Sony won its third NPD report of the year, as the PlayStation 4 was the best-selling console in the United States for the month of March. Despite this, hardware sales actually declined by 19 per cent year-over-year, due to the lower prices of consoles across the board. Fortunately, an 8 per cent increase in software revenue helped to keep total industry spend relatively flat compared to last year, with the physical sector reeling in $964.1 million.
The Division, of course, was a big driver – and it sold best on the Japanese giant's console. That's despite Microsoft having marketing tabs on the title, though it's worth remembering that official bundles aren't taken into account. Ubisoft won't care one iota, however, as it's sitting pretty right now; Far Cry Primal also had an outstanding month, holding on to second place – despite it launching all the way back in February. Incredible numbers.
PS4 really bossed software in general, with Call of Duty: Black Ops III being the only multiformat game that sold better on a competing new-gen console. MLB 16: The Show did decently considering it only had a few days of tracking time; the Sony San Diego developed exclusive finished in sixth. Grand Theft Auto V, EA Sports UFC 2, NBA 2K16, and Minecraft all rounded out a fairly varied top ten.
"Thank you to our fans and partners for making PS4 the top-selling console and software sales leader for the month of March, as well as the number-one console for fans of The Division, according to NPD," a Sony spokesperson said. "We are truly humbled by the success and look forward to delivering more amazing gaming experiences throughout 2016." With the likes of Dark Souls III and Ratchet & Clank in April, we reckon that it'll be four for four next time out.
Top Ten Physical Retail Releases: March 2016
- Tom Clancy's The Division (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
- Far Cry Primal (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Wii U)
- Grand Theft Auto V (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3, PC)
- EA Sports UFC 2 (PS4, Xbox One)
- MLB 16: The Show (PS4, PS3)
- Pokken Tournament (Wii U)
- NBA 2K16 (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3)
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III (Xbox One, PS4, 360, PS3, PC)
- Minecraft (360, PS4, Xbox One, PS3)
[source venturebeat.com, via neogaf.com]
Comments 19
Quite impressive for Far Cry Primal, I must say. That game's done great globally. I thought it had flop written all over it. This is why Ubisoft executives are driving Lamborghinis and I walk.
The other story here is that, from what I understand, Street Fighter V has been an unmitigated sales catastrophe. If Capcom can't rescue it... Well, I hope none of you were hoping for a Street Fighter VI.
I tried to buy a copy of mlb the show 16 earlier today, nobody stocks it over here which is a crazy conundrum. I think Madden was a driving force behind people liking American football in Britain so the absence of the show is a marketing mistake by the mlb in my opinion.
Only one staff member (from Grainger games unbelievably) knew what I was talking about. There was a copy of mlb the show 14 at a store down south but that was it - in their whole empire!
@themcnoisy I think they only released it digitally in Europe. (Also, who are these British people that like American Football? I've never met one! )
@get2sammyb
Right, I fear Capcom will look at SFV sales and come to the conclusion that the genre is on a downward trend, rather than see it as a side effect of launching a game that lacked content, and was overly skewed towards the tournament demographic. MKX proved that the genre was far from dead, but if SFV is a disappointment, say goodbye to Capcom making another fighting game this gen.
In all honestly, Capcom's best bet may be to lay low for a bit and than hype up a proto super SFV release when they h ave a wealth of content ready, even if they said previously that they were shunning iterations this generation......they need a clean slate with a good marketing blitz.
I've heard of Brits enjoying American football, it's like Americans who follow European football/soccer clubs......not the most common of things, but not unheard of or odd whatsoever.
@sub12 To be honest, if it wasn't for Monster Hunter, there's a chance we may be saying goodbye to Capcom full-stop. They're in big trouble...
I was going to mention it, but even MLB The Show charted, SF V was supposed to be one of the biggest exclusives and instead it's one massive fail and Sony isn't innocent in this either. When you pay to fund a game, especially one with one of the biggest names in gaming that's a huge deal, Sony should've had its boot a little more firmly up useless Capcom's a$$. Even Rise of the Tomb Raider which everybody here was laughing at and rooting for to fail, wasn't this big a disaster. It didn't do great but it did reach 1 mil and unlike SF V is a game that actually had effort put into it. What a freaking joke Capcom has become.
As far as other stuff, The Division isn't a bad game and it's a new IP so nice to see a strong debut and if people didn't think Nintendo would be remastering Wii U games for NX, well, you can put those thoughts to rest now. Zelda's performance guarantees NX will be hit with the remaster bug that has plagued this generation. To be fair, some make sense, others, however, do not.
@get2sammyb American footy is ace, its more tactical than a lot of team field sports. Once you get over the 'its Rugby with pads the sissies' argument the sport is great. Its just too American for the rest of the world to enjoy.
I may get the show imported, wouldn't want to spend £50-60 without a chance of getting something back if I dont like it.
American football is a lot better than that soccer nonsense.
Alright, let's try to get back on topic.
That Kaz gif is incredible isn't it? It's the little hand motions he does at the end that get me every time.
Great to see continued success for Far Cry Primal. Also, love that TP HD and Pokken charted.
Next month should be pretty interesting with Dark Souls III, Ratchet & Clank, Quantum Break, and Bravely Second.
As for SFV......
Dark Souls III is reviewing outstandingly well and got a decent amount of hype for both the PS4 and Xbox One versions. That should top the charts although I'll give Ubisoft this, there are few companies who know how to move product as well as they do. Wouldn't be a shock if The Division makes it two months in a row at the top. I'm rooting really hard for Ratchet & Clank to place well also.
Amazon is showing Ratchet as a really high seller right now, more than many expected I imagine. Wouldn't be surprised to see it in the top 3 this time next month, especially following the release of the movie and the inevitable copies that will move.
I would love to see Ratchet chart well next month, we need more AA-AAA platformers that don't take themselves seriously to counter-act all of the grittier titles.
Street Fighter V LTD: 268k (NPD sales, obviously - did 205k last month).
Pokken Tournament: 251k. Pokken had a better debut month than Street Fighter V. Insane.
I like these '(N)ow (P)layStation (D)ominates' Charts
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