GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

NPD's top 10 of 2009 (so far) topped by Modern Warfare 2

Xbox 360 edition of Activision's megahit leads US list, followed by Wii Fit, Wii Sports Resort, Mario Kart Wii, Wii Play, Halo 3: ODST, Pokemon Platinum, PS3 MW2, Madden, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii.

380 Comments

With only two weeks left in the year, the NPD Group has released its list of the top 10 best-selling games at US retailers for 2009…so far. As of November 30, the biggest game product, or SKU, was the Xbox 360 version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 with 4.2 million units. The PlayStation 3 edition of the record-shattering Activision game also made the list, landing in eighth with 1.9 million units.

Modern Warfare 2 was #1, but Nintendo dominated the top 10 chart.
Modern Warfare 2 was #1, but Nintendo dominated the top 10 chart.

Besides Activision, the only other third-party publisher to make the list was Electronic Arts with Madden NFL 10, which landed in ninth with 1.5 million units. Though Sony was shut out, Microsoft made the list with sixth-place finisher Halo 3: ODST and its 2 million units.

The rest of the 2009 chart entries were from one company--Nintendo. The Mario Factory churned out an assembly line of hits this year, including Wii MotionPlus pack-in Wii Sports Resort (third, 2.4 million), the DS hit Pokemon Platinum (seventh, 1.9 million units), and New Super Mario Bros. Wii (10th, 1.4 million).

That said, Nintendo's most popular game of 2009, Wii Fit, was actually released in April 2008. The balance board pack-in came in second 3.5 million units, two slots ahead of another game from last year, Mario Kart Wii (2.2 million units). Right behind it in fifth place was Wii Play (2.1 million units), the minigame Wii Remote pack-in, which has been a fixture on best-seller charts since its release in February 2007.

RANK / TITLE / PLATFORM / PUBLISHER / RELEASE MONTH / UNITS

1 / Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 / 360 / Activision / Nov 2009 / 4.2 million
2 / Wii Fit (w/ Balance Board) / Wii / Nintendo / May 2008 / 3.5 million
3 / Wii Sports Resort (w/ Wii Motion Plus) / Wii / Nintendo / Jul 2009 / 2.4 million
4 / Wii Mario Kart (w/ Wheel) / Wii / Nintendo / Apr 2008 / 2.2 million
5 / Wii Play (w/ Remote ) / Wii / Nintendo / Feb 2007 / 2.1 million
6 / Halo 3: ODST / 360 / Microsoft / Sep 2009 / 2 million
7 / Pokemon Platinum Version / DS / Nintendo / Mar 2009 / 1.9 million
8 / Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 / PS3 / Activision / Nov 2009 / 1.9 million
9 / Madden NFL 10 / 360 / Electronic Arts / Aug 2009 / 1.5 million
10 / New Super Mario Bros. Wii / Wii / Nintendo / Nov 2009 / 1.4 million

Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
This video has an invalid file format.
00:00:00
Sorry, but you can't access this content!
Please enter your date of birth to view this video

By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Join the conversation
There are 380 comments about this story
380 Comments  RefreshSorted By 
GameSpot has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to toxic conduct in comments. Any abusive, racist, sexist, threatening, bullying, vulgar, and otherwise objectionable behavior will result in moderation and/or account termination. Please keep your discussion civil.

Avatar image for TheRealUser101
TheRealUser101

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

With Modern Warfare 3, Sledgehammer Games will be working with Infinity Ward on the single-player aspect of the game. It's funny that Raven Software will be working on the << LINK REMOVED >> multiplayer version; weapons, maps, perks and killstreaks. MW3 features a cooperative mode titled Special Ops too.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for RitterXplode
RitterXplode

221

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 8

User Lists: 0

PS3 has just one game on the list.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Junior_AIN
Junior_AIN

4703

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 132

User Lists: 1

Why do Wii games have to have "Wii" on their title? These lists are getting sadder and sadder.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for ricardo-sene
ricardo-sene

808

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@brosim1104, I guess you're right. thanks for replying!

Upvote • 
Avatar image for acer_062
acer_062

434

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

What a surprise !!!! .... NOT!!

Upvote • 
Avatar image for MooMooChicken
MooMooChicken

62

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@MagicOneUp What does eating chips have anything to do with what I said. I basically said I don't like how the Wii is set up. There are no games that I actually enjoy. If I want to go bowling I'll go bowling for real.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for KingT614
KingT614

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

all i gotta say is big ups to Modern Warfare 2, it is a great game, great campaign, online was the best online shooter ive ever played in my life, they really deserved this

Upvote • 
Avatar image for brosim1104
brosim1104

171

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@ ricardo-sene basically, if i understand correct, the difference is that one article was for games and the other for franchises. Franchise includes all the games for all consoles and pc (most of the times u get informed) and it also include patches or updates or maybe a whole new game! that means that when it says that Call of Duty franchises was the best selling franchise it means not only Modenr Warfare 2 but all the CoD (year to date) games until now!

Upvote • 
Avatar image for MagicOneUp
MagicOneUp

433

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@MooMooChicken Maybe its not for you cos you are probably unfit eating potatoes on a couch all day. Nintendo makes more money even without you

Upvote • 
Avatar image for MagicOneUp
MagicOneUp

433

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

MW2 on the 360 is just better...

Upvote • 
Avatar image for ricardo-sene
ricardo-sene

808

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Does anyone know whats the difference between this article and the following: << LINK REMOVED >> In this link GameSpot informed that the yop 5 franchises year-to-date through November by dollar sales are: 1) Call of Duty 2) Wii Fit 3) Mario Bros. 4) Guitar Hero 5) Rock Band Does anyone know why they're different?

Upvote • 
Avatar image for hememi
hememi

123

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

the only games i probably wont be getting fm that list are halo 3 odst and madden nfl 10

Upvote • 
Avatar image for JackHoleFace00
JackHoleFace00

616

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Considering the shifting sales patterns, I'd bet this is the last year you see the sales charts dominated by years-old Wii games like Wii Fit and shovelware like Wii Play. ...or at least I hope so, for the future of quality gaming.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for MooMooChicken
MooMooChicken

62

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Too many kids own a Wii. I owned a Wii and then I realized it was just stupid and sold it. Besides Wii Fit which I understand why it's 2nd the other games are there because kids like them. So its not realistic at all for how good a game actually is. And also like Wii Play.. People buy that because it comes with a remote for a couple dollars more.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Khadaj32
Khadaj32

3157

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

People didn't expect that many Wii games? Seriously? It was kind of a no brainer, considering Nintendo is the best first party publisher.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for pgharavi
pgharavi

446

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 97

User Lists: 0

@LoserMike thanks!

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Ze1nOnly
Ze1nOnly

111

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

MW2 topped the charts but you have to give credit to the wii

Upvote • 
Avatar image for dwd_27
dwd_27

308

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Wow never expcted that many wii games on it

Upvote • 
Avatar image for OwnageGuy
OwnageGuy

79

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

lol is it me or was mw2 overhyped? there are many other AWESOME games out there that didn't make it into the top10 sales. pc games =( come on at least one game please. im a pc fan.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for WTFitsPauL
WTFitsPauL

645

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

who cares what is first... i just want play all these games!

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Bashers79
Bashers79

559

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@x-2tha-z I won't buy a game that I can borrow off my bro. I know that sounds cheap but I don't see the point of paying for two or three copies when me and my brothers can buy one copy and share it. I've never been over come by hype so im more than happy to wait a few weeks to borrow a copy. Either that or wait and buy a used copy. Sorry if that mess's up your hopes for Uncharted 2 being in the charts but, im in it for my gaming pleasure not Sonys profit margin

Upvote • 
Avatar image for fps_d0minat0r
fps_d0minat0r

1160

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 27

User Lists: 0

sales......dont matter even the slightest to gamers. its proven by the fact that great titles like killzone, forza, infamous, fifa, uncharted, batman aint even on there. but i can understand it for some of you economists out there who like to see 'your' companies make a profit. GOTY is where the best of the industry comes out and wii is definatly not dominating that LOL.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for benboz
benboz

4221

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 89

User Lists: 0

Modern Warfare 2 deserves to be on top for the Xbox 360. Best game in the world and its the GOTY.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for x-2tha-z
x-2tha-z

8994

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 18

User Lists: 0

Why isn't Uncharted 2 on the list? Every PS3 owner should've bought Uncharted 2. It's one of the best games I've ever played. What's wrong with you people? Go out and buy it, NOW!

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Keitha313
Keitha313

1679

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 28

User Lists: 0

A realistic top ten for goty id of thought would of been... 1. COD:MW - 2 (both 360/ps3) Didnt want this as number one 2.Uncharted 2 (ps3) Should be GOTY or just basically shows how fixed things are 3.Halo ODST (xbox 360) 4.New Super Mario Bros (wii) 5.Assassins Creed 2 (ps3/xbox360) 6.Forza Motor Sport 3 (xbox360) 7.Batman Arkham Asylum (xbox360/ps3) 8.Mario Kart (wii) 9.Dragon Age Origins (xbox360/ps3) 10.Fifa 10 (ps3/xbox360) But what gamespot have shown are just sales... Sales make money they dont make the game change in anyway so cant really judge much on this. Its like comparing 5star cuisine to a cheese burger you dont know the difference till you cough up the cash and try the other product simple.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for tmorri603
tmorri603

407

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

I see a lot of people here think that Uncharted 2 should be on this list. I would agree I don't have a PS3 but I know a great game when I see it. One thing that I see that nobody is talking about the PS3's sales is the fact that for a long time it was the cheapest Blu ray player you could buy. I am sure that some people got it for just that reason and not to play games. You look at how many systems have been sold and you say "Why has this game not sold more?" Just think of the Blu ray only people. With the Wii, you know it was sold for people to buy games. I know. 3rd party games don't sell very well but the games Nintendo games sell thru the roof because you got the system for games. With the 360, for the most part, was sold to people for games as well. It can play dvd's but it is not the cheapest dvd player you can get so you get it for games. With blu ray players' prices dropping, you will get more people getting the PS3 for games and they have a better chance of getting in the games sales chart.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for pop_can
pop_can

79

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

@tdawg2594 I agree. Every time I got into a game that had a girl in the lobby, and she talked. Everyone would go freaking crazy. Shouting things like "get back into the kitchet" and whatnot. Maybe the Wii and its casual games are selling so well is because people don't want to immerse themselves in a community like the XBL or PSN and have racist and homophobic slurs shouted at them by 10 year olds.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Sonicplys
Sonicplys

2620

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Wii da best!!!!!!!... wait, Wii Fit + placed higher then New Super Mario? I blame you, 360/PS3.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for KillerWabbit23
KillerWabbit23

3466

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 7

User Lists: 0

Wow, where's the haters? *relaxes*

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Fed__X
Fed__X

226

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

My wife plays. She's hot. She only like bioware Rpgs and Tower defense games......

Upvote • 
Avatar image for tdawg2594
tdawg2594

269

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@ayumi_miyazaki I just don't like people saying stupid nonsense about girls can't play video games there are a lot of hardcore girl gamers out there that are just as good as guys are from all regions. Guys need to learn that girls can be just as good as we can in gaming and other stuff etc. Just sad the gaming community still has idiots like him around

Upvote • 
Avatar image for davidyang1123
davidyang1123

219

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@parrot_of_adun yeah thats what i meant but nonetheless their killin the charts they definately got the right equation going for them

Upvote • 
Avatar image for parrot_of_adun
parrot_of_adun

7177

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

@davidyang1123 - ", even (and especially) those with no interest in gaming, and those that just can't think of a gift for their grandchild.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Saperon
Saperon

39

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Does anybody know which game has been choosen the game of the year...Can't find it..please comment..thx

Upvote • 
Avatar image for davidyang1123
davidyang1123

219

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

wii's been dominating the charts lately due to the fact that it reaches out to all types of games which is a good thing this allows the industry to become more diverse in the games they produce

Upvote • 
Avatar image for LozzyRoxx
LozzyRoxx

102

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

Upvote • 
Avatar image for RichSnakePrice
RichSnakePrice

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@ayumi_miyazaki No problem! Your right about this site being unfair, I too have been insulted by some really hardcore gamers for expressing some small views, it's a shame because the people that run this site, do a good job at writing reviews and publishing news articles, it's just the public that get involve and give this site a bad reputation. In my gaming life I always try and get my friends and family involve whether they are boys or girls, or if it's my gran or grandad, the moment I single them out and keep to myself that's when this life turns DULL really fast and my social skills start to drop! So no I will never single out girls gamers like you, tdawg2594, or LozzyRoxx!

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Hillsy_
Hillsy_

610

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 27

User Lists: 1

A lesson to be learned here.. Nobody can decide what is a good game, only the gamer in question can decide that, as they are the ones purchasing the product. Also, you cannot dictate what male or female gamers should or should not play. We are all individuals after all. I found the conversation interesting below, even though it was offensive; it was interesting to hear different points of view.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Dragdar
Dragdar

448

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

lame top 10 -.-

Upvote • 
Avatar image for ayumi_miyazaki
ayumi_miyazaki

221

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@RichSnakePrice Thank you for defending ??tdawg2594 and I unfortuantly this site isn't a leveled playing field. It has more sony fanboys than anything, not enough people to defend the wii or xbox even though they have higher sales. So god bless people like you, your words can teach these people that YES, women too play games as well

Upvote • 
Avatar image for RichSnakePrice
RichSnakePrice

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

MehowPwned has said several times that he is sorry, so there really is no reason to continue insulting him.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for TakitusMaximus
TakitusMaximus

578

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

I don't think there's any point in saying that the Wii is terrible or whatever you wanna say. Every gamer is different and wants something different in a game console. i like the 360 because it satisfies what I need as a gamer. The Wii satisfies other gamers so let's stop fighting about it. One thing I'd like to say is that it is very sad that Americans have to be told what game to buy based on whichever game has the most advertising. Let's all learn to make up our own minds instead of commercials saying, "would you kindly buy this game" and us falling for the advertisements.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for MehowPwned
MehowPwned

266

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

@ tdawg2594 No It doesn't but It makes me less fiting for does "lil Boys" that you mention and I must say you fit way more to them And you already instulting me so end it before it gets worse "end"

Upvote • 
Avatar image for tdawg2594
tdawg2594

269

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@mehowpwned you spelling better does not mean anything your still a sexist, and your a idiot end of story

Upvote • 
Avatar image for MehowPwned
MehowPwned

266

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

@ayumi_miyazaki I assum the country you live in is Japan? because if so then Yes I know I offented you and It's not 100% what I meant to so if you want I can give you an offical sorry?

Upvote • 
Avatar image for RichSnakePrice
RichSnakePrice

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Whoa, whoa whoa, people, there's no need to take this to seriously! Really gaming is for everyone! When this industry started it was meant to be for family, group or friends entertainment and not something to be played by yourself. It's a shame that today we have people that take this too seriously that it can spoil the fun for the casual audience, people like that need to get a life and get a real hobbie! So lets try and make the gaming industry something we can all be apart of, if your a boy or girl, young or old. And lets not create the sterotypical view that the world sees it, which is single 40 year old virgins that still live at home with there parents.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for ayumi_miyazaki
ayumi_miyazaki

221

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@mehowpwned I will have you know that many woman play games in my country as well as men. Games are universal, the wii may not be your thing but it sure is mines. It brings my whole family together for fun purposes. I bought ea sports active the other day and I'm loving that game, just because a game doesn't involve war of shooting doesn't mean it sucks! I hope you get moderated because you truely offended a lot of women here!

Upvote • 
Avatar image for MehowPwned
MehowPwned

266

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

@LozzyRoxx That is truely good I wish i had this kinda girls in my country :( now can we stop the argument?:P

Upvote • 
Avatar image for LozzyRoxx
LozzyRoxx

102

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

@MehowPwned sigh.. If only I cared enough to read your most likely sexist comment. I'd leave now because your really upsetting me *starts crying* :lol:Nah as if. I did read your comment and then started laughing for some unknown reason. Currently im playing Dead Space. Is that considered good to you?

Upvote • 
Avatar image for MehowPwned
MehowPwned

266

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

@tdawg2594 That's probobly almost right just that Im not that young (17) and your spelling is crap what R word... retard ? so far I didn't really offend anything besides you girls which are so predictable.. End argument... plus I live in a very cold country which is Norway

Upvote •