It's apparent that every major hardware maker was a winner in 2007, according to year-end NPD data. Not satisfied, Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo did what any good marketer would do: toot their horns.
Playing the Numbers
Microsoft last week reported that "consumers have spent nearly 45 percent of total industry figures on Xbox 360," and that "leading multiplatform blockbusters continue to sell better on Xbox 360."
Indeed, Microsoft sells more games per console than any other system, but the company conveniently left out PS2, DS, and PSP sales from its "total industry figures." And though to a lesser extent, Wii and PS2 sales of Guitar Hero III and Rock Band (PS2 only) were not included in the multiplatform blockbusters comparison.
Nintendo had such a good year when it came to hardware sales, that it didn't have to mince words in its statement released late last week. The DS and Wii respectively finished the year as the top-selling systems, not to mention the best selling platforms during the holidays. However, Nintendo's statement left out poor sales of third-party games, with exception to Guitar Hero III and Mario and Sonic at the Olympics.
Sony, for its part, said the PS3 is gaining momentum, which it did this holiday. However, all systems saw a substantial increase in sales during Christmas, so it's difficult to accurately tell which console maker saw the most momentum.
Still, it's the best thing Sony could say as the hardware king belongs to Wii, and the game sales trophy goes to Xbox 360.
For more computer gaming news, visit GamePro. Story copyright © 2007 IDG Entertainment. All rights reserved.
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