Comments on: GTA on the DS Sells 89K. Mature Content for Nintendo in Jeopardy?

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 12 May 2009 01:56:19 +0000

I think one of the reasons it hasn’t sold well is that you can download this game for free on any number of DS-ROM sites and put them on a Flash Cart that uses an SD card.

I am surprised that it hasn’t sold better even with people downloading the game, I personally love the game and its VERY addictive! I think the main thing that has put people off is that the Nintendo DS is still considered by many to be a children’s or woman’s console (which simply isn’t true, despite the TV adverts), simply due to the HUGE amount of “cute” child-like games available on the console.

Pokémon, Mario and any number of ‘Pet’ games are a case in point. There are ‘adult’ games on the platform, like ‘Dementium: The Ward’ and even Resident Evil, but I’m not sure if they have sold that well generally.

By: Jon Christensen

Jon Christensen — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:59:17 +0000

Eric,

The 300,000 number as of now is a rumor, from what I understand. Either way, if that is the case — it’s still a failure in many eyes. To put it in perspective, there are over 100 million DSs sold worldwide. If the 300K number is correct, than that would still only equal to about 0.03%. That’s even with the incredible reviews.

On a side note, the New Super Mario Bros. game sold almost 18 million copies!

By: Eric

Eric — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:12:04 +0000

@Dan
China town wars is actually selling well in the UK. What this article doesnt tell you is that this is just American sales. This game actually sold cloase to 300k world wide. I hate it when the media doesnt give alll the facts. When looking at Hardware and software sales I dont want to no just how one region is doing I want to know how well the product is selling all together

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:19:46 +0000

I can’t really agree with the comment above. I’ve seen lots of adverts for Chinatown Wars here in UK. Often i would see one 2-3 times a day.

I just think owners of Wii and DS generally harbour the traditional viewpoint of video games – they arent real in depth thrillers or horrors, but something you play to “have fun” like mario.

By: Nick

Nick — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:21:26 +0000

Where was the advertising on this? I watch a LOT of TV and last night was the first time I saw a commercial for the game. A mature gamer isn’t necessarily a hardcore one, so you can’t assume they’ll check gaming sites or read gaming magazines. The DS is a very casual system, and if there had been heavier advertising to the mature-yet-not-hardcore audience I think sales would have been much better.