Nintendo software leads the way in 2009

15
Jul/090

Nintendo software leads the way in 2009

When the innovative Nintendo Wii first burst onto the gaming scene, many dismissed it as little more than a fad, a passing gimmick set for a fleeting taste of curiosity-fuelled success ahead of retail oblivion.

However, despite tough financial times, Nintendo’s motion-sensing console continues to lead the hardware pack in 2009, and has now stretched its dominance into the software market too.

According to UK market figures released by the diligent number crunchers at GfK ChartTrack, first-party Nintendo titles Wii Fit, Wii Play and Mario Kart Wii rank as the best-selling videogames of 2009 so far thanks to combined sales of 1.65 million units.

And Nintendo’s software success doesn’t stop there. While its trio of Wii titles collectively boast some 72 percent of total sales in the marketplace, they are followed directly by Nintendo DS puzzle adventure Professor Layton and the Curious Village. Rounding out the top five is Sony’s PlayStation 3 shooter exclusive Killzone 2.

The Xbox 360 version of Resident Evil 5 is the year’s sixth best-selling title, while Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training (DS) holds sixth position, and The Sims 3 (PC), Call of Duty: World At War (Xbox 360) and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii) pad out the top ten.

Offering up yet more ammunition to Nintendo fans (not that they need it), the sustained popularity of Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training has now seen the portable IQ exercise package racking up total sales in excess of three million units – making it the UK’s best-selling game ever.