The NPD results are in for the month of April 2015, and the results show an industry in growth. Sales at retail increased by 3 percent year-over-year to $595.7 million.

Hardware dipped but a minor 4 percent to $183.9 million, and accessories (typically driven by toys-to-life) was also down by 3 percent as we get closer to the release of this year's action figure games.

Xbox One led console sales, and Microsoft corporate vice president Mike Nichols says that uptake increased 63 percent over this month last year and that active users have increased across Xbox Live (both Xbox One and Xbox 360) by 24 percent.

Sony issued a statement to tout its own success during the month, leading software sales for the month. The company also reports that it still leads in cumulative consoles sold in the United States.

This month, Mortal Kombat X took the lead as software sales for consoles, handhelds, and retail PC were up by 10 percent, reaching $264.4 million. Only three of the top ten titles were released in April 2014 (inclusive of Grand Theft Auto V on PC), with another three released in March 2014.. Here's the top ten list:

Mortal Kombat X (PS4, XBO) Grand Theft Auto V (PS4, XBO, PC, 360, PS3) Battlefield Hardline (XBO, PS4, 360, PS3, PC) MLB 15: The Show (PS4, PS3) Minecraft (360, PS3, XBO, PS4) NBA 2K15 (XBO, PS4, 360, PS3, PC) Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (XBO, PS4, 360, PS3, PC) Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin (PS4, XBO, 360, PS3) Super Smash Bros. (3DS, NWU) Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (PS4, XBO)

NPD's Liam Callahan notes that if the top ten list were ordered by individual SKUs instead of by title, Bloodborne (PS4), Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (New 3DS), and Mario Party 10 (Wii U) would have made the list.

As a reminder, the monthly NPD report only includes retail sales in the United States.

Our Take

With Microsoft and Sony remaining close on a month-to-month basis, competition will breed good news for gamers. The industry continues to recover, and with E3 ahead, the crucial holiday season will begin to take shape.