September 2014 NPD Figures - Sony Continues to Expand its Hardware Lead as Destiny Tops Software

[Shawn Zipay]

Despite industry analyst Michael Pachter saying that the Xbox One probably sold more than the PlayStation 4 for September, the reality tells a much different picture. Sony once again dominated the hardware sales with the PlayStation 4 again outselling the competition.

In fact, it was revealed that the PlayStation 4 sold three times as many consoles in September than they did for August, a month where they were also the hardware sales leader. Overall retail sales are up 2% compared to 2013 despite software sales being down 35%. Compared to 2013, hardware sales are up 136%.

In addition to the PS4 sales, Nintendo reveals that the Nintendo 3DS sold 140,000 units, which is a decrease of about 40% for the handheld. The Wii U sales are up about 50% when compared to August. Software sales are about as you would expect for September.

1. Destiny (XBO, PS4, 360, PS3)
2. Madden NFL 15 (360, PS4, PS3, XBO)
3. FIFA 15 (PS4, 360, PS3, XBO, Wii, PSV, 3DS)
4. Super Smash Bros. (3DS)
5. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (PS4, XBO, PC)
6. NHL 15 (PS4, XBO, 360, PS3)
7. Minecraft (360, PS3)
8. The Sims 4 (PC)
9. Disney Infinity 2.0 (360, PS3, NWU, PS4, XBO)
10. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls (PS4, 360, PS3, XBO, PC)

Smash reportedly sold 705,000 units. Hyrule Warriors sold 190,000 units and Mario Kart sold 60,000 copies. In addition to these software sales, PlayStation+ subscriptions have reportedly doubled since Destiny's launch.

Sony notes that September was a record breaking month for their digital business.

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that September 2014 marked the biggest month ever for PlayStation Store revenue in the Americas, led by the launch of Destiny from Activision and Bungie. Destiny broke PlayStation Network sales records across several categories, taking the top spot for pre-orders, day one sales, and week one sales. One month after the game’s launch, engagement among PlayStation fans continues to soar, as Destiny is the most-played title on PS4 with 125 million hours of gameplay. According to Activision internal estimates, the PS4 system is the #1 platform worldwide for Destiny based on units sold through as of October 4, 2014.“ September 2014 was a record-breaking month for PlayStation’s digital business, thanks in large part to the success of Destiny,” said Eric Lempel, vice president of Sony Network Entertainment International.

“Last month’s PlayStation Store revenue increased nearly 90 percent compared with Sept. 2013. Working closely with Activision and Bungie, we wanted to make the launch of Destiny a special experience for PlayStation fans. We’re thrilled to see this high engagement from PS4 and PS3 owners.”

Microsoft offers a more "looking towards the future" approach to the news.

“We believe this will be one of our biggest holiday seasons ever. We’re offering great Xbox One bundles aligned with the most anticipated game launches of the year, including ‘Assassin’s Creed Unity,’ ‘Sunset Overdrive’ and ‘Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare,’ and incredible deals for fans. Combined with blockbusters like ‘Halo: The Master Chief Collection,’ ‘Grand Theft Auto 5,’ ‘Destiny’ and ‘Forza Horizon 2,’ we are committed to making Xbox One a great place to play this holiday.”