It will come as no surprise that Nintendo’s latest duo of Pokemon games, namely Pokemon Black and Pokemon White, have been flying off the shelves in Japan. After selling 2.63 million units in the first 2 days on sale, they have now set a new sales record.

As of January 9 their combined sales in Japan have reached 5,036,724 units. Four other DS games have sold more than 5 million copies, but Black and White have gone past the 5 million mark faster than any other game, taking just 17 weeks.

According to Famitsu's publisher Enterbrain, the Japanese game market is, like a frightened turtle, getting smaller compared to last year. But what was the biggest selling game hardware? Games?

The data for 2007 reflects the period from January 1, 2007 to December 3, 2007. The data for 2008 reflects the period from December 31, 2007 to December 28, 2008. One hundred yen is the equivalent of US$1.08.

2007 Market Size (Figures Are Approximate)
Hardware: ¥327.41 billion
Software: ¥360.54 billion
Total: ¥687.95 billion

2008 Market Size (Figures Are Approximate)
Hardware: ¥250.5 billion
Software: ¥332.12 billion
Total: ¥582.61 billion

More after the break...

Sept. 11, 2008 - Nintendo DS™ and Wii™ again topped the hardware sales charts for August, according to the independent NPD Group, which tracks video game sales in the United States. In August, more than 514,000 portable Nintendo DS systems sold in the United States, bringing the lifetime U.S. total to nearly 22 million. In August, more than 448,000 Wii consoles sold in the United States, bringing the lifetime U.S. total to nearly 12 million and extending its lead as the best-selling video game console of this generation.

NINTENDO APPOINTS TWO SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVES TO BAY AREA OFFICE

VP and GM Bring Strong Credentials to Keep Nintendo's Momentum Going

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 14, 2008 - Nintendo of America announces the appointment of two sales and marketing executives to work from the company's new Bay Area office in Redwood City, Calif. Denise Kaigler joins as vice president of Marketing & Corporate Affairs, while Bill van Zyll becomes the new director and general manager of Latin America. Van Zyll's appointment is effective immediately, while Kaigler starts Feb. 18. Both will report to Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing.

"Denise and Bill bring a wealth of branding and marketing experience to our team," Dunaway said. "Their expertise will help us keep Nintendo's momentum going strong throughout 2008 and beyond."

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