John-ShepardIf you're wondering why it took so long to release the NPD numbers for May, it's because they wanted to wait until after E3.
Anyway, despite the 1.5 million smash hit that was Red Dead Redemption , May saw the industry fall a bit, although it's a step up from an abysmal April. Overall, the NPD has reported that sales of console hardware, software and accessories fell 5% ($823.5 million) in a year-over-year comparison, with hardware sales taking the biggest hit, falling 20% to only $241.5 million. But software managed to rise 4% to $466.3 million and again, this was due in large part to Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption , which rode glowing critical praise to big financial success. It was easily the #1 title for the month; Super Mario Galaxy 2 sold 563,000 units, and UFC Undisputed 2010 also performed relatively well (413,400), despite not reaching the mark of 2009's iteration, which debuted in May of last year and sold over a half-million copies.
The DS sold 383,700, the Wii came in at 334,800, the Xbox 360 sold 196,600, and the PS3 sold 154,500. The PSP barely registered at 59,400 and by now, the NPD no longer counts numbers for the PS2. All of this is very low in terms of hardware sales but as NPD analyst Anita Fraizer said, this is fairly typical for the usually slow month of May. In fact, the hardware sales in a year-over-year comparison were flat, and an improvement over April 2010. She also noted that "the PS3 platform has enjoyed the greatest percentage growth, with platform sales across hardware, software, and accessories up 32% for the month and 28% year-to-date." Added Patrick Seybold, Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Social Media at Sony Computer Entertainment America:
"In May, we experienced our tenth consecutive month of year over year growth, and it is clear that the demand for PlayStation 3 and its incredible content is not subsiding as evidenced by an increase of 18% in PS3 hardware sales and revenue increase of 58% in PS3 software sales since last May. While tight inventory had an impact on sales numbers in recent months, we are now beginning to experience greater availability of product and are looking forward to this fall's most anticipated launch, PlayStation Move. When PlayStation Move launches consumers will have access to a compelling line-up of motion-control titles that will appeal to casual and core gamers and, in the months that follow, a new line-up of AAA hardware sellers previewed at E3 will arrive on PS3 including Gran Turismo 5, Killzone 3, Twisted Metal and inFAMOUS 2. As icing on the cake, PS3 is the only console that is currently providing consumers with the technology needed to enjoy their favorite games and movies in 3D. We look forward to continuing the momentum behind the PS3 while sharing unparalleled content and cutting-edge innovative experiences with our consumers over the next year and beyond."
It's actually amazing. Even when there isn't a massive exclusive to help out, and even when the industry is mired in the standard slow months of spring, the PS3 continues its upwards climb. Consumers have been seeing the value for quite some time, it seems…