October 2011 NPD Group US Sales Numbers

Hardware

360 – 393,000
3DS – Over 250,000*
Wii – Nearly 250,000*
PS3 – Between 240,000 and 250,000*
NDS – Nearly 180,000*

Software

1. Battlefield 3**, nearly 2,000,000*
2. Batman: Arkham City**, 1,500,000*
3. NBA 2K12
4. Rage, 550,000
5. Just Dance 3
6. Dark Souls**
7. Madden NFL 12**
8. Forza Motorsport 4**
9. Gears of War 3**
10. FIFA Soccer 12
11. Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure

*Exact number not known.

**This numbers includes all editions of the game, except those bundled with hardware.

I was hoping for a really strong showing from Dark Souls, but I guess it’s pretty hard to compete with a month like this; #6 is nothing to sneeze at, though. I’m also very impressed at the Arkham City numbers, as that’s another game I was hoping would perform well. There were no Nintendo exclusives on the list, but I’m not sure Kirby’s Return to Dream Land or Professor Layton and the Last Specter have the selling power to make a list like this. I have no doubt that Skyward Sword is going to show itself next month, though.

I’m pleased at the 3DS sales so far, though I think it’s going to pick up even further this holiday season, and next year. The glut of games that will be coming out is certain to make heads turn. Meanwhile, I think the lower price of the Wii will also attract buyers over the next month or two.