RE5 was suppose to sell well, but wasn't estimated to sell quite THIS well. RE5 publishing company Capcom announced that they have shipped a whopping 4 Million copies in their first shipment. This is the largest single shipment of the series to date.
Since RE5 was just released in the West (US and the such if you don't own a globe) so it will take a little time to get the correct numbers for those sales. In Japan though, where the game has been available since the 5th the sales are really high and the PS3 version has clocked in with roughly 319,590 units sold while the X360 has clocked in with roughly 79,157 units sold. Of coarse the 360 sales will be lower due to it being Japan and the PS3 being held upon a higher pedistal.
Overall sales for the Resident Evil genre have topped the 40 Million mark as stated by Capcom.
With the high caliber sales it seems like RE5 could inject some much needed bolstered sales in the gaming industry. With sales for both Rock Band and Guitar Hero which are becoming a backbone for gaming systems losing some steam, this game couldn't come at a better time. With 09' just beginning and getting kicked off with some hardcore action involving Chris Redfield and the newbie Sheeva we could see the continuation of this great series pick up even more steam, as if it needs it.
RE5 review coming soon!
