Top Selling Consoles of All Time

For decades, video game consoles have defined entertainment, creating cultural moments and driving technological innovation. The competition to create the best selling consoles is fierce, with companies investing billions to win a place in living rooms worldwide. This deep dive into the global top selling consoles examines the hardware that achieved legendary status. We will look at historical sales champions, current market trends, and where to find these iconic systems today. 

Understanding which consoles topped sales charts offers a fascinating window into the preferences of millions of gamers and the strategic victories of the industry's biggest players.

How's the Video Console Market Looking?

The video game console market is a dynamic arena dominated by a few key players. Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft continue to be the primary competitors, each with distinct strategies. Sony and Microsoft compete directly with powerful hardware and subscription services, while Nintendo often carves its own path with innovative and family-friendly systems. The market has seen a shift towards digital storefronts and subscription models like Game Pass, changing how players access games. Despite the growth of mobile and PC gaming, dedicated consoles maintain a strong, dedicated audience willing to invest in new generations of hardware. The release of systems like the PS5 continues to demonstrate high consumer demand, with PS5 units sold figures reflecting a healthy market.

Best Video Game Consoles on a Budget

For many gamers, getting the latest hardware on day one isn't feasible. Fortunately, the console ecosystem offers fantastic value in previous generations and specific model types. A little research can lead to a great gaming experience without a high cost.

The Previous Generation Powerhouses

The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One represent exceptional value. Their vast libraries of games are now deeply discounted, both physically and digitally. These systems can often be found as complete bundles with games and extra controllers for a single low price. Performance is still solid for a huge range of titles, from sprawling adventures to competitive multiplayer games. Opting for a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X model can even provide enhanced visuals on a 4K display.

The Handheld and Hybrid Option

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a dedicated handheld version of the hugely popular Switch. It plays the entire Switch library of games that support handheld mode at a lower entry point. This makes it a perfect budget choice for solo gamers who prioritize portability. While it cannot connect to a TV, it delivers the same core gameplay in a compact, durable form factor. Its lower price opens the door to Nintendo's exclusive franchises for countless players.

The Refurbished Route

Official refurbished programs from manufacturers or reputable retailers are a smart way to shop. Consoles like the Nintendo Wii U or Xbox Series S can be found in certified refurbished condition, offering peace of mind with a warranty. This path often provides the best balance of modern features and affordability. It is a sustainable choice that gives older hardware a new life with a new owner.

Top Selling Video Game Consoles of All Time

When examining console sales all time, the numbers reveal surprising leaders and underscore the lasting impact of portable gaming. The list of best selling consoles of all time is not just about raw power, but about accessibility, iconic games, and cultural penetration. Here are the systems that have sold over 100 million units, setting the benchmark for the industry.

1. PlayStation 2 (PS2)

Sony's PlayStation 2 is not just a top selling console; it is the undisputed champion. With over 155 million units sold, its record has stood for nearly two decades. Its success was built on a perfect storm: a built-in DVD player during the format's rise, a colossal library of over 4,000 games, and backward compatibility with the original PlayStation. It became a central entertainment hub, home to genre-defining series like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and God of War. The PS2's longevity and deep market penetration make it a case study in product dominance.

2. Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS family, including the DS Lite, DSi, and 3DS variants, achieved staggering sales of over 154 million units. Its dual-screen, touch-enabled design was revolutionary, appealing to a massive audience beyond traditional gamers. Titles like Nintendogs, Brain Age, and New Super Mario Bros. showcased unique gameplay. The DS proved that innovative hardware could create entirely new gaming experiences and expand the market, solidifying Nintendo's reputation for creative portables and contributing significantly to the list of best selling console games of all time.

3. Nintendo Switch

Still actively selling, the Nintendo Switch has crossed 132 million units and continues to climb. Its hybrid design as both a home and portable console resonated powerfully with consumers. The strategy of releasing a steady stream of critically acclaimed first-party titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, has driven consistent sales. The introduction of the OLED and Lite models has further broadened its appeal, ensuring it remains one of the global top selling consoles year after year.

4. Game Boy/Game Boy Color

The original Game Boy line, often grouped in sales data, sold approximately 119 million units. Its monochrome display and bulky design were overshadowed by its durability, battery life, and an unbeatable game library led by Tetris and Pokémon. It defined portable gaming for a generation, creating a platform where simple, compelling gameplay triumphed over technical specs. The Game Boy Color addition brought a welcome splash of color and kept the platform relevant for years.

5. PlayStation 4

The PlayStation 4 sold 117 million units, marking a major comeback for Sony after the PS3's challenging start. Its developer-friendly architecture, strong exclusive titles like The Last of Us Part II and Marvel's Spider-Man, and a clear marketing message propelled it to success. The PS4 also benefited from missteps by its competition early in the generation, allowing it to build a commanding lead that lasted throughout its life cycle, securing its place among the top 5 gaming consoles in history.

6. PlayStation 1

The original PlayStation, with 102 million units sold, broke Nintendo's dominance and brought gaming into the CD-ROM era. It attracted a more mature audience with edgy marketing and games like Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid. Its controller introduced the analog stick to mainstream consoles. By making 3D gaming accessible and affordable, the PS1 dramatically shifted the industry's landscape and established Sony as a powerhouse.

7. Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii achieved 101 million sales by targeting a completely different audience with its motion-controlled Wii Remote. It became a phenomenon in casual and family gaming, with Wii Sports often bundled with the system. While its sales slowed sharply after its initial boom, its impact was profound, briefly making it one of the world's top selling consoles and demonstrating the potential of broader market outreach, though it also had a notable drop-off that contrasts with sustained sellers.

8. PlayStation Portable (PSP)

The PSP rounded out the list with over 80 million units sold. It was a technically impressive handheld that offered a console-like experience on the go, with graphics far beyond its contemporaries. While it faced stiff competition from the Nintendo DS, it carved out a strong niche with multimedia capabilities and core gamer franchises like God of War and Monster Hunter. Its success proved there was a market for a high-end portable device.

Where Can You Buy the World's Top Selling Consoles of All Time

Finding these historic systems requires knowing where to look. For current-generation models like the PS5 or Switch, major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and direct manufacturer stores are the primary sources. For discontinued top selling consoles, the market shifts. Retro gaming specialty stores, both online and physical, offer refurbished units with warranties. Online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are flooded with used consoles, but require careful vetting of seller ratings and product condition. Additionally, you can consider to dropship gaming pads as an option for retailers, though consumers should purchase from established vendors.

How to Choose Top Selling Consoles

Selecting the right console depends on your personal priorities and gaming preferences. The best system for you is the one that gives you access to the games you want to play within your budget.

• Game Library Focus: Your choice should be dictated by the games. If you want specific exclusives like The Legend of Zelda or Spider-Man 2, your path is clear. Research the exclusive titles for each system.
• Budget and Value: Determine your total budget, including the cost of games and online subscriptions. A previous-generation console often provides the most content for the lowest upfront investment.
• Performance Needs: If you demand the highest graphical fidelity and fastest performance, a current-generation premium model like the PS5 or Xbox Series X is necessary. For more casual or portable play, other options suffice.
• Portability: If gaming on the go is essential, a handheld like the Nintendo Switch Lite or a Steam Deck might be a better primary choice than a home console.
• Social and Online Features: Consider which system your friends use for online multiplayer, as these networks are usually platform-specific. The quality and price of the required online service are also factors.

For those passionate about gaming, this hobby can even open doors to make money playing video games through streaming, competitive play, or content creation, adding another dimension to your console choice. You can also check out game consoles statistics online.

Conclusion

The history of the top selling consoles is a story of innovation, timing, and the powerful connection between hardware and software. From the ubiquitous PlayStation 2 to the portable phenomenon of the Nintendo DS and the modern hybrid success of the Switch, these platforms show what resonates with a global audience. While sales figures tell one part of the story, the true legacy is in the memories created for millions of players. As technology evolves, new contenders will emerge, but these record-setting consoles have permanently shaped the landscape of interactive entertainment.