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Sony's PSPgo sells 28,000 units on first day in Japan, physical media points and laughs
Remember the "platform sales boost" that Sony was tauting after the PSPgo's release in the US? The question on everyone's minds was of course how much of that boost was buoyed by the new kid on the block, and while Sony still hasn't given us any domestic figures (nor will it ever, probably), we now know that the thing sold 28,000 units on its first day of availability on its home turf in Japan. That's certainly better than the measly 1,000 units moved in Australia over the same period, but hardly encouraging when you look at its predecessors. According to Media Create the original PSP sold 171,963 units in a day in Japan. The PSP-2000? 130,000. UMD may be hated by everyone, but it seems to still have legs.
The App Store unofficially breaks 100,000 approved apps
It's another milestone (unofficially) met, as Apple has passed the 100,000 threshold of approved apps in the App Store, according to App Shopper. If you're unfamiliar with App Shopper, they list all of the apps that are in the store, tracking updates and price changes. As of this writing, they're listing 101,847 apps approved for sale and 93,118 actually available. We imagine Apple will make an announcement when the latter number officially hits 100,000. Just last month, Apple announced that there were upwards of 85,000 apps available for purchase with sales figures in the billions -- 2 billion apps sold in fact, though there's no word on the mix of paid vs. free. Despite the (often significant) bumps in the road, the App Store continues to grow at an incredible pace.
Windows 7 breaks Amazon UK pre-order volume record, ousts Harry Potter
Take it from us, your London-based sleuths, when anything sells faster than Harry Potter books or DVDs in the UK, it's scorching hot. Case in point is Microsoft's Vista successor, which has sold so well that it has beaten the Amazon UK pre-order record previously held by J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In fact, Windows 7 was able to tally up more sales in the first 8 hours of pre-order availability than Vista was able to collect altogether. Now that's what we call an upgrade.
Acer: we'll overtake Dell as world's number two PC maker... soon
Acer's President Gianfranco Lanci is talking some big talk these days, but not completely without reason. The Taiwan-based computer manufacturer says it does not expect to see a decline in revenue this year over last, meaning that it should clear somewhere in the realm of $17 billion -- its 2008 revenue figure. Much of the good news (and sales) hails from Asia, where retail markets have not been as hard hit by the economic insanity of the last year. Moreover, Lanci also said that with these figures, Acer "can finally pass Dell" sometime between this quarter and the next. He also added that the company expects to "breach the gap with HP" when it comes to notebooks, netbooks, and smartphones. So... that means we can expect a ton of Acers this year, right? Right. Update: Well, that was fast.
PSP Go launch inspires three-fold sales increase for platform
Like it or not, the PSP Go is loose in the wild, sashaying around with neither physical media nor respect for sensible price-points. Nevertheless, it has generated a rather sizeable boost in interest for the PSP platform as a whole, with Sony saying that sales for all PSPs are up 300 percent over the week before the console launched. It's easy to see why, given the buzz surrounding the new iteration of the hardware as well as the hugely anticipated Gran Turismo finally coming to fruition. What we don't know is how many of those new sales were of the Go and how many were of the existing PSP-3000, a stat that would have shown whether indeed the "aspirational" new system would inspire some to just go ahead and buy the old system instead. We know which we would choose, how about you?[Via gamesindustry.biz]
Nokia N97 sells two million units in three months, Nokla sells two dozen
Well, maybe Nokia recently announced a 66 percent yearly drop in Q2 profit. And perhaps N97 reviews have been, how we say, less than stellar. But there definitely seems to be a fan base for the handset: according to Mobile News, sales of both this guy and the 5800 XpressMusic combined to total 10 million in the last 10 months, with sales for the former adding up to a whopping two million since its launch three months ago. In fact, half of the XpressMusic sales were generated since the launch of the N97 -- certainly suggesting that the younger sibling successfully raised the company's profile and brought its fellow handset along for the ride. Does this make Nokia the "undisputed leading player in the smartphones space," as the company's chief executive Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo put it? By sheer volume of devices, perhaps -- but mindshare continues to be a problem that we're guessing they're eager to see if Maemo 5 and the N900 can solve. The CEO of Nokla could not be reached for comment.[Thanks, David D]
Apple moves one million iPhone 3G S units in a weekend -- just in time for Steve's return
Worried that Apple might not be doing so well? Concerned the company will have to start breaking open the collective piggy banks to keep the lights on? Well rest easy, friends, as the folks in Cupertino have just issued a compelling piece of PR that will surely put your mind at ease -- one stating it managed to move a million iPhone 3G S units over the weekend. That's right, in a fashion not completely dissimilar to last year's iPhone 3G launch (though with far less hiccups), bucketloads of happy buyers flooded Apple's coffers with sweet, delicious cash money for the new smartphone. The buying frenzy was apparently even exciting enough to rouse recovering CEO Steve Jobs from his convalescent state. The seemingly-now-returned honcho is quoted (for the first time in months) in the press release as saying "Customers are voting and the iPhone is winning." Winning indeed Steve... and welcome back.
50 Cent: Blood on the Sand sales pale to Bulletproof
50 Cent's latest game, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, hasn't been selling well, apparently. Kotaku reports the title has only managed to sell 1/12th as many copies as the rapper's first joint, 50 Cent: Bulletproof, which has sold nearly 1.2 million copies. The sequel has sold only 56,000 copies as of early April. Despite the fact it has received more critical acclaim than Bulletproof, consumers just don't seem to care about the trials and tribulations of a rapper chasing a crystal skull through the desert. Yeah, we don't get it, either. We just hope the sales turn around. We actually want 50 Cent to make his sequel ... as long as there are plenty more points to be had.
T-Mobile sells a million G1s in the US
We don't know why T-Mobile isn't trumpeting this, but Deutsche Telekom's Q1 results are out, and the multinational carrier says that over one million G1s have been sold in the US, making up a majority of the 1.5 million 3G devices currently active on T-Mo's network. That's quite an accomplishment in just six months, considering the Android handset launched without nationwide 3G coverage -- it's better now, but we're talking just 21 cities back in October. Of course, a million's just a drop in the bucked compared to the number of Blackberrys, iPhones, and Windows Mobile devices out there, but we've got enough of a soft spot for Android to overlook it -- now let's get some more devices out the door and really boost that marketshare number, shall we?[Via Electronista]
Wii passes 8 million sold mark in Japan
Game hardware sales may be slowing down in Japan, with the Wii slowing down more, but Nintendo can still find milestones to celebrate. According to Enterbrain, the Wii has sold 8 million units in Japan as of April 19. Worldwide, the total number of consoles (shipped) passed 50 million last month. Compared to that, 8 million may not sound huge, but it's about 5 million units more than the PlayStation 3 sold as of last month.Enterbrain also released a list of the top five Wii games in Japan and their life-to-date sales: Wii Sports (3,481,469) Wii Fit (3,301,373) Wii Play (2,672,811) Mario Kart Wii (2,218,756) Super Smash Bros. Brawl (1,789,924) [Via Kotaku]
Rumor: WiiWare's sales threshold revealed
Since the very existence of a minimum sales target for WiiWare games, under which developers don't receive any payment, is itself rumor, these specific numbers given to Kotaku by an unnamed dev are, like, double rumor.According to Kotaku's source, the thresholds vary by region and filesize. In North America, a WiiWare game over 16MB must sell 6,000 units for the developer to see any payment. This number drops to 4,000 units for games under 16MB. In Europe, it's 3,000 for games over 16MB and 2,000 for games under 16MB.Those sound like pretty small numbers, which seem like they shouldn't be a problem for most developers -- although we've heard some pretty distressing stuff about WiiWare sales.
Surprise! Nintendo dismisses WiiWare sales threshold as 'rumour and speculation'
Whenever a topic comes up that Nintendo doesn't want to address, the company responds with, "We don't comment on rumors and speculation." Basically, anything other than a press release or recorded statement from an executive is considered rumor and speculation. MotionPlus release date? Rumors and speculation! A new DS model? Rumors and speculation! (Well, "research and speculation," just to keep it fresh!)And so it is with the WiiWare sales threshold story presented yesterday. A Nintendo UK spokesperson told Edge that the information was "rumour and speculation." Technically, it's true to say that -- statements from unnamed developers really are rumors, just like estimates of Wii manufacturing costs are speculation. But it's no less frustrating. Even so, it's worth noting that the rep followed up not with a denial of the payment scheme, but, "The terms, conditions and contracts between Nintendo and developers is a private and confidential matter."
Report: WiiWare sales threshold factors in dev profit
Nintendo's WiiWare service has a minimum sales threshold set for each individual region, according to a new Gamasutra report. If indie developers fail to reach the established minimum sales mark, then they don't see one dime. Gamasutra speculates that the mystery figure is somewhere in the thousands for North America and Europe.So is WiiWare still a worthwhile destination for indie developers to pursue? That's hard to say, as Wii's large install base and the relative ease of developing for the platform (both monetarily and architecturally) have to be appealing, despite the pressure of the alleged threshhold. One thing is certain, though: WiiWare developers should be relieved a storage solution is finally in place. Hopefully, that will prove to help more than one studio sell its wares.
Resident Evil 5 maintains UK sales chart lead
Capcom's Resident Evil 5 has been performing well in the UK (and all over the world). Ever since its release earlier this month, it's been selling like crazy. Well, the streak continues, as the game is once again top dog of the UK software world, beating out Wii Fit for top honors during the week ending March 28. With nothing much on the release calendar for the immediate future, we're willing to bet that another post like this will find its way onto our site next week.
United Majinidom: Resident Evil 5 tops UK entertainment charts
A new U2 album released in the UK last week, but nobody really noticed, because they were too busy jaunting through bright, deadly Africa in Capcom's Resident Evil 5. As if besting megastar Bono wasn't a big enough accomplishment -- watch your back, Chris and Sheva; Bono doesn't like being number two (NSFW linkage) -- Capcom's game also managed to beat out all of the top 5 movies at the UK box office ... combined. It's likely to be a short-lived victory, however, as games rarely manage to have the staying power other forms of entertainment do in the UK. But, a victory it is nonetheless.Looks like we know where Capcom is taking us in Resident Evil 6: Hull.
EEDAR predicts February NPD sales decline, Wii sales explosion
The industry analysts at Electronic Entertainment Design and Research recently cast their assortment of oracle bones over some spreadsheets in an attempt to foretell NPD sales figures for the month of February. The firm's prediction is a tad on the grim side -- according to EEDAR, February software sales reached $659 million, a 2 percent decrease from last year's sales. They foresee a year-on-year decline for Spring 2009 sales as a whole, largely due to last year's glut of blockbuster Q1 releases, such as Super Smash Bros. Brawl and GTA IV.EEDAR's hardware sales estimates are similarly un-rosy -- they predict year-on-year February sales for the PSP, DS and PS3 to fall over 10 percent. However, the firm does predict an 18 percent increase for the 360, and a whopping 68 percent jump for the Wii. With Wii Fit standing atop EEDAR's software sales chart, and with Wii Play presumably surpassing 10 million LTD sales as of last month, it seems Nintendo's license to print money is far from expiring.
GTA IV's 'The Lost and Damned' found by many, many people
Move over Bionic Commando: Rearmed and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, because there's a new top earner on Xbox Live, and it's GTA IV's "The Lost and Damned". Rockstar's Xbox 360-exclusive DLC pack featuring Johnny and his crazy motorbiking buddies has set a record on the service, as its first-day sales revenue has eclipsed all other titles that have debuted on Xbox Live (note: at $20, The Lost and Damned is also more expensive than the previous record holders). Sadly, exact sales figures aren't given, so we don't know how much Microsoft and Rockstar have made off the DLC yet. When we know, we'll be sure to let you know.GTA IV's "The Lost and Damned" DLC pack is available now on Xbox Live Marketplace for 1600.%Gallery-37692%
GameStop sales reach $8.8b in 2008
In what is undoubtedly the next step toward enslaving all humanity, GameStop has reported a 24 percent increase in year-over-year sales to $8.8 billion in 2008, making the $7.1 billion it earned in 2007 seem rather pedestrian. But before the company begins rounding us up and placing explosive collars around our necks, it'll need to increase profits in 2009 by a bit more ...And GameStop expects to do just that, projecting a sales increase between 10 and 12 percent this year. GameStop expects to raise store sales growth between 4 and 6 percent and will open 400 new stores worldwide this year. Our suggestion to you: Start stockpiling food and weapons and prepare for the coming war -- GameStop should be able to employ its mercenary army by early 2013.Essential reading: Counting Rupees: Feeling Used
Nintendo also wins at advertising
Nintendo has made a business of manufacturing money printing machines, but how has it done in marketing those machines to people? Well, as you can guess from the title of this post, the company hasn't done too badly. Phoenix Marketing International's Travel and Leisure Division conducted its Video Game Advertising Performance Index (AdPi) Audit and found Nintendo was the only gaming company in Q4 of 2008 to earn above average AdPi scores. The score, which determines effectiveness and impact in all three media categories (print, television and digital), shows that Nintendo has done a pretty good job of pushing its wares on the populace. The highest-rated ads were: TV: Nintendo's Wii Music; and Activision's Call of Duty: World at War Print: Nintendo's Wii Fit; Disney Interactive's Disney Think Fast; and MTV Games' Rock Band 2 Digital: Nintendo's Wii Music; Activision's Call of Duty: World at War; and Ubisoft's The Price is Right In order to gauge the effectiveness of an ad, consumers were asked if they would buy the game, if the ad was worth watching again, and if the ad was inspiring or worth talking about. Well, we know of at least one ad that definitely fits the bill.
Mad Catz reports third quarter losses
Following a purr-fect second quarter, sales for Mad Catz's third quarter haven't been so good, as the peripheral manufacturer reported losses of $26.9 million for the period ending December 31. To help you wrap your mind around how big a loss this is, during the same period in 2008, Mad Catz reported net income of only $3.3 million. The company was pretty much down all across the board, with gross profit for the quarter down 16.7% to $10.5 million. Net sales were up, however, to $40.8 million, a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2008. Darren Richardson, president and CEO, places the blame on "provisions for increased inventory reserves, higher royalty expenses, increased costs due to added product development staff and higher shipment costs." In other words: business is tough. Richardson says the inventory reserves were necessary due to the "uncertain state of the economy and the retail industry." Yet, from here on out, he remains optimistic, placing profit margins "no lower than the range of those experienced in our latest three and nine month periods." With hot items on the horizon like those RE5 accessories, how can the company not expect to do well?
