Sales for the week ending September 11th reflected another market slowdown...

Courtesy of Media-Create, we have the most recent sales figures from Japan.

The sales week in Japan was marked by another steep decline, this week bringing in only about 52% of the weekly average to date. It seems there just hasn't been enough compelling new software to drive sales...perhaps it is further evidence for the dire direction Nintendo believes the japanese market will be heading in without an infusion of fresh new games to engage new customers.

Either way, the charts did not change too much for Nintendo with their DS non-games again showing steady sales (Did you know Brain Training itself was brought together by the efforts of a tiny 10 man team in the space of only several months? Fantastically successful, to be sure.) Meanwhile, Jump Super Stars maintained its presence even as long-time chart occupant Mushiking finally dropped off it.

On the hardware side, DS again led the way despite another dropoff in total systems sold. GBA SP also saw its sales continue to decrease, likely in large part due to the impending release of its younger, tinier little brother. The Micro's sales, as it was released on the 13th, will be reflected in next weeks charts. We can already tell you right now that it has been selling very well...in fact, it is sold out in most locations there.

Another trend to watch for is the increase of PSPs sold as the PSP version of Konami's uber-popular soccer sim Winning Eleven sees release. The game, which recieved high marks in Famitsu, will certainly drive system sales...whether or not it will finally overtake the DS after months in its shadow remain to be seen. The PSP will also be recieving another boost in the form of a new "ceramic white" color.

So, while next week will certainly continue with the "Battle of the Handhelds" subtext, it may very well be a battle between the sexy new Micro and a revitalized PSP. Here are this week's numbers: