Weekly Japanese video game hardware chart

(Sony Computer)

Hardware sales see a measured plunge across the board once more as end-of-year excitement gives way to a spending slow-down -- though not as drastic a drop-off as in the previous week.

Hardware sales see a measured plunge across the board once more as end-of-year excitement gives way to a spending slow-down - though not as drastic a drop-off as in the previous week.

The new and bigger Nintendo DS, the LL, is not dropping off particularly sharply as Nintendo's handheld for all generations. Larger screens and a larger touchscreen stylus make the console more appealing for both young, old, and those who just want more screen real-estate for their games.

In contrast, the PSP Go is stuttering - though it embraces digital distribution by eschewing the standard disc drive, potential purchasers are plumping for the legacy model which has a relatively larger screen and accepts PSP discs, meaning that bargain video games are very much an option for new and old owners.

Japanese video game hardware sales, January 18-24, 2010
Total unit sales
1) PSP: 54,682
2) Nintendo DS: 49,398
3) Nintendo Wii: 45,167
4) PlayStation 3: 26,966
5) Xbox 360: 3,343
6) PlayStation 2: 2,088

Sony PSP sales breakdown
PSP: 52,909
PSP Go: 1,773

Nintendo DS sales breakdown
DSi LL (aka xL): 24,059
DSi: 20,373
DS Lite: 4,966

source: Media Create