The one-two punch of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Halo 2 caused the monthly NPD wrap-up to arrive a bit later that usual this time around. However, top-seller lists proved one thing: never underestimate the power of portables. That's because the month's number one console game was Pokemon FireRed, which beat out fellow debuts Fable, Star Wars: Battlefront, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005, Def Jam: Fight for NY, and even the much-hyped Burnout 3: Takedown. And it wasn't because one game came out earlier than the other; Burnout 3 and Pokemon FireRed were released on the same day--September 7.

　　In fact, Burnout 3's debut must feel like a bit of a letdown for Electronic Arts, given the game's massive amount of hype and critical acclaim. The Xbox version of the daredevil racing game debuted at number 14, while the PS2 lagged behind, barely making the top 20 at number 19.

　　However, there were no surprises on the PC charts. With the original Sims and its expansion packs still a constant presence in the top 20 best-sellers, it was little wonder that the Sims 2 took the top slot. Right behind it was the special edition of the game, which offered various extras for those fluent in simlish. Right behind were two other high-profile newcomers, the expansion pack Call Of Duty: United Offensive and Star Wars: Battlefront.

　　Whether it was because of these interesting newcomers or the growing backlash against the game, Doom 3 slipped to fifth place. But that was still good enough to beat the month's other high-profile PC debut, Rome: Total War, whose legions managed to conquer the eighth slot.