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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

  1. Tom Clancy's The Division (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
  2. Far Cry Primal (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
  3. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Wii U)
  4. Grand Theft Auto V (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3, PC)
  5. EA Sports UFC 2 (PS4, Xbox One)
  6. MLB 16: The Show (PS4, PS3)
  7. Pokken Tournament (Wii U)
  8. NBA 2K16 (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3)
  9. Call of Duty: Black Ops III (Xbox One, PS4, 360, PS3, PC)
  10. Minecraft (360, PS4, Xbox One, PS3)

[source venturebeat.com, via neogaf.com]