Stagnant Sales For Game Accessories In 2003

According to new market research from the NPD Group, retail sales for console and portable videogame accessories (a segment that includes controllers, memory cards and DVD remotes) in 2003 were flat over the previous year. The segment, which posted $1.2 billion in sales in 2003, saw the biggest drop in demand for vibration feedback and magnifier/light devices, which dropped by 66 percent and 58 percent over 2002, respectively. Sales of DVD remotes also declined, down by 30 percent over 2002. Offsetting the dip in these segments was a surge in sales for videogames controllers such as gamepads, steering wheels and stick controllers. "The drop in sales of these categories don't come as a surprise, since many accessories that were once sold as separate units are now being integrated into others and offered as standard features," said Richard Ow, senior industry analyst. "Vibration feedback and backlit displays are two perfect examples of this trend, with most controllers now being sold with vibration feedback capabilities and many portable devices offering pre-installed backlit displays." Internet Components, such as network adaptors and modems, saw the highest overall percentage increases in dollar sales in 2003 and Q1 2004, of 155 percent and 107 percent, respectively. Source: NPD Group.