For the first time in almost three years, the Xbox 360 is not the top-selling console in the U.S.
Sony's PS3 took the top spot in September, according to numbers released by marketing research company NPD Group. This is potentially a game-changing move for Sony, and it's all thanks to, well, a game.
Rockstar's "Grand Theft Auto V" has been shattering records since its release, not only becoming the best-selling video game in 24 hours, but also reaching the $1 billion milestone in just three days. (Via GamesIndustry International)
NPD reports sales of the PS3/GTA V bundle drove the console's September success. An analyst for the company says, "The launch of Grand Theft Auto V this September was a much needed shot in the arm for the industry." (Via Rockstar Games)
No pun intended, we think. But Sony’s good news isn’t to say its competitors are suffering. In fact, September was a good month for everyone in the games industry.
The Verge reports sales of Nintendo's Wii U more than tripled last month — also thanks in part to a bundle pack with "The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker"'s HD rerelease. And as of September, Microsoft has sold more than 80 million Xbox 360s worldwide. (Via Nintendo, Microsoft)
But last month's real gaming winner isn't a graphics-packed home console. A writer for Time says: "[Nintendo's] 3DS outsold everything, hardware-wise, for the fifth consecutive month … and with Pokémon X & Y demolishing sales records, it's probably safe to assume the 3DS is a lock for October."
The fight is far from over, though. Starting in November, there will be a new front in the console war.
Sony's triumph comes just as it's about to launch its next-generation PlayStation 4 Nov. 15. Microsoft's new Xbox One will hit shelves a week later.
A writer for BGR thinks Sony's one-week head start and its current momentum might be enough for the company to "string together a nice little streak of its own."
Of course, GTA isn’t the only franchise with the power to shake things up in the industry. Microsoft has announced a new version of the popular “Halo” series will make its way to the Xbox One.
>> See more at: Newsy.com
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