Duh: Japanese market growth largely due to DS

Next Gen recently ran an article reporting on the latest CESA (Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association) White Paper, which is a collection of video game-specific statistical data for Japan.

Looking over the last year figures, it's shown that the Japanese gaming market grew 49.6% in 2005 to 1359.8 billion yen, or $11.6 billion US. Now how much of this do you think is due to the DS and Brain Training craze? Well, just look at the increase in hardware sales over there, which doubled to 872.7 billion yen, or $7.47 billion. Well, it's not like the Japanese were desperately buying up every last PSP on the shelf.