As everybody says Nintendo was never as big in Europe as in NA. Keep in mind that the presence of gaming companies differs a lot in each country.
For example, apprently Mega Drive sold better in Europe than SNES did. I never realised this living in the Netherlands as old Nintendo games are much more common over here than old SEGA games, and while I know plenty of people who used to own a Nintendo I know know literally no one who had a SEGA. But in the UK for example I believe Mega Drive was more popular. Also, I don't think Nintendo is very popular in eastern Europe and was introduced quite late over there. (plus there are a lot of pc gamers over there)
More important though is the lack of FIFA and big games like CoD and GTA because this is what the masses are interested in. Sony also advertises Playstation very well. Europe loves football, and therefore loves FIFA. Even many players themselves are always going on about how they love playing FIFA on their Playstation. Playstation is advertised during the Champions League which is the most important football (and sports) event in Europe. This way they reach a huge audience including basically all FIFA fans.
Spending warm summer days indoors
Writing frightening verse
To a buck-toothed girl in Luxembourg
NES, SNES, N64, GC, Wii, WiiU, GB, GBC, GBA, DS, 3DS, Mega Drive, Game Gear, PS1, PS2, PSP, XBOX 360, Atari Lynx
