US Sales - August 2011 NPD

Overall

“August 2011 sales saw a decline versus August 2010 in all categories except for portable games hardware. In software, the bulk of the decline can be attributed to the shift of the annual Madden release from August to September (8/30 release falls within NPD's September 2011 reporting period).”

“Even though year to date performance of the new physical portion of the industry is down 5%, more than half of industry sales in this channel are still to be realized in the back four months of the year. Given the strong release schedule in the coming months, new physical retail sales could still be flat to slightly up once full year sales are tallied.”

Hardware

“All platforms (if you combine DS and 3DS) saw unit sales increases over July. The 3DS price cut drove portable hardware sales into positive territory, to a year-over-year increase in both unit and dollar sales. The PS3 price cut also drove a notable uptick in sales of that platform. “

Software

“Deus Ex: Human Revolution, was the top title for the month with just five days in the market before the end of the August reporting period. In September, it is likely we'll see Madden take the top spot.”

“Just Dance: Summer Dance Party, hit the market in July but just missed making the top 10. Sales of this title increased enough in August to capture a spot on the top 10 list.”

“NCAA Football ’12 did better in its second month at retail than did NCAA Football ’11 in August 2010, which could be an indication of Madden fans looking to get their football fix elsewhere due to the delay in the release of that title.”

“Games fans have a huge variety to choose from in September, especially for fans of games in the sports genre. Those interested in more “core” gaming experiences have both Resistance 3 and Gears of War 3, among others, to look forward to. Yes, some of these are already out in the market but we’ll get our first picture of their combined sales performance in the new physical retail channel when we release those figures on October 13.”

“There was a lot happening outside of new physical retail as far as content is concerned. Fruit Ninja became available to download for the Xbox 360 and a new Call of Duty map pack was available as well. “

"Despite inventory constraints at retail during the first half of August, PS3 hardware sales were very strong the last two weeks of the month following the $50 price cut and the new inFAMOUS 2 bundle. The new PS3 price point, combined with PlayStation Move and the industry's strongest lineup of exclusive titles, including Uncharted 3 and Everybody Dance, positions us for an amazing holiday season."

- Patrick Seybold, Sr. Director of Corporate Communications at SCEA.

NPD Time: Xbox 360 sold 308,000 units in August, maintaining the # 1 console spot in the U.S. for 2011

Something Fishy wrote:How are Sony constrained after a quiet year?

Garth wrote:3DS = 235K

Monkey Man wrote:Sounds like the 360 is not No1 this month for a change. Maybe the 2 weeks of price cut put the PS3 at the top.

Chemical Imbalance wrote:The 360 would do very good numbers with a pricecut.

Meep wrote:Tracking phyical sale only is kind of biased against PC sales.

Xbox 360 maintains its lead over the current-generation console market, selling more units in the U.S. than any other console for 14 of the past 15 months. Sustained consumer demand for Xbox 360 and Kinect have helped the console maintain its number one spot in 2011, proving that consumers continue to recognize the excellent value and amazing games and entertainment experiences delivered by Xbox 360. With an exciting holiday sales season coming up, marked by blockbuster game titles and great new hardware offerings, we continue to expect this to be the biggest year in Xbox history, and the distinction of being this year’s best-selling console worldwide.

August 2011 NPD highlights include:
· Holding 43 percent share of the overall current-generation console market, Xbox 360 sold 308,000 units in August, maintaining the number-one console spot in the U.S. for 2011. This marks the sixth month Xbox 360 has had more than 40 percent of the current-generation console market share. (Source: NPD Group, August 2011)
· Total retail spend on the Xbox 360 platform in August (hardware, software and accessories) reached $232 million, the most for any console in the U.S. (Source: NPD Group, August 2011)
· During the month of August, the top two console game titles were for Xbox 360: “Deus Ex: Human Revolution” and “NCAA Football 12.”

With a massive portfolio of new blockbuster and Kinect titles coming this holiday as well as new partnerships like Disney and UFC, Xbox 360 is well-positioned for continued success. Below is a list of some of the top exclusive game titles launching in the coming months.

· September 20: “Gears of War 3”
· October 11: “Forza Motorsport 4”
· October 11: “Kinectimals Now with Bears!”
· October 25: “Dance Central 2”
· October 25: “Kinect Sports: Season Two”
· November 15: “Kinect: Disneyland Adventures”
· November 15: “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary”

Additionally, the highly-anticipated release of “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” will launch on November 8.

All of the entertainment, partner support, record growth and sales momentum give us confidence that Xbox 360 will notch another record year.

HSH28 wrote:

Monkey Man wrote:Sounds like the 360 is not No1 this month for a change. Maybe the 2 weeks of price cut put the PS3 at the top.

I presume you posted that before the figures came in, not even 2nd for PS3, wonder if it managed to beat Wii or it was relegated to 4th or 5th.

Rik wrote:Price cut didn't get PS3 anywhere near 360, I don't think the 360 has had a cut for years in the US, they may wait longer now maybe to spring?