Japan Charts: GameCube outsells PS2 as key RPG title rolls out

The latest figures from Japan show the GameCube marginally outselling the PlayStation 2 thanks to the release of Namco's RPG Tales of Symphonia - while Xbox sales have once again fallen behind the PSone.

Tales of Symphonia was released alongside a special edition GameCube, and is the latest game in a popular RPG franchise. The game itself topped the software sales charts, shifting about 194,000 units in its first weekend on sale.

The GameCube sold some 35,600 units (27.79% market share) off the back of this, just slightly ahead of the PS2 on 35,300 units. Both consoles were eclipsed by the Game Boy Advance, however, which received a sales boost from the launch of Square Enix' highly anticipated Sword of Mana. Combined sales of GBA SP took over 40% market share, shifting some 54,700 units.

The picture was a little less bright for the Xbox, which slipped behind the PSone in the rankings again - selling 650 units to the PSone's 960. In market share terms, it was only one tenth of a percentage point ahead of Bandai's SwanCrystal. Ouch.

The only other major new release of the week in Japan was Koei's Winning Post 6, which debuted at number four in the charts. Konami's Winning Eleven 7 continues to sell strongly on the PS2 (at number three this week), while the Cube is well-represented in the top ten by Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and Kirby Air Ride as well as Tales of Symphonia.

The GBA also has three titles in the top ten ranking, with Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire and Super Mario Advance 4 joining Sword of Mana in the chart.

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