Japanese retailer names underperforming games of 2009

Japanese retail blogger Oosaka King has compiled a list of what he believes are the games that did worst for stores in 2009. These aren't just poor sellers, they're also games with low margins or other problems that kept retailers from profiting.

Topping the list: Blood of Bahamut, a DS RPG released by Square Enix on August 6, just a few weeks after Dragon Quest IX. No mystery why that one didn't sell! Monster Hunter Tri, which may be more surprising, was the blogger's number two choice, due to low margins on the standard edition, as well as some unspecified shipping issues from Capcom.

The full list of what one retailer believes was unprofitable in 2009 is after the break. It features a few more big names, like Sonic, Mario, and Gran Turismo. The preponderance of major games is probably due to the fact that retailers stocked way more of the big games, expecting more sales, and stocked presumably niche titles more judiciously.

[Via Andriasang]

1. Blood of Bahamut (DS)

2. Monster Hunter 3 (standard version) (Wii)

3. Taiko no Tatsujin Wii Dodon to Nidaime (Wii)

4. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (DS)

5. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii)

6. Gran Turismo (PSP)

7. Dynasty Warriors 5 Special (PSP)

8. Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo (Wii)

9. Tamagotchi no Narikiri Channel (DS)

10. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona (PSP)