Enterbrain has just released its tally of software and hardware sales in Japan during 2011, with the results making for fascinating viewing.
Nintendo was the undisputed king of the hill during 2011, with 5.78 million systems sold when you combine 3DS, Wii and DS sales for the year. In comparison Sony moved 3.83 million units of hardware during 2011, with the PSP proving more popular than the PS3 among Japanese consumers.
Nintendo also beat Sony on the software side of things, with six games in the top ten appearing on a Nintendo platform. What’s most remarkable about 2011’s software standings is just how neat the top six appear: Mario at 1 and 2, Monster Hunter at 3 and 4, and Final Fantasy at 5 and 6. These results are a clear indication that established properties are just as important to publishers in Japan as they are in the West.
What’re your hardware and software predictions for 2012? I’m betting on Monster Hunter 4 and the next proper Pokemon game dominating on the software front, with the 3DS continuing its winning ways throughout this year to take top hardware honours.
Hardware:
- 3DS: 4 135 739
- PSP: 1 960 177
- PlayStation 3: 1 467 261
- Wii: 937 451
- DS: 711 204
- PlayStation Vita: 402 794
- Xbox 360: 114 075
Software:
- [3DS] Mario Kart 7 (Nintendo): 1 082 391
- [3DS] Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo): 1 042 511
- [PSP] Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (Capcom): 1 021 457
- [3DS] Monster Hunter 3G (Capcom): 809 322
- [PS3] Final Fantasy XIII-2 (Square Enix): 697 146
- [PSP] Final Fantasy Type-0 (Square Enix): 696 428
- [WII] Rhythm Heaven (Nintendo): 633 429
- [PS3] Tales of Xillia (Namco Bandai): 632 151
- [WII] Wii Sports Resort (Nintendo): 612 807
- [WII] Wii Party (Nintendo): 584 545
Source: Andriasang
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Comments:
I think when the PS Vita Price cut comes in then it will sell a lot more. I heard the other day Sony is in little bit trouble with the PS Vita, and all they have to do is cut the price down little bit. It was the same with the 3DS when it came out, and after the Price cut just look where it is now. I would love to get both units.
Is Monster Hunter Portable 3rd worth getting on the PSP? or any Monster Hunter Games? I haven't spent time with my PSP since my New Galaxy Tablet was given to me.
This are some big numbers from the land of the rising sun. Nintendo still dominate the Japanese market with Sony slowly catching up for now until the Wii U hits the market and then VAROOOOOMMM Wii U sells 1 million in two weeks.
monster hunter portable 3rd is only in japanese right now. not sure if it will be translated (although fan translations do exist)... i tried the old monster hunter games on psp and found them a bit boring without friends to co-op with. i would recommend mgs: peace walker over monster hunter any day!
@Tom Ok, I'll give MGS Peace walker a try then. Any other recommendations for the PSP...any type of game as I"m open to playing anything.
@Fullmetal I think the Wii U will sell well but not that well. Will just have to wait and see.
Mario Kart 7 \o/
My one wish for the year, please Microsoft can you please release a mario kart-esque racer on XBLA, please.
My favourite kart racer was Crash team racing on PSone, me, Bro october and Fletbed played that game for hours on one tv 4 player splitscreen racing and battle arenas was fun. Like jGLZA said we need one on XBLA so that the fun can begin.
@POltjie my favourite games on psp are crisis core: final fantasy vii, kingdom hearts: birth by sleep and the 3rd birthday. you might also enjoy resistance: retribution. there are also some awesome psone classics like parasite eve 2, chrono cross, final fantasy vii and the resident evil trilogy which are all compatible with psp.