U.S. video game sales up 10 percent

U.S. sales of video game hardware and software rose 10 percent in November from a year earlier, market researcher NPD said on Thursday, as Nintendo Co Ltd (7974.OS) reported its Wii console and DS hand-held system both set U.S. sales records in the month.

NPD said the U.S. video game industry is set to top $22 billion in 2008, and Nintendo, Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) and Sony Corp (6758.T) said their strong sales in November showed that consumers are still spending despite the global economic crisis.

Rising unemployment and tighter credit have dented U.S. consumers' purchasing power, and most retailers have posted dismal sales results in recent months.