we may not all agree on the bundle's worth, but it's still a pretty tempting package, especially to someone who hasn't even tried the bundled software for 5 minutes, gotten bored, and wandered off to make a sandwich.

Gallery: Wii Play

JoystiqWii Play back on top of UK sales charts this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesssalessalesfiguresukuk-chartswii-playTue, 06 Jan 2009 17:37:00 EST<![CDATA[7.9 million American Wii owners didn't mind getting Wii Play with their controllers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/7-9-million-american-wii-owners-didnt-mind-getting-wii-play-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/7-9-million-american-wii-owners-didnt-mind-getting-wii-play-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/7-9-million-american-wii-owners-didnt-mind-getting-wii-play-wit/#commentsFiled under:


Most people buy multiple controllers for their game systems. That's more of an anecdotal or common-sense conclusion than one based on statistics, but we think it holds. Even people who live alone generally like to have a second controller around for company. And with the Wii's status as a party system, a lot of people are likely to have third and fourth controllers as well.

Nintendo found a way to get many of these controller sales to count as software in NPD: by bundling controllers with a game and adding just $10 to the price. And the strategy has worked. Nintendo told Gamasutra that since the product's launch in February of last year, 7.9 million copies of Wii Play have been sold in the US. That's more than half the number of Wii systems sold in the US (15.4 million).

We like the cow racing game.

Gallery: Wii Play

Joystiq7.9 million American Wii owners didn't mind getting Wii Play with their controllers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualminigamesnpdwii-playwiimoteFri, 12 Dec 2008 17:21:00 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[2008's best-sellers revealed, familiar outcome ensues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/2008s-best-sellers-revealed-familiar-outcome-ensues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/2008s-best-sellers-revealed-familiar-outcome-ensues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/2008s-best-sellers-revealed-familiar-outcome-ensues/#commentsFiled under: ,

Gamasutra has compiled a bunch of charts showing the best-selling games of 2008 (so far) across all formats. At first glance, the results are thoroughly predictable -- it's yet more Wii dominance in the U.S. -- but there are interesting factoids to be drawn from this.

Wii Play, for example, looks like finishing in the top five games of the year for the second year running. Even more impressively, Gamasutra thinks it could sell more copies in 2008 than in 2007, which is all kinds of crazy. Surely that would be some kind of first?

The top two spots are held by Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Mario Kart Wii, a pair of titles that we always expected to sell well, but to beat the likes of Wii Fit or other games aimed at Nintendo's broadened audience? Speaking of Wii Fit, it tops the chart for estimated revenue so far this year, thanks to its higher retail price. We'll reproduce the 2008 YTD sales table below, but Gamasutra has other data worth looking at here.

1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) -- 3.5 million
2. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) -- 3.4 million
3. Grand Theft Auto IV (360) -- 3.2 million
4. Wii Play (Wii) -- 3.0 million
5. Wii Fit (Wii) -- 2.8 million

Joystiq2008's best-sellers revealed, familiar outcome ensues originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008businessgrand-theft-auto-ivmario-kart-wiinpdsmash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playMon, 17 Nov 2008 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Wii games dominate top 5 US sellers in '08 (so far)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/report-wii-games-dominate-top-5-us-sellers-in-08-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/report-wii-games-dominate-top-5-us-sellers-in-08-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/report-wii-games-dominate-top-5-us-sellers-in-08-so-far/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Still obsessing over sales statistics, Gamasutra has crafted a report on 2008's five top-selling games in the US -- so far. Though some figures are approximated, there's assurance that "the maximum possible error in each figure should not affect the rankings." All consoles considered, the rankings are as follows:
  1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (3.5 million, estimated)
  2. Mario Kart (3.4 million)
  3. Grand Theft Auto IV (3.2 million, estimated)
  4. Wii Play (3 million)
  5. Wii Fit (2.8 million)
Be sure to check out the report for further details, several of which are likely to fuel the fanboy fires for, oh, the next fifteen minutes at least. We look forward to entertaining your "Wii games don't sell," "GTA IV is overrated" and "Wii Play is just a controller in disguise" arguments. We do not, however, want anything to do with your "Why isn't Golden Axe: Beast Rider on there?" madness.

JoystiqReport: Wii games dominate top 5 US sellers in '08 (so far) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008Grandt-Theft-Auto-IVGTA-IVjs-twitterMario-KartNPDPS3SalesSSBBSuper-Smash-Bros-BrawlWiiWii-FitWii-PlayXbox-360Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Circuit City does buy one, get one 50% off sale on Wii games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/circuit-city-does-buy-one-get-one-50-off-sale-on-wii-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/circuit-city-does-buy-one-get-one-50-off-sale-on-wii-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/circuit-city-does-buy-one-get-one-50-off-sale-on-wii-games/#commentsFiled under:


For those of you with some extra money burning a hole in your pocket, know that Circuit City has a sale running from now until this upcoming Saturday. When you purchase any Wii game at full price, you can get a second game for 50% off. The sale also works with Wii Play, if you're not among the folks who've already purchased the bundle.

Need some suggestions? Mario Kart Wii is a good choice (and you can play with us at Game Night!), as well as Wario Land: Shake It! (which we're pretty fond of). There's also ... actually, just head on over there. The list of games is fairly long.

[Via GamerDeals]

JoystiqCircuit City does buy one, get one 50% off sale on Wii games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>circuit-citymariomario-kartmario-kart-wiisalewariowario-landwario-land-shake-itwii-playMon, 13 Oct 2008 10:48:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD dishes out the 5 top-selling Wii games of this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-dishes-out-the-5-top-selling-wii-games-of-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-dishes-out-the-5-top-selling-wii-games-of-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-dishes-out-the-5-top-selling-wii-games-of-this-year/#commentsFiled under:


When we think of what games could possibly be the top 5 for the Wii, it doesn't seem like there's much room for mystery. Those that follow the monthly NPD numbers will likely be able to recite the top 5, in order, off the top of their heads. So, let's get to it!

The top 5 games of 2008 so far according to the NPD are:
  1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl
  2. Mario Kart Wii (with wheel)
  3. Wii Play
  4. Wii Fit (with Balance Board)
  5. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (with guitar)
We're amazed at how well GH3 still continues to do on the Wii. Obviously, Wii Play is no surprise, as it's a constant fixture in the top software titles month after month. And we have a feeling that Wii Fit would be higher on the list if only more people could actually find it.

JoystiqNPD dishes out the 5 top-selling Wii games of this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbusinessgh3guitar-heroguitar-hero-3mario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendonpdsalessalesfiguressmash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playTue, 23 Sep 2008 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD reveals Top 5 console games of '08 ... so far]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-reveals-top-5-console-games-of-08-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-reveals-top-5-console-games-of-08-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-reveals-top-5-console-games-of-08-so-far/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


As we head into the last stretch of the year, which is synonymous with a glut of titles flooding the market, it's worth seeing what the top titles in 2008 were up to this point. Gamasutra, using data from NPD, has posted the Top 5 titles for consoles up until August. Don't expect any surprises: Grand Theft Auto IV is in the top spot for PS3 and Xbox 360, while Super Smash Bros. Brawl is champion on the Wii.

The Wii certainly is the most interesting of the lists, with four out of the five SKUs belonging to games with included with some sort of peripheral (Mario Kart, Wii Fit, Wii Play and Guitar Hero III). Gamasutra also estimates that the software sales of the top five Wii titles combined is about 12 million units, nearly double that of the top five on the other consoles (separately). Of course, the year isn't over yet.

JoystiqNPD reveals Top 5 console games of '08 ... so far originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamasutragta-ivGuitar-Hero-IIIMario-KartnpdPS3SSBBWiiWii-FitWii-PlayXbox-360Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys R Us offers buy one, get $20 off deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/toys-r-us-offers-buy-one-get-20-off-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/toys-r-us-offers-buy-one-get-20-off-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/toys-r-us-offers-buy-one-get-20-off-deal/#commentsFiled under:

Wii owners should head over to Toys R Us next week (or, toysrus.com), as the retailer is having a good deal on Wii titles. From 8/3-8/9 (and even starting earlier in select stores, according to ads), if you buy a Wii game that costs $29.99 or more, you'll get $20 off a second Wii game.

Fortunately this deal includes games with peripherals, like Wii Play, Wii Fit, DDR, and Guitar Hero. That is, of course, if you can actually find said games (silly old Wii Fit) in stock.

Does anyone plan to use this deal to pick up a long desired title?

[Via CAG]

JoystiqToys R Us offers buy one, get $20 off deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddrdealguitar-herotoys-r-uswii-fitwii-playWed, 30 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[June NPD: Snake can't break Nintendo hegemony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/june-npd-snake-cant-break-nintendo-hegemony/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/june-npd-snake-cant-break-nintendo-hegemony/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/june-npd-snake-cant-break-nintendo-hegemony/#commentsFiled under: ,

Solid Snake, schmolid shnake. Try as the PlayStation 3 might, even the North American debut of Konami's most famous son and a drop in Wii sales couldn't prevent a Nintendo one-two for the fifth month running.
  • DS: 783K 368.2K (+88.7%)
  • Wii: 666.7K 47.5K (-6.6%)
  • PS3: 405.5K 218.4K (+116.7%)
  • PSP: 337.4K 144.7K (+75%)
  • 360: 219.8K 31.8K (+16.9%)
  • PS2: 188.8K 64.4K (+51.7%)
Peer down your sight to scope out June's software sales past the break.

Continue reading June NPD: Snake can't break Nintendo hegemony

JoystiqJune NPD: Snake can't break Nintendo hegemony originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesslego-indiana-jonesmario-kart-wiinpdsalesfigureswii-fitwii-playFri, 18 Jul 2008 15:30:00 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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbiohazardbiohazard-zerochartsdawn-of-the-new-worldjapanmario-kartmario-kart-wiimario-super-sluggersmedia-createre0resident-evilresident-evil-0tales-of-symphoniawii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 18 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/30-7/6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-30-7-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-30-7-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-30-7-6/#commentsFiled under:

The first thing we noticed upon scanning through last week's top thirty games was that Shiren the Wanderer 3 was missing, to our disappointment. The second thing we noticed was that Tales of Symphonia dropped 100,000 copies from its debut week's sales. While the top thirty software chart definitely looks promising for the Wii at a glance, we can't really feel good about placements in light of such details. As for what Wii game topped the rest? Look up and take a guess.

On the hardware front, the Wii stayed put in third behind the handhelds:

Since hardware is only half the fun, though, check out the software numbers too after 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 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dawn-of-the-new-worldfamily-trainermario-kartmario-kart-wiimario-super-sluggerstales-of-symphoniawii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 11 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/16-6/22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-16-6-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-16-6-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-16-6-22/#commentsFiled under:


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbattalion-wars-2bwiichartsfamily-trainergamesalesjapanmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createmysterious-dungeonshiren-the-wanderershiren-the-wanderer-3super-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 20 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Circuit City offering up Wii bundles as you read this]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/circuit-city-offering-up-wii-bundles-as-you-read-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/circuit-city-offering-up-wii-bundles-as-you-read-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/circuit-city-offering-up-wii-bundles-as-you-read-this/#commentsFiled under:



Still hunting for a Wii? If so, Circuit City's online store has them in around about ... now.

Think supplies are going to last long? Hell no! Even though Circuit City is selling the things with an extra Wiimote, nunchuk and two of the titles listed below, we estimate these puppies will be gone soon. We'd usually criticize the practice of forcing customers to buy bundles, but we estimate that at least three or four of the six games being offered are must-haves:
You're still here!? Go! Go! Go!

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqCircuit City offering up Wii bundles as you read this originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecarnival-gamescircuit-cityclassic-controllerguitar-herolegend-of-zeldasmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-mario-galaxytwilight-princesswii-playwii-zapperzapperzeldaMon, 16 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[May NPD: Um ... take a guess]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/may-npd-um-take-a-guess/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/may-npd-um-take-a-guess/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/may-npd-um-take-a-guess/#commentsFiled under:

It was a good month for Wii, as the system again sold the most in the United States. However, sales were down, likely due to shortages of Wii Fit. And, as you'd expect, people went crazy for that high-tech Balance Board and software. But, hey, a win is a win, right? So let's pop those champagne corks and get the party started!

NPD Hardware sales for May 2008:

Wii: 714.2K 39.1K (5.5%)
DS: 414.8K 37.8K (9.1%)
PSP: 192.7K 10.4K (5.4%)
Xbox 360: 188K 1.4K (0.8%)
PS3: 187.1K 21.6K (11.5%)
PS2: 124.4K 8.3K (6.7%)

The software sales have been pushed past the break. And, like with the software sales above, you'll probably like what you'll see.

Continue reading May NPD: Um ... take a guess

JoystiqMay NPD: Um ... take a guess originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessguitar-hero-iiimario-kart-wiinpdsalesfiguressmash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playFri, 13 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/2-6/8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-2-6-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-2-6-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-2-6-8/#commentsFiled under:

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

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

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbattalion-wars-2brawlbwiichartsfamily-trainergamesalesjapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createmystery-dungeonshiren-the-wanderershiren-the-wanderer-3smash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 13 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Korea's Wii controllers are a steal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/koreas-wii-controllers-are-a-steal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/koreas-wii-controllers-are-a-steal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/koreas-wii-controllers-are-a-steal/#commentsFiled under: ,



As if Korean Wii gamers weren't lucky enough, what with all the preorder incentives publishers have been handing out over there, apparently, shops in the East Asian country are selling Wii remotes, nunchuks, and Classic Controllers at hella cheap prices.

Blogger Nuck Rumas shot the photo above of a Korean Lotte Mart's Wii shelf, and, in addition to the Wii system's foreign packaging, you can see some surprisingly low-priced accessories. Wii remotes are marked at ?28,000 (approx. $27) -- compare that to the $40 stores usually charge in the U.S. Of course, compared to Wii remote prices in several other territories, $40 is a bargain, too:
  • Japan: ¥3,800 (approx. $36)
  • Canada: $44.99 (approx. $44)
  • Australia: $69.95 (approx. $67)
  • New Zealand: $99.95 (approx. $76)
  • Europe: €39 (approx. $61)
  • UK: £29.99 (approx. $59)
Also, Classic Controllers and nunchuks in Korea both sell for ?15,000 (approx. $15), compared to the $20 U.S. retailers ask for them. That might not sound like much of a difference, but keep in mind that shops in Korea don't charge an extra sales tax at the register. It all adds up!

JoystiqKorea's Wii controllers are a steal originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-controllerkoreanunchukpricingwii-playSun, 08 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/26-6/1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-26-6-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-26-6-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-26-6-1/#commentsFiled under:

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

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

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbattalion-wars-2brawlbwiichartsfamily-trainergamesalesjapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createsmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 06 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft loves getting exclusive with the Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/ubisoft-loves-getting-exclusive-with-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/ubisoft-loves-getting-exclusive-with-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/ubisoft-loves-getting-exclusive-with-the-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,

In an interview with Ubisoft UK's Managing Director, Rob Cooper, GamesIndustry unveiled some insight regarding Ubisoft's policy on Wii-exclusive titles. Many gamers have complained about the piles of shovelware and lousy ports while Wii Play and other mini-game compilations continue to dominate sales charts worldwide.

His line of thinking makes sense. While it may be easy to port the latest rubbish from other consoles, Wii gamers are clearly buying original titles by the bucketload. Cooper explains that exclusive titles for the Wii will always get that extra bit of attention, and since gamers are already rocking out with casual party games, they will be looking for bigger games you can't find anywhere else. Okay, Ubisoft still likes to throw a few random games out there, but based on Cooper's interview, from a business perspective they know what will end up being the most popular.

Need some examples? The Raving Rabbids series, No More Heroes and yes, even Red Steel are some of the successful names in Ubisoft's portfolio. As gamers, we already know the Wii is something different entirely, and it's good to see some positive reinforcement from the powerful players in the industry. For further Ubisoft shenanigans, check out the full interview.

JoystiqUbisoft loves getting exclusive with the Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exclusiveno-more-heroesraving-rabbidsred-steelrob-coopershovelwareubisoftubisoft-ukwii-exclusivewii-playThu, 05 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/19-5/25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-19-5-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-19-5-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-19-5-25/#commentsFiled under:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbattalion-wars-2brawlbwiichartsdeca-sportadeca-sportsgamesalesgh3ghiiiguitar-heroguitar-hero-3guitar-hero-iiijapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createsalessmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 30 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Circuit City has a Wii for you, but there's a catch [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/circuit-city-has-a-wii-for-you-but-theres-a-catch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/circuit-city-has-a-wii-for-you-but-theres-a-catch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/circuit-city-has-a-wii-for-you-but-theres-a-catch/#commentsFiled under:


Update: Well, that was fast. Sorry folks, looks like it's sold out.

Sad to say, but it's the truth. You can order a Wii right now from Circuit City, but you're going to have to bundle some stuff with the console. When looking over what you have to buy, however, it's really not that bad of a deal because you should be expecting to buy these games anyway.

So what do you need to purchase? Well, the Wii console (duh), an extra Wiimote and two or more of the following games and/or accessories:
Considering that you were going to pick up Super Mario Galaxy and Smash Bros. Brawl anyway (if you weren't planning on it, may we ask if you're insane?), it's not that bad of a deal. And, for those of you still desperate to get a console, this might be the best solution.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqCircuit City has a Wii for you, but there's a catch [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecarnival-gamescircuit-citymario-party-8mp8smash-bros-brawlsuper-mario-galaxywii-playwii-zapperzapperThu, 29 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Grand Theft Auto IV continues to show up the competition across Europe this week, with either the PS3 or Xbox 360 edition claiming top spot everywhere. Wii pair Wii Fit and Game Night favorite Mario Kart Wii are close behind in most places (because we're optimists, we're now going to consider third as the new first), though yours truly would love to know where anybody is finding Mario Kart in the UK -- I hit the high street to find a copy for a friend a few days back, with zero success.

Further down the charts, Boom Blox made (what could almost be described as) an impact in its second week on sale, soaring from outside the Top 40 to 19th in the UK, while Super Mario Galaxy and Guitar Hero III rejoined the top ten in Holland and Sweden respectively. No Irish charts this week, we're afraid, but here's a hunch we had: Grand Theft Auto IV probably sold a lot.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 May 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyguitar-heromario-and-sonicmario-kartnetherlandspalpro-evolution-soccerrabbidsraymanspainsuper-mario-galaxyswedenukwii-fitwii-playSat, 24 May 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/12-5/18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-12-5-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-12-5-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-12-5-18/#commentsFiled under:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbattalion-wars-2brawlbwiichartsdeca-sportadeca-sportsgamesalesjapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createsalessmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 23 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan's six top-selling Wii games are ...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/japans-six-top-selling-wii-games-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/japans-six-top-selling-wii-games-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/japans-six-top-selling-wii-games-are/#commentsFiled under:


Oh, Japan, how we love you. And you love us back simply by existing. Mecca for gamers, the country has more video games than Halle Berry has bad post-Oscar career choices. Every gaming nerd on the planet would love to live there.

So, what Wii games do the Japanese public enjoy most? Well, it's not that surprising this list of the six top-selling Wii titles in Japan. But, we know how much you all love this kind of data, so without further delay, let's get to the numbers!

The Wii's six top-selling games in Japan are:
All first-party titles. Big shocker there!

Do you enjoy obsessing over sales data? Well, we've got you covered. Our monthly reports on the U.S. figures appear courtesy of NPD, and we also cover the weekly sales figures from Japan and several countries in Europe. Odds are, we're covering the beat where you live, so check out what folks are buying!

JoystiqJapan's six top-selling Wii games are ... originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii continue to fly the flag for the Wii in Europe, with the former appearing in every European top ten this week. Mario & Sonic also put in a characteristically strong performance, while Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 (ninth in the UK) and Mario Party 8 (tenth in Holland) seem to be enjoying a second burst of shelf life after their release last year.

But heck, you can tell all that simply by inspecting the charts after the post break. What you probably won't remember is that Boom Blox launched in Europe this week, yet never threatened any of Europe's top tens/twenties/forties; looks like this Spielbergian gem has been given the same frosty reception by consumers that it experienced in the U.S. Weaksauce (as my American colleagues might say)! It's sadly ironic, really -- EA's best game for donkey's years, and it's not even charted.

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JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wii Fit is selling like gangbusters in Britain, where it accounts for half of all Wii software sold in the last week, and has given Nintendo its first one-two finish in the All Formats Chart since 2003. And guess what? It's more or less the same story throughout the rest of Europe.

The Irish are shedding the Guinness pounds, the Germans are working off those brätwurst, and Sweden ... well, we don't really have a lazy, go-to food stereotype for the Swedes. Anyhow, the point is: they're all loving it, and if Wii Fit doesn't appear in a chart (see: Spain, Denmark), it's probably because a country hasn't got it yet, or the charts have fallen behind.

Mind you, don't expect any of this Nintendo dominance to last: next week's charts are guaranteed to be all about one game (yet we suspect Wii Fit might give you have better legs than GTA IV in the long-term). Lean past the break for this week's European charts.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

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

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

While yours truly had trouble tracking down a copy of Mario Kart Wii on the high street (for our review), it appears plenty of others around Europe had no such problem.

Bar Denmark (where it has now dropped to fifth), the title sits at the top of every European chart, and we suspect it might even be influencing the sales of other games. Surely the rise of Mario Kart DS to 8th in Ireland, 8th in France, and 7th in Germany can't all be a mere coincidence? By our reckoning, Mario Kart Wii has ramped up Europe's interest in Mario Kart generally. Fortunately, Mario Kart DS is the bee's knees!

Finally, this week's overachiever award goes to Sega Superstars Tennis -- despite the Wii version's lack of online play, Sega's tennis/blue skies extravaganza climbed to fourth in the UK. Head beyond the break for more European chartage, and please accept our humble apologies for the lack of a Spanish top ten -- that should be back next week.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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