NPD Hardware: Xbox 360 Rules Supreme While PS3 and 3DS See Big Increases

The NPD Group has published its sales tracking data for the month of August in the USA and the overall downward trend is being kept, with a 23 decline, owed largely to the fact that the traditional Madden NFL release was pushed from its mid-August slot to the end of the month, which falls outside the NPD's regular reporting window.

Every month the NPD group tracks all the sales of gaming hardware and software in the USA and while many were expecting a slight increase in the month of August, they're now disappointed by the actual figures, which are once again in a sharp decline as opposed to those from last year.

More specifically, in terms of hardware, it seems that the Xbox 360 has once again managed to trump rivals, as Microsoft confirmed that 308,000 units were sold throughout August, making it the sixth consecutive month where it seized more than 40 percent market share from its rivals.

"Sustained consumer demand for Xbox 360 and Kinect have helped the console maintain its number one spot in 2011, proving that consumers continue to recognize the excellent value and amazing games and entertainment experiences delivered by Xbox 360," Microsoft revealed, via Industry Gamers. "With an exciting holiday sales season coming up, marked by blockbuster game titles and great new hardware offerings, we continue to expect this to be the biggest year in Xbox history, and the distinction of being this year’s best-selling console worldwide."

Sony also claims that its PlayStation 3 has recoded some increased sales, largely after the mid-August price cut it implemented, bringing the base 160GB model to just $249.99 in North America.

"Despite inventory constraints at retail during the first half of August, PS3 hardware sales were very strong the last two weeks of the month following the $50 price cut and the new inFAMOUS 2 bundle. The new PS3 price point, combined with PlayStation Move and the industry's strongest lineup of exclusive titles, including Uncharted 3 and Everybody Dance, positions us for an amazing holiday season," said Patrick Seybold, Sr. Director of Corporate Communications at SCEA, via Industry Gamers.

Nintendo also had reasons to celebrate the results of August, as after its massive price cut for the 3DS handheld, around 235,000 units were sold, with 185,000 after the new $169.99 price went into effect. This is a 260 percent increase over the same 19-day period in July, according to Gamasutra.