Sony hardware sales double in Japan

Sony hardware sales have almost doubled in Japan over the last week, bumping long-time chart champion Nintendo into third place.

Both PS3 and PSP sales saw meaty jumps of around 20000 units in the space of seven days, thanks to the release of highly anticipated titles Sengoku Basara 3 (aka Samuari Heroes) and rhythm game Hatsune Miku Project Diva 2nd.

For the first time this year, total PSP sales eclipsed total DS range sales, pipping Nintendo by around 4000 units.

The DS and Wii both saw mild declines, while Microsoft enjoyed slight growth for the traditionally low-selling 360.

Despite the success of its elder sibling, the PSPgo's rather dismal trajectory continued, now dropping to just 777 units sold in the space of a week.

Sales of the original PSP have been fairly healthy in Japan for some weeks now, but speculation continues to mount about Sony preparing a touch-screen follow-up.

Japanse hardware sales for the week ending August 1 (previous week in brackets):

Sony PSP: 48,603 (28,747)
Sony PlayStation 3: 45,224 (19,420)
Nintendo DSi XL: 23,120 (24,189)
Nintendo Wii: 20,038 (21,092)
Nintendo DSi: 17,950 (18,202)
Microsoft Xbox 360: 6,929 (6,056)
Nintendo DS Lite: 4,058 (5,059)
Sony PlayStation 2: 1,444 (1,475)
Sony PSPgo: 777 (831)

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ouble-in-japan

I thought both sony and nintendo had their handhelds right the fist time.

psp 2000 is nice, but ds has only taken away features. psp slims at least added tv out.

touch screen interfaces suck. imagine all the technology and engineers in the world, and the best thing they can come up with as far as interfaces are touch screens. popular does not mean innovative.

i have my launch day psp 1000, and my launch day ds phat. both are just fine. no need to buy continual revisions.

Hmmm i have to completely disagree with that, the Psp is just too basic with basic controls and a screen just like consoles were 30 years ago, it's good for playing standard games but times and tastes have changed over the years and people expect multiple ways to interface with games. And even though the DS needs more buttons and power it is a step forward.