Nintendo pips Sony to become global software leader, says report

A new report from data analyst iSuppli shows worldwide revenue for Nintendo DS and Wii surpassed that taken by Sony on PS2, PS3 and PSP in the third quarter of each companies’ fiscal year.

According to iSuppli – as reported on Gamasutra – global revenue for Nintendo DS and Wii gaming software amounted to $1.2 billion in the third quarter, up 31.4 percent from $943.6 million in the second quarter and more than double the $611 million from the third quarter of 2006.

In comparison, in the third quarter Sony generated $1 billion in gaming software revenue for its PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and PSP systems.

Microsoft posted revenue of $317.8 million for Xbox and Xbox 360 software.

In the second quarter, Sony generated $1 billion in gaming software revenue for its gaming platforms, while Microsoft was at $271.9 million.

iSuppli credited the Wii’s mass-market appeal to mainstream consumers for Nintendo’s success, contrasted with PS3’s high price point and with a "lack of compelling titles".

iSuppli VP of multimedia content and distribution David Carnevale said: Nintendo is likely to maintain its lead in this area, as it expects by the end of 2007 to ship about 200 additional titles, adding to the more than 150 games already released, many from outside publishers.

Company software sales should be further boosted by the addition of a new flagship title for the Wii, dubbed Wii Fit, which encourages players to engage in full-body exercises using Wii Balance Boards, performing activities including yoga, push-ups, aerobics and stretching.”