VANCOUVER, April 17 /CNW/ – Nintendo’s Wii(TM) console has reached another milestone by becoming the top selling next generation home console video game system in Canada. According to the latest data from independent market research firm The NPD Group, Inc, total life to date sales of the Wii console in Canada have now surpassed the previous home console system leader with lifetime sales of 813,000 units. The Wii console launched in November 2006.

“Since launch, the Wii console has consistently been a top seller in the Canadian market,” said Darrel Ryce, Director for The NPD Group, Inc. “Seventeen months after the launch of the system and it still remains one of the hottest items at retail, selling out almost as quickly as it hits retail shelves”.

Additional Canadian sales figures, according to NPD, include:

– The Wii console was the number one selling home console system for 13 of the past 17 months
– Since the launch of the Wii console, Nintendo’s Wii Play(TM) has become the number one selling title in the market, while Super Mario Galaxy(TM) lands in the number three position across all platforms
– Super Smash Bros.(R) Brawl, launched in March 2008, sold nearly 200,000 units in that month alone and is the number one selling title in 2008
– Despite the unprecedented demand for Wii consoles, Nintendo DS(TM) continues to be the number one selling video game system in Canada
(2006/2007)

Nintendo’s momentum in the Canadian market is expected to continue with the upcoming launches of two highly anticipated games, Mario Kart(R) Wii and Wii Fit(TM). Launching April 27, Mario Kart Wii is a high-speed game, which allows up to four players to race simultaneously as their favourite characters from the Mario franchise, or up to twelve players remotely, thanks to the game’s online capabilities. Mario Kart Wii also comes with a wireless Wii Wheel(TM) accessory and features new and classic tracks as well as never-before-seen motorbikes for special tricks and racing techniques.

Wii Fit, available in stores on May 21, offers players a unique experience by incorporating the Wii Balance Board(TM) accessory and challenging physical movements in 40+ different activities including yoga, aerobics, strength training and balance exercises. Wii Fit helps set fitness goals, track progress and work with a virtual trainer to do activities and
exercises every day. Wii Fit and the innovative Wii Balance Board accessory will be bundled and sold together at a suggested retail price of $89.95 Canadian dollars.

Link