Video games ended a bad year with a positive month but it was all because of the Nintendo Wii. Reuters reports that NPD group data indicates sales of video game equipment and software in the United States climbed 4 percent in December. Nintendo sold 3.8 million Wiis in December. The lower price of the Wii introduced in September, 2009 was likely a factor in the console's strong sales.
Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter said a strong performance by Nintendo Co Ltd's Wii -- spurred by a holiday sales promotion at Wal-mart Stores Inc -- helped boost overall industry figures.
"It was really all Nintendo, they won by a mile," he said.
The Wii sold 3.8 million units in December and set a record for monthly game system sales in the U.S.
"We expected to have a good holiday and this was a great reaffirmation of that," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales and marketing.
Overall video game sales were not good in 2009. Sales of games and accessories plunged 8%. The decline ruled out the idea that video games may be recession proof.
