NPD Update: March 2010

April 16, 2010
by: Matt E.

US software dollar sales grew for the 2nd time in the past 13 months.  A sign indicating consumer spending is beginning to return to pre-recession levels.  Year over year software dollar sales grew 10% in March, compared to -14% in February and -13% in January.  However, hardware dollar sales fell -4% year over year, compared to -20% and -21% in February and January (respectively).

On the hardware front, Nintendo Wii recaptured the number one spot from Microsoft after a one month stint.  Next-Gen unit console sales were up a modest 5% compared to March of last year.  The Wii sold a whopping 557,000 units claiming the number one spot, while the Xbox 360 took number two with 338,000 units sold.  Sony's PlayStation 3 came in a close third with 314,000 units.

Software sales showed posistive year over year growth for the first time since September 2009, up a modest 10%.  Sales were lead by Square Enix's Final Fantasy XIII ($79MM) followed by EA's Battlefield: Bad Company 2 ($76MM) and not surprisingly Sony's blockbuster God of War III ($69MM).

If you break software sales down by platform Sony's God of War III takes the top spot, which is impressive considering the mid month release date.  Also interesting to note Final Fantasy sold much better on PlayStation 3 than Xbox 360 which is likely a disappointment to Microsoft.     

Both Sony and Microsoft's Hardware Tie Ratio were very strong at an amazing 16.4 and 11.9 (respectively.)  Wii's Tie Ratio moderated to 8.7 from 10.9 in February.  It should be noted however that both PS3 and Xbox 360 had a large month with the launch of Final Fantasy XIII, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and God of War III, while the Wii largest release was Red Steel 2.

Sales should moderate in April, but expect a big month in May as Super Mario Galaxy 2, Alan Wake, and Red Dead Redemption all make their splash.