Console makers toot their NPD horns (News)

GamePro staff, GamePro (online)

18/01/2008 19:11:15

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 horn.

Microsoft on Thursday said, "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 their "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 their statement released on Thursday. The DS and Wii respectively finished the year as the top-selling systems, not to mention the best selling platforms during the holidays. However, Ninty conveniently 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.