Report: Japanese Game Market Drops 24% In 6 Months
See Full ImageDue to a distinct lack of "million-sellers," Japan's video game industry has slipped during the first half of 2009, and Nintendo continues to fall at a rapid rate.
According to the latest results by IT Media and Enterbrain, as summarized by GameSpot, industry sales in Japan fell to 218.9 billion yen ($2.3 billion) between December 29, 2008 and June 28, 2009, which is a marked decline of 24.4%. Hardware sales were down 27.6%, software sales were down 21.8%, and there were no "million-unit sellers" in the first half of 2009. On the flip side, there were four back in the first six months of 2008, so the decline is logical. However, the PlayStation 3 has continually surpassed the Wii on a monthly basis this year and Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has said the system is currently in an "unhealthy condition." Of course, our suggestion has always been the same ("how's about making some software?!"), but when Mario & Luigi RPG 3!!! for the DS is your top seller at 650,000 units, you may want to consider paying more attention to the slumping Wii. Still, the Wii has managed to sell more overall in this span of time (640,000 units) compared to the PS3 (550,000), so some semblance of the fad is still in existence. The Xbox 360, once again, takes a distant third place at 210,000 consoles sold.
As for handhelds, it's no surprise to see the DSi and DS Lite continue to top the charts; they managed to shift 1.62 million units in the first half of the year, and the PSP had a respectable showing at 1.18 million units. But all these statistics only prove once again that without top software, it's tough to sell hardware.
7/6/2009 Ben Dutka
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Comments (86 posts)
photo K
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 2:11:10 PM
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Take note from the multiple DS versions, they sell like hotcakes!
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bamf
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 7:10:31 PM
Imagine Sony not releasing PSP updates va firmware but instead released new hardware with those minor updates. We would be pissed off. Somwhow Nintendo get away with it. Nintendo's DSi has features that the DS light cannot do, so technically its a new handheld console and sales figures for DSi should be seperated from the DS light.
Everything the new versions of PSP are doing can be done on your fat PSP 1000 via software update, except the video output. When the PSP Go comes its not necessary to own one as it will pack the same features and games as the other PSP's.
If a new WiiHD comes out, it will be bought by the already owners of a Wii, so those sales figures should be seperated, starting from zero.
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Gregory Freeman
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 4:52:38 PM
mario or killzone 2?
play with your mii's or experience home??
theres a console for both...
if you want to play the zelda/mario games, buy a ninty... want to play the killzone/mgs4/lbp/resistance/infamous/ratchet and clank games, then get the ps3... want both? buy both... no big deal.. its been like that for a long time...
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Alienange
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 5:52:45 PM
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Dancemachine55
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 9:38:51 PM
But Zelda and MGS4? Give me MGS4 any day!!! One of my all time favourite games. Though I do love Zelda, MGS4 has the greatest story, best graphics and best gameplay (when not watching the many hours of cutscenes)
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Jawknee
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 4:19:59 PM
MGS4 or Zelda? Why not both?! I have both a Wii and a PS3 so I could enjoy all my favorite games. Yes the PS3 is mucho better but for some one like me who has loved Zelda, Mario and Metroid as long as I have, I don't mind the waits. I've never been disappointed with a Zelda game and I'm sure the fact that Nintendo takes their time has something to do with it. I don't understand the hatred for Nintendo on this site. Lol.
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WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 2:52:22 PM
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Alienange
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 5:54:47 PM
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BigBoss4ever
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 11:23:54 PM
could not agree more, when ff13, v13, the last guardian, KH3, Persona 5, Lost Odyssey 2, Chrono Series released, there will be an instant boost in Jap. and there will be a sudden drop of my pocket cash as well. lol
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Kempy21
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 3:23:56 PM
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Highlander
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 4:34:58 PM
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Gregory Freeman
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 4:55:24 PM
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Gregory Freeman
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 4:16:01 PM
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Jawknee
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 4:29:10 PM
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Robochic
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 5:17:39 PM
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Alienange
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 5:57:43 PM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 6:25:04 PM
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Alienange
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 6:33:53 PM
Of course they haven't written off a HD version of MH, but I'd think it's a ways off which is a major bummer.
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Dancemachine55
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 9:54:27 PM
See, the DSi added camera, additional storage, AAC music support and better Wifi options. The camera was the big selling point for it, even if it is a crappy little camera.
My point is, I'm afraid those reasons you gave about the PSP Go being better are only minor improvements and aren't exactly the biggest attraction for the new PSP. Half the stuff you mentioned can be done on the slim PSP's, and UMD is still a relatively popular medium for the handheld.
I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I'll be skipping the PSP Go and waiting for the next Sony handheld to revolutionise the market.
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twenty8nine
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 8:13:52 PM
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I did find a job recently, and as hard as I work for it, my money gets spent carefully. I don't feel like spending a few hundred a year on games that I don't really have the time to play.
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b3mike
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 8:21:28 PM
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Dancemachine55
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 9:44:47 PM
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Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid Other M is too little too late. Nintendo needs to increase the number of hardcore games rather than just rely on 3 or 4 successful franchises.
This is why I bought a 360 over a Wii. Lack of HDD, lack of online content, lack of good graphics and most importantly, lack of great games. Mario Galaxy is not enough to make me wanna fork out 350 bucks for a Wii, no matter how bad I want to play it.
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Scarecrow
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 11:28:16 PM
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and the Japanese devs for trying to make their games with "Western ideas"
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b3mike
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 12:31:47 AM
No wonder garbage like Transformers is cashing in at the box office. I blame the short attention span of the Xbox generation.
Most US games are ewwww
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Kangasfwa
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 12:35:27 AM
And what's wrong with the Japanese trying to broaden their user base?
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Kangasfwa
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 12:39:07 AM
"Testosterone infused, random explosions, chainsawing, bloody, machist ideas?"
You just described the Japanese made Mad World.
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Scarecrow
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 12:42:27 AM
Blind patriotism is really amusing
Last edited by Scarecrow on 7/7/2009 12:43:04 AM
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Gregory Freeman
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 4:28:36 PM
what is it you hate about canada?
is it our cold weather? well its july, and my swimming pool is 90 degrees Fahrenheit... and i'm in canada...
Is it our culture?? well we play hockey, baseball, football... Playstation, poker, etc... basically american culture and canadian culture are near similar...
so why do you hate canada? and better yet, what makes the states any better???
Is it that you won ww2? well, canada won too, and was a part of it long before the states...
Is it because your country isn't socialist, like mine? well il tell you something, if i ever get into an accident, and go into a coma, i thank the lord in heaven that i'm in this socialist country because I DONT PAY FOR THE STAY IN THE HOSPITAL!! you'd prolly die in the same situation in indiana (unless you have the 10 grand a week or day or watever...) Socialism doesnt mean communism...
whatever the reason, know how hypocritical you are saying you love the states, and hate canada... alot of things you take 4 granted are canadian made... hell 60-70% of all your resources come from canada... so count your lucky stars that we're here, or the great america wouldn't be the way it is today.
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Jawknee
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 4:31:44 PM
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Gregory Freeman
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 6:06:33 PM
after 9/11, while American troops were fighting Saddam in Iraq to get rid of his imaginary nukes, and gain their oil, canada was the front line offensive against those who murdered all those people on 9/11, while the Bush lead invasion in iraq had nothing to do with Al Qaeda, or Osama... we could have said "meh, we are a peaceful country, so we wont fight your war." but instead we sacrificed our soldiers to do what America should have done... Iraq was pointless... although the result of the war looks promising, Al Qaeda, should have been dealt with first... Im glad you guys are there now... better late than never.. ( I'm aware america was apart of afghanistan, but their effort was minimal compared to that of the iraq invasion, and even that of the canadian occupation of afghanistan)
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Gregory Freeman
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 6:53:34 PM
as a species there should be co operation, not hatred over things that don't benefit the greater good. If we can't get along now, what are we going to do in the future? as technology becomes more deadly, our hatred may grow aswell, and that's a scary thought...
but regardless, this is a gaming site, not a moral political discussion... so the solution I see fit is to ban that guy who started all this with that hate speach, and restore order, and get back to waiting for MW2,and M.A.G!
Who's with me?
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Jawknee
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 7:02:22 PM
P.s. I didn't mean to diminish Canada's support in the on going war efforts agaisnt islamonazi terrorism. I just meant that traditionally the world looks to America to fight its wars and solve it's problems. Not Canada. So I apologize. As a proud American I don't dislike Canada or it's citizens. I just think it would so some of you some good to look outside your own media for info about us. Plus Steven Harper is cool.
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Gregory Freeman
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 7:14:32 PM
but while we're on the topic of media, how bout FOX and its slander of the Canadian involvement in Afghanistan and its anti-Canuck Propaganda??
no side is completely innocent...
and my final remark is that Socialism isn't bad! Sure the USSR painted it as a bad system when it is paired with communism, but in my opinion, as well as many other Canadians, and Europeans, socialism is a good alternative to capitalism, and can even be good as a blend of both..
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Jawknee
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 12:34:23 AM
moral about taking money that I didn't work for from other people and giving it to dead beats who choose not to work. Socialism breeds lazyness and keeps adults on a permanent infantile state. Turns countries into nanny states. Screw that. All in the name of "fairness". Yea real fair, the harder some one works the more of his money gets stolen by the government. Okaaaaaay!
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Jawknee
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 4:50:07 PM
4 up, 1 down
jmo_INDY_Repub
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 2:55:52 AM
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1 up, 3 down
Kangasfwa
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 5:19:08 PM
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Seriously. I am sorry. I don't disrespect other countries, so please, try to respect mine.
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Jawknee
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 7:05:21 PM
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BikerSaint
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 7:14:18 PM
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I'm American, & I for one, want to say "THANK YOU" & give my gratitude to Canada for your country's service, & all the sacrifices you've made in standing with us!!!!!
BTW, I was in Montreal for Expo 67. Was only supposed to be there for only 3 weeks, but wound up staying for 3 months, & had the time of my life while there! I hope to visit a few other cities & providences someday too.
Yo jmo_INDY_Repub,
Stroll your role, & tone it down, cause it's those "young & dumb" acts like yours that keeps giving America a black eye!!!
Last edited by BikerSaint on 7/7/2009 7:20:07 PM
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Gregory Freeman
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 7:23:39 PM
Expo 67, from what I heared, was an amazing event... I didn't have the luxury of being around back then... but what remains (the theme park La Ronde) is an amazing place.
Canada is an all round fun place to be. The Beer's good, the food's great!, and the women are Amazing :P
and if you're into it, Maryjane's mostly inexpensive here... and its potent stuff :P
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BikerSaint
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 7:20:12 PM
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Yup, what you just said
Nor Democrat,
or Independent either
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Gregory Freeman
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 7:40:37 PM
Canadian medical technology is just as advanced as American technology, because the manufacturers of our medical products usually make yours aswell... so there is no better or worse (unless you care about money...)
And I have never blamed America for anything... Hell, I haven't even blamed Afghanistan for 9/11... i blame those responsible... not everyone as a whole...I Blame Bush for all the sh!t going down in Iraq after 2003, Not America...
we don't pay for health care, yet your equipment aswell as mine is at par... hmmmmm...... that doesn't support your argument...
yes, your argument on WWII is true... but how many movies do you see with british and canadian operations of WW2? and then tell me how many you see of US involvement?
Those movies show the states as the "Savior" of the world... where in actuality, it was a joint effort between American, Dominion(Canada), British and USSR troops, to which without them (mostly the soviets actually) the Reich wouldn't have fallen, and we'd all be Sprechen Ze Deutsch meine amerikanische Freund.
but don't even get me started with the retaliation on Japan...
can we just forget this argument? this is not the time, nor the place for 2 allies to be arguing... hell if the us and Russia can become allies after nearly blowing each other up, we can get along...
Last edited by Gregory Freeman on 7/7/2009 7:44:05 PM
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Jawknee
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 12:37:21 AM
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Jawknee
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 12:40:00 AM
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BikerSaint
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 @ 8:25:16 PM
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Yeah, have a lot of fun partying with all the students at McGill University back in the day.
Damn, although I've forgetten all the names now, I can still remember the great underground mall, & the giant globe statue made just for Expo 67 and the Hotel(Queen)Elizabeth where I was staying when I wasn't crashed out in one of the student's rooms at McGill.
BTW, every since the 80's, I decided to stop partaking in any(& all) of the available goodies out there anymore though. And nicotine is my only addiction now.
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Gregory Freeman
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 1:51:51 PM
you take pride in vaporizing hundreds of thousands of innocent women and children??
what the hell man!
and if you did your research, D-Day wasn't really lead by any nation, it was a joint effort.. one in which, guess what, canada completed their 3 day objective in 1 day. you americans, and even the brits, were still holding the beaches while we were many Kilometers into enemy territory.
Our country may be "Pussies", but I dare you to go to a canadian bar and start sh!t...
If i wasn't your ally, I'd be living in the US right now, even though my geographical location wouldn't change..
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Jawknee
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 9:14:53 AM
Last edited by Jawknee on 7/8/2009 9:22:28 AM
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Gregory Freeman
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 1:55:42 PM
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Jawknee
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 3:01:21 PM
Last edited by Jawknee on 7/8/2009 3:14:51 PM
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Gregory Freeman
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 2:01:08 PM
Oh and saying yu will kill obama really isn't a smart thing to say... the FBI or some sh!t will come and take yu away...
=P
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BikerSaint
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 4:09:38 PM
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He should be expecting a visit anytime now.
And once they do, he won't be commenting here (or anywhere else) for a Veeeery long while.
(not that I have any love for obama myself)
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jmo_INDY_Repub
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 4:34:05 PM
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1 up, 0 down
Gregory Freeman
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 5:10:12 PM
1 up, 1 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 5:35:45 PM
1 up, 1 down
BikerSaint
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 7:29:41 PM
Lets see now, yesterday you said you were closing your account here & leaving.
So by your own account of what you told everyone yesterday, & the fact that you're still posting here a day later, just proves to everyone here of another big fat fib on your part. You really don't get it that we don't need your BS here.
BTW, before you start up again, the cheese for all your whine should be in your fridge.
Last edited by BikerSaint on 7/8/2009 7:34:32 PM
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SHADOW [Moderator]
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 9:06:47 PM
Also, let's drop the politics and get back on topic, that subject never ends well.
Last edited by SHADOW on 7/8/2009 9:09:28 PM
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SHADOW [Moderator]
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 @ 9:20:28 PM
Last edited by SHADOW on 7/8/2009 9:21:16 PM
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BikerSaint
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 12:39:45 PM
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"The Shadow knows"
And my "Thanks" out to you!
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A2K78
Reply
Monday, July 06, 2009 @ 1:30:44 PM