When it comes to tracking video game revenue in North America, the NPD group divide industry performance into three segments: hardware sales, software sales and accessory sales. While “hardware sales” refer primarily to actual video game consoles, “accessory sales” include extra controllers that are purchased separately or add-ons like the Wii wheel for Mario Kart.
During the period of January – April 2010, where all other segments of game revenue were down compared to the same period in 2009, accessory sales were up by 2%. While that may not seem like much, it’s a welcome statistic alongside the 20% decline in hardware sales.
To what can we attribute this growth? Xbox Live 1600 point game cards, according to the NPD group, which were the best-selling accessory during both March and April.