DS Lite Sold 0.5 Million in Japan Last Week

hanafuda · Dec 28, 2006

DS Lite. Wow. 0.5 million in one week. Crazy numbers.

In other handheld news, the PSP sold 140,000 in the same week. A pretty solid number too.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, also blasts into the software charts at number 2 with 180,000 copies sold. Looks set to become the biggest selling PSP game to date. It only just lost out to Pokemon DS at the number 1 spot.

bokmeow · Dec 28, 2006

hanafudaX said:
DS Lite. Wow. 0.5 million in one week. Crazy numbers.

In other handheld news, the PSP sold 140,000 in the same week. A pretty solid number too.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, also blasts into the software charts at number 2 with 180,000 copies sold. Looks set to become the biggest selling PSP game to date. It only just lost out to Pokemon DS at the number 1 spot.

Yeah, after the initial stumble, PSP has been helped by the deep price cut to make it more attractive, and the PSP games no longer retail at the $50 price, instead $40 on average. The video game market has really matured after 2 decades after all, it's quite able to support 2 rival portable gaming formats. As long as the PSP game library keeps growing, the PSP will do just fine.

Average Joe · Dec 28, 2006

Pokemon has been out for what... like three months now and it's still #1?

God damn those Japanese are still as Pikachu crazy as ever.

Half a million DS console sales is amazing though.

That little system just doesn't seem to want to let up.

The PSP is actually looking good though too.

There's finally enough software on the system to warrant a purchase from me.

May just pick one up for myself in the upcoming month.

barf · Dec 29, 2006

The problem with my DS is that... it lacks games i want to play.

I really enjoyed Trauma Center,NSMB,Kirby,Castlevania DS/POR,Tetris,Mario Kart,Phoenix Wright 1&2
but that s it.

I tried Animal Crossing and i regret my purchase, i played an hour and felt bored. I tried a few other titles and didn't enjoy them.

I bought less than 10 games on DS... in almost 2 years it s not good, i bought more on PSP in its 3 first months.

I guess the DS is just not targeted at me, that s good, there must be titles for everyone, i just hope it doesn't asphyxiate PSP releases

Vincere · Dec 29, 2006

You know barf I sometimes just feel the same. I simply love my DS, play it everyday and have a lot of fun to play with but I simply miss GORE games sometimes. I miss firing at dozens of marines and splattering their brain all over the walls with a shotgun. Each time I see videos of Gears of War I just feel tempted , really tempted.

*I don't have any this-gen system and the last FPS I bought on PC was Quake (I)...

AppleiDog · Dec 29, 2006

The PSP sold 140,000 in the same week.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, 180,000 copies sold.

It seems that Mgs

o Sold 140,000 psps lol lol lol

GregN · Dec 29, 2006

Half a mill in one week?

Doesn't everybody who lives in Japan already have one? Are they buying them for their dogs or something?

bokmeow · Dec 29, 2006

GregN. said:
Half a mill in one week?

Doesn't everybody who lives in Japan already have one? Are they buying them for their dogs or something?

One might wonder the same for the PS2 as well. I'm shocked that they still move 100,000+ units a month.

BioMotor_Unitron · Dec 29, 2006

bokmeow said:
One might wonder the same for the PS2 as well. I'm shocked that they still move 100,000+ units a month.

That's just to replace the ones that break down.

wizkid007 · Dec 29, 2006

barf said:
i just hope it doesn't asphyxiate PSP releases

This is already starting to happen. The next big DQ is on the ds for a reason. And im starting to wonder if the big releases are going to start fizzeling out after this one (Metal gear game). As to me all the other support hinders on the big releases. Without them they dont have any software to push large numbers of units and smaller 3rd party support will drop because there are no units being sold. They are essential to the survival of the psp. And I just dont know where the unit sales are going to come from if this happens.

Overall I like the psp for the good games it does have. And it is a great piece of hardware. But I do believe nintendo has won this battle. Even on these shores as the average psp user does not visit forums to talk about gaming and has the attention span of a flee. They will not be able to carry software sales the unit needs to survive. Especially with the firmware being ripped to shit to incorporate everything from isos to ps1 games. Its just not going to happen. And the average psp user loves this stuff.

GregN · Dec 29, 2006

wizkid007 said:
This is already starting to happen. The next big DQ is on the ds for a reason. And im starting to wonder if the big releases are going to start fizzeling out after this one (Metal gear game). As to me all the other support hinders on the big releases. Without them they dont have any software to push large numbers of units and smaller 3rd party support will drop because there are no units being sold. They are essential to the survival of the psp. And I just dont know where the unit sales are going to come from if this happens.

Overall I like the psp for the good games it does have. And it is a great piece of hardware. But I do believe nintendo has won this battle. Even on these shores as the average psp user does not visit forums to talk about gaming and has the attention span of a flee. They will not be able to carry software sales the unit needs to survive. Especially with the firmware being ripped to shit to incorporate everything from isos to ps1 games. Its just not going to happen. And the average psp user loves this stuff.

Have you looked on Craigslist? PSP's are dumped on there at a rate of 30:1 with the DS.

BIG · Dec 29, 2006

jizzy jizzy jizzy cant you see?

wizkid007 said:
This is already starting to happen. The next big DQ is on the ds for a reason. And im starting to wonder if the big releases are going to start fizzeling out after this one (Metal gear game). As to me all the other support hinders on the big releases. Without them they dont have any software to push large numbers of units and smaller 3rd party support will drop because there are no units being sold. They are essential to the survival of the psp. And I just dont know where the unit sales are going to come from if this happens.

Overall I like the psp for the good games it does have. And it is a great piece of hardware. But I do believe nintendo has won this battle. Even on these shores as the average psp user does not visit forums to talk about gaming and has the attention span of a flee. They will not be able to carry software sales the unit needs to survive. Especially with the firmware being ripped to shit to incorporate everything from isos to ps1 games. Its just not going to happen. And the average psp user loves this stuff.

Classic Wizzy post.

Tell us something we don't already know about your bias towards the DS/PSP.

B-

hanafuda · Dec 29, 2006

barf said:
The problem with my DS is that... it lacks games i want to play.

I really enjoyed Trauma Center,NSMB,Kirby,Castlevania DS/POR,Tetris,Mario Kart,Phoenix Wright 1&2
but that s it.

I tried Animal Crossing and i regret my purchase, i played an hour and felt bored. I tried a few other titles and didn't enjoy them.

I bought less than 10 games on DS... in almost 2 years it s not good, i bought more on PSP in its 3 first months.

I guess the DS is just not targeted at me, that s good, there must be titles for everyone, i just hope it doesn't asphyxiate PSP releases

That is kind of where I am at the moment. I love my DS Lite, and have played it a huge amout since I got one in Decemeber 2004, but just recently I have tired of it, and I getting pretty bored of the type of software that is coming out for it. My last DS purchase for myself was Final Fantasy III, and I loved that, but at present, there really isn't anything I plan to buy for it for a while.

This is part of the reason I decided to get a PSP, and at the moment I am really loving it.

For big games, at least in Japan, Capcom's Monster Hunter was a huge seller here, and the sequel is almost here. Next month or early Feb if I remember correctly.

After seeing what they can do with MGS Portable Ops, I'm now really looking forward to Silent Hill PSP too.

As for Dragon Quest IX on the DS, the user reaction to that is that a lot of people aren't happy about it at all, and a lot of people don't like the way it is being turned into an action based RPG either.

Eldios · Dec 29, 2006

500k units is truly an amazing number. The DS has pretty much turned into the 21st century cell phone in Japan as everyone has one. It still baffles me to this today than whenever a new color/box set comes out people camp out for those things. I think it is pretty clear that the undisputed winner of the next gen wars is the DS lol.

Seriously though I really like both the DS and PSP. I am glad to see the PSP starting to get some really quality stuff as I am just aching for an excuse to buy a new game for it.

To be honest, I am pretty disappointed DQ IX is an action/rpg as I really enjoyed the series as it was. However, the game still will probably become the best selling DS game of all time, and I am sure it will be fun, especially with the 4 player stuff (assuming it is WiFi and not local).

@Hanafudax: Are you in Tokyo/Osaka? On any given day walking in the city how many DS lites do you see on people?

Nesagwa · Dec 29, 2006

hanafudaX said:
That is kind of where I am at the moment. I love my DS Lite, and have played it a huge amout since I got one in Decemeber 2004, but just recently I have tired of it, and I getting pretty bored of the type of software that is coming out for it. My last DS purchase for myself was Final Fantasy III, and I loved that, but at present, there really isn't anything I plan to buy for it for a while.

This is part of the reason I decided to get a PSP, and at the moment I am really loving it.

For big games, at least in Japan, Capcom's Monster Hunter was a huge seller here, and the sequel is almost here. Next month or early Feb if I remember correctly.

After seeing what they can do with MGS Portable Ops, I'm now really looking forward to Silent Hill PSP too.

As for Dragon Quest IX on the DS, the user reaction to that is that a lot of people aren't happy about it at all, and a lot of people don't like the way it is being turned into an action based RPG either.

Dragonquest was on Nintendo consoles longer than it was Sony ones. Japan just loves to suck that dick and whine when Square decides to jump ship again.

jethrek · Dec 29, 2006

hanafudaX said:
That is kind of where I am at the moment. I love my DS Lite, and have played it a huge amout since I got one in Decemeber 2004, but just recently I have tired of it, and I getting pretty bored of the type of software that is coming out for it. My last DS purchase for myself was Final Fantasy III, and I loved that, but at present, there really isn't anything I plan to buy for it for a while.

This is part of the reason I decided to get a PSP, and at the moment I am really loving it.

For big games, at least in Japan, Capcom's Monster Hunter was a huge seller here, and the sequel is almost here. Next month or early Feb if I remember correctly.

After seeing what they can do with MGS Portable Ops, I'm now really looking forward to Silent Hill PSP too.

As for Dragon Quest IX on the DS, the user reaction to that is that a lot of people aren't happy about it at all, and a lot of people don't like the way it is being turned into an action based RPG either.

- Nintendo DS Lite - 485,584
- Wii - 279,277
- PSP - 138,588
- PlayStation 3 - 76,882
- PlayStation 2 - 46,209
- Xbox 360 - 17,213

They seem positively upset!

KaedesDisciple · Dec 30, 2006

Did we really expect Sony to topple the Nintendo stranglehold on the portable market on its first go? I sure didn't, but they're putting up one hell of a fight and I'm behind Sony for once. Actually that statement isn't totally true, I'm really behind the idea of competition. I think they're putting up a better fight than any other portable console has against the big N thus far.

PSP - Great system, love all 13 games I own for it so far and am looking forward to the future.

DS - Another great system with a strong library of games, but it's just not for me at this time.

hanafuda · Dec 30, 2006

jethrek said:
- Nintendo DS Lite - 485,584
- Wii - 279,277
- PSP - 138,588
- PlayStation 3 - 76,882
- PlayStation 2 - 46,209
- Xbox 360 - 17,213

They seem positively upset!

This is more to do with the series moving to a portable platform, and the play style being turned into an action RPG.

In fact, based on a recent Famitsu poll, gamers that voted aren't very happy about it.

"Do you welcome Dragon Quest IX on Nintendo DS? Does it make you happy? Are you in love with the very idea of it?" (Emphasis added.)

40.3% say "Yes"
46% say "No"
5.2% say "Neither"
8.5% say "I'm not sure yet"

The full poll translation is here: http://www.insertcredit.com/

Not really sure what posting the latest JPN sales figures has to do with this, but whatever makes you happy...

Eldios>

I work in Tokyo. Lots of kids have DSs, and you do see the odd person in their 20s playing them. Both male and female. The other day I saw a guy who was in his late 40s with a white one :eek_2:

I see PSPs too, but the user base is a lot different. Yesterday I saw a guy with a silver PSP and the GPS unit attached. Guess he was playing Portable Ops. I had my PSP on me so was tempted do some trading but he was on the move and I had to get back to the office...

wizkid007 · Dec 30, 2006

GregN. said:
Have you looked on Craigslist? PSP's are dumped on there at a rate of 30:1 with the DS.

I dont get your point. Wouldnt that confirm what im saying. People are actually keeping there ds's? And selling the psps because of there attention span? I dont think it has anything to do with the sales ratio.

I honestly believe that the demographic of the gamers buying the psps do so not for the games but to say they have a psp and when the novelty wears off craigslist is where it ends up and the psp is being used as a fad. Handheld gamers buy games for a reason. But if that reason is superficial. It wont last that long.

hanafudaX said:
40.3% say "Yes"
46% say "No"
5.2% say "Neither"
8.5% say "I'm not sure yet"[/I]

I agree with this. I dont think they wanted to see it on handheld but on a next gen console instead but square went with installed base and development costs on that one. I bet all they are seeing is a bunch of dollar signs.

Square has lost it in my opinion. They make good games still but they have gone the way of EA. Just lost there passion.

jethrek · Dec 30, 2006

"Do you welcome Dragon Quest IX on Nintendo DS? Does it make you happy? Are you in love with the very idea of it?" (Emphasis added.)

40.3% say "Yes"
46% say "No"

Not being enthusiastic and being upset are rather miles apart. I'm not happy that Portrait of Ruin was a Metroid-vania; there was still no doubt it'd be on my shelf.

hanafuda · Dec 30, 2006

jethrek said:
"Do you welcome Dragon Quest IX on Nintendo DS? Does it make you happy? Are you in love with the very idea of it?" (Emphasis added.)

40.3% say "Yes"
46% say "No"

Not being enthusiastic and being upset are rather miles apart. I'm not happy that Portrait of Ruin was a Metroid-vania; there was still no doubt it'd be on my shelf.

Q

Do you welcome Dragon Quest IX on Nintendo DS?

A

46% say "No"

Get over it.

I personally don't care. I have never played a Dragon Quest game in my life, and the last Square Enix action RPG I played on the DS (Children of Mana) was pure shit.

GregN · Dec 30, 2006

It's not truly confirmed whether or not DQIX is an action RPG. For all we know, it's still menu based, but online multiplayer. The article never went into detail what the gameplay is, they just said it's online multiplayer. You guys are jumping to conclusions.

Gameoz · Dec 30, 2006

hanafudaX said:
Q

Do you welcome Dragon Quest IX on Nintendo DS?

A

46% say "No"

Get over it.

I personally don't care. I have never played a Dragon Quest game in my life, and the last Square Enix action RPG I played on the DS (Children of Mana) was pure shit.

I understand your point. However, the other point is that a good portion of that 46% is still going to buy the game. So, they may not welcome it but it is still going to sell a ton of copies and a ton of DS Lites.

hanafuda · Dec 30, 2006

Gameoz said:
I understand your point. However, the other point is that a good portion of that 46% is still going to buy the game. So, they may not welcome it but it is still going to sell a ton of copies and a ton of DS Lites.

Yeah, no doubt it is going to sell just fine.

The thing is, they clearly decided to move to the DS platform because its market share is far greater than any of the 'next gen' systems.

However, that specific market share is made up predominantly of kids. Therefore. I think gamers and fans are worried that the next installment of the series is going to end up like Children of Mana.

jethrek · Dec 30, 2006

hanafudaX said:
Yeah, no doubt it is going to sell just fine.

The thing is, they clearly decided to move to the DS platform because its market share is far greater than any of the 'next gen' systems.

However, that specific market share is made up predominantly of kids. Therefore. I think gamers and fans are worried that the next installment of the series is going to end up like Children of Mana.

Dragon Quest has -always- moved to the largest installed userbase.

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