It's NPD results time for US video game sales, and though the numbers are often debated due to their focus on physical retail, they nevertheless provide some useful data to gauge Nintendo's performance in such an important market. Nintendo has taken the opportunity to rush out of the gate to reveal its September highlights, which is a sure sign that it has some positive things to say.

First of all, the 3DS has been the top-selling video games system in the US for the fifth successive month, which is an impressive feat. It's also worth noting that these results do not account for any Pokémon X & Y or 2DS sales, which won't be revealed until next month; September was a reasonably quiet month for the 3DS in terms of major software releases, yet the hardware has clearly performed well.

In terms of the Wii U, these results did account for around two week's worth of sales at the reduced price point of $299 for the 32GB model, as well as the early arrival of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD's hardware bundle and download version. Nintendo reports that Wii U hardware sales increased by more than 200% over the August results; no firm numbers have been given. Regardless of figures, it's a positive trend ahead of more high profile releases in the coming weeks and Holiday months.

The October results — due in mid-November — could be a major success story for the 3DS, while the Wii U will account for the physical retail release of The Wind Waker HD, with late month sales of Wii Party U and Sonic Lost World potentially boosting sales further.

Let us know what you think of these results in the comments below.