Market research firm NPD has released its video games sales figures for January 2009…and, despite the recession, the news for the industry was quite good, with January 2009’s sales representing a 13 percent increase over the same time last year. Apparently, even when times are tough, Americans are still willing to spend money on video games…potentially because they’re seen as a less-expensive form of entertainment than going out to movies, concerts, and other events.
Unsurprisingly, the Nintendo Wii remained the dominant player among game consoles, selling some 679,000 units during the month; the Nintendo DS handheld gaming system also moved 510,000 units. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 also saw strong numbers, moving 309,000 units.
