The Nintendo Wii is the fastest selling video gaming console in the world. In the US market alone the device has been snapped up by 30 million users in just 45 months.
In comparison it took Sony’s PlayStation 2 console more than 60 months to hit the same milestone. The Wii, launched in November 2006, won instant support due to its unique motion-sensing games and the Wii wand which allows consumers to get actively involved in playing games.
“More than any other video game system in history, Wii has expanded the world of video games to new audiences,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “This milestone is another reminder that people want fun games they can play with others – all at a value-minded price.”
It has also been revealed that sales of games per console on the Wii are lower than that on the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.
In recent months, sales of game consoles and related software, has slumped with Nintendo blaming the downturn for its first quarterly loss in two years. Nintendo says it has a strong line-up ready to roll out for the peak Xmas buying period.
Among the new titles is Samurai Warriors 3 which is due on Sept. 27. Other titles due to be released Kirby’s Epic Yarn and Wii Party.
Nintendo also plans to ship Donkey Kong Country Returns, FlingSmash, and PokePark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure.
Other big games coming from third party publishers include New Carnival Games from 2K Play, NBA Jam from Electronic Arts, GoldenEye 007 from Activision Blizzard, Epic Mickey from Disney Interactive Studios, Sonic Colours from Sega, and Just Dance 2 from Ubisoft.
The top third-party Wii games are: Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock from Activision, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games from Sega, LEGO Star Wars: the Complete Saga from LucasArts, Carnival Games from Take-Two Interactive, Game Party from Midway, EA Sports Active from Electronic Arts, Just Dance from Ubisoft, Rayman Raving Rabbids from Ubisoft, Deca Sports from Hudson Entertainment, and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games from Sega.
