Crackdown leads game sales in February [update 1]

by Dustin Burg { Mar 16th 2007 at 11:00AM }

GameDaily BIZ posted the just released February NPD sales numbers which show that Xbox 360 software is selling quite nicely. Overall, things are looking bright for video games as the industry is up 66% over last year with hardware and software sales on the rise. Crackdown led the month's sales moving 427K units, with other 360 titles like Gears of War and Lost Planet in the top ten. The Xbox 360 is also moving a fair amount of consoles beating out an under-performing PS3, ~~295K units to 228K~~ 228K units to 127K.

It's great to see our little boy Crackdown succeed in February and four other Xbox 360 games place in the top ten. Though, we wonder, with the Nintendo Wii selling so well (~~485K~~ 335K units) does Microsoft have to shift its focus away from Sony and watch Nintendo to protect its next gen lead? Only time will tell, but we're confident that our white box can fend for itself simply by the games that will be released for it in 2007. A full list of NPD's February sales rankings for hardware and software is after the break.

Update 1: Fixified the comparison numbers between the 360 and PS3 ... and the Wii. Math is hard.

Hardware Sales
1. DS - 485K
2. Wii - 335K
3. PS2 - 295K
4. Xbox 360 - 228K
5. PSP - 176K
6. GBA - 136K
7. PS3 - 127K
8. GameCube - 24K

Software Sales
1. Crackdown (Xbox 360) – 427K
2. Wii Play w/ remote (Wii) – 371K
3. Diddy Kong Racing (DS) – 262K
4. Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii)– 130K
5. Guitar Hero 2 w/ guitar (PS2) – 130K
6. Gears of War (Xbox 360) – 119K
7. Major League Baseball 2K7 (Xbox 360) – 113K
8. Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (Xbox 360) – 111K
9. WarioWare: Smooth Moves (Wii) – 109K
10. NBA Street Homecourt (Xbox 360) – 102K

Tags: crackdown, gears, gears of war, GearsOfWar, gow, nintendo wii, NintendoWii, npd, playstation 3, Playstation3, ps3, sales, wii, xbox 360, Xbox360

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ayo Jube @ Mar 16th 2007 11:05AM

Actually dustin the ps2 outsold the 360, thanks in part to God of War 2. The ps3 actually only sold 127k, almost half of what the 360 sold.

Tony @ Mar 16th 2007 11:08AM

I think he just copied the wrong numbers on accident, since the PS3 was mentioned but sold 127k. No big deal lol

jsn @ Mar 16th 2007 11:20AM

The Wii shouldn't be a concern for microsoft, as they can't match the experience (wiimote) it offers. They should continue to focus on adding more good games to the 360's lineup and bringing in more developers. The wii, while it is fun (I own one), isn't the same type of machine as the 360 and can't offer the same experience. MS needs to expand live even more and expand the media center features of the 360.

mfelps @ Mar 16th 2007 12:28PM

Also note that Crackdown's 427,000 sales came in just eleven days. I think Crackdown's going to have legs. Between the DLC I'm hearing about and the likelihood of users picking it up next month for the Halo Beta, I suspect it will post big numbers again in the March NPD.

Also, maybe try to actually read the chart next time. The Wii only sold 335K, not 485K. It's the DS that's beating everyone's brains in.

And Sony. Break out the bugles and start playing taps unless there's a price cut around the corner.

Matt @ Mar 16th 2007 11:24AM

The ps2 sells so many because it is 130 bucks. That's the same price as a DS. And how are so many wii's selling, I have been trying to buy one and still can't find it. :(

Roy Warner @ Mar 16th 2007 6:29PM

The wii is only selling well because it's cheap, I don't really know anyone who really enjoys it, I know a lot of people who own it just to have it. It's GIMMICK. A cool gimmick, but a gimmick none the less.

DjDATZ @ Mar 16th 2007 12:22PM

dustin...your getting all your numbers wrong...like completely.

the wii sold 338 not 485...the ds sold 485.

mike @ Mar 16th 2007 1:37PM

Let's focus on the real issue here: how is the guy in the picture dual wielding, and when do I get to do that with my agent?

Matt @ Mar 16th 2007 12:39PM

I was sure to point out last month when January numbers came out that the 360 leading the PS3 was significant due to the fact that PS3's seemed readily available. However, maybe giving them a little benefit of the doubt, I figured we'd wait until February numbers just so there's no question about PS3 availability. Well, things are looking rather dire for Sony's foray into the next generation. 228,000 units vs 127,000 is substantial. Especially, considering the 360 has been out since Dec 2005. Also, check out the software numbers below. Half of the top 10 games are 360 games and there are absolutely no PS3 games in the top ten. Definitely not a lucrative prospect for potential developers, especially for exclusive games.

Once again, we'll wait and see what March brings. March 6 saw Sony's release of their first so-called "killer app" Motorstorm, which by the way, is getting pretty mediocre reviews. We'll see if this stimulates sales. I doubt it. Just wait until MS officially announces the new black Xbox 360 with 120gig HD and HDMI output ;-)

Arno @ Mar 16th 2007 2:58PM

And sort of off-topic, I finally got the Orb Hunter achievement.

Sorry, had to brag a little.

EG @ Mar 16th 2007 3:55PM

I know it's like a conspiracy now, and I thought it was BS until it just happened to me, my 360 just went belly up while playing Crackdown. Not that I blame the game, but this is the second Ring of Death on as many systems for me... luck of the draw I guess. I dunno, this is my story: enlightenedgamer.blogspot.com