NPD October: NBA 2K13 on top, overall sales in significant decline yet again

The NPD Group has released its October US retail report, showing another major YOY decline in overall sales.

The market saw a 25 per cent drop to $755.5m for the period compared to the $1bn made in October 2011.

The group is quick to point out that the data only makes up around 50 per cent of the total consumer spend, with plans for a full Q4 US Games Market Dynamic report that will include digital and other non-retail figures.

They also believe that despite the overall decline, the month to month numbers indicate momentum as the end of the year approaches.

While we saw declines in hardware unit sales across all platforms year-over-year, when looking at average sales per week versus September, several consoles realized higher sales: The 360, PS3, NDS and 3DS. This is a sign of increasing momentum as we move into the holiday season,” said NPD analyst Liam Callahan.

Hardware sales accounted for $187.3m during the month, a decrease of 37 per cent from the $295.9m earned in the same period last year.

Xbox 360 came out ahead yet again, selling 270,000 units during the period and claiming over 40 per cent of the market in its division for the 20th consecutive month according to Major Nelson.

Accessories continue to be fueled by Skylanders, showing a five per cent increase over October 2011 with $135.6m this time around versus $129.6m.

Software sales were down by 25 per cent overall, $432.6m compared to $576.8m in October 2011 – though portable software sales specifically showed a 37 per cent growth.

NBA 2K13 finished ahead on the top ten games, as the game according to Callahan: "outsold last year’s 2K12 by over 60 per cent in both dollars and units."

Here’s the top ten for the month:

1. NBA 2K13 (360, PS3, Wii, PSP, PC)
2. Resident Evil 6 (360, PS3)
3. Pokmon Black Version 2 (NDS)
4. Dishonored (360, PS3, PC)
5. Pokmon White Version 2 (NDS)
6. Madden NFL 13 (360, PS3, Wii, PSV)
7. FIFA Soccer 13 (360, PS3, Wii, PSV, 3DS, PSP)
8. Medal of Honor: Warfighter (360, PS3, PC)
9. Borderlands 2 (360, PS3, PC)
10. Skylander Giants (Wii, 360, PS3, 3DS)