October NPD: Xbox 360 reclaims the console throne, software sales up

Physical video game software sales in the U.S. were up 12 percent in October to $482.5 million, compared with the same period in 2012, NPD reports. This marks the third month in a row that software sales have been up year-over-year.

Games leading the sales charge include Grand Theft Auto 5, which clung to its top spot, and Pokemon X and Y, which took No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Batman: Arkham Origins and Assassins' Creed 4: Black Flag both launched late in October but claimed spots 5 and 6. Peep the full list after the break.

Gaming hardware sales dropped 8 percent year-over-year to $171.7 million, with the 3DS leading the pack for the sixth month straight. The Xbox 360 was the No. 1 console again in October, after the PS3 ruined its streak in September.

Sales of gaming accessories rose 1 percent last month, due to an increase of more than 70 percent in the Interactive Gaming Toys department – meaning Skylanders and Disney Infinity pieces – NPD analyst Liam Callahan says.

Next month will be a very different NPD, with the launch of the PS4 tomorrow and the Xbox One next week. Check out our latest PS4 launch coverage (now with Vines!) right here.

1. Grand Theft Auto V (360, PS3)

2. Pokemon X (3DS)

3. Pokemon Y (3DS)

4. Battlefield 4 (360, PS3, PC)

5. Batman: Arkham Origins (360, PS3, NWU, PC)

6. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (360, PS3, NWU)

7. NBA 2K14 (360, PS3, PC)

8. Skylanders SWAP Force (WII, 360, PS3, NWU, 3DS)

9. Lego Marvel Super Heroes (360, PS3, NWU, 3DS, PSV, PC)

10. WWE 2K14 (360, PS3)