Since the introduction of video game consoles in the early 1970s, hundreds of millions have been purchased by enthusiasts eager to dive into their beloved franchises, ranging from Assassin’s Creed to Zelda.
The top five consoles have collectively sold approximately 700 million units.
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In 2000, Sony, a leading Japanese technology and entertainment company, ignited a worldwide sensation with the launch of the PlayStation 2. A midnight release in the United States generated immense excitement, leading to scenes of eager customers rushing into stores to secure their consoles.
The initial appeal of the PlayStation 2 was bolstered by its backward compatibility, allowing gamers to play original PlayStation titles, as well as its capability to play DVDs. Interestingly, critics were not initially impressed with the console's game lineup.
However, a series of blockbuster titles from franchises such as “Grand Theft Auto,” “Gran Turismo,” “Final Fantasy,” “Tekken,” and “Metal Gear Solid” propelled the console to unprecedented heights of popularity. Earlier this year, former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Jim Ryan, reported sales reaching 160 million, although the official company figure remains at 155 million.
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The Nintendo DS transformed the gaming landscape upon its release in 2004 and 2005. Its innovative foldable design featuring dual screens, a built-in microphone, and internet connectivity built upon the remarkable success of the Game Boy in the 1990s.
The console thrived due to a robust lineup of popular adaptations, including titles from the Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon franchises. Additionally, it gained fame for cultural phenomena such as “Animal Crossing” and “Nintendogs,” a real-time pet simulation game where players could care for and virtually walk their dogs. The Japanese company announced that it had sold over 154 million units.
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Launched in 2017, the Nintendo Switch features a tablet design that enables users to enjoy gaming on a large screen at home or while commuting, contributing to its widespread popularity. Its success was further amplified by impressive sales of the latest installments in the “Zelda” series.
Additionally, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” a game centered around social interaction, became a global phenomenon following its release in 2020, coinciding with widespread lockdowns due to the Covid pandemic. As of the end of June this year, the Switch, which remains Nintendo's flagship product, has achieved sales of 143.4 million units, according to the company.
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The Game Boy and its 1998 Color variant emerged as a cultural icon during the late 1990s and early 2000s. These compact handheld devices introduced some of the most recognizable characters in gaming history.
Notably, Pikachu made its debut on the Game Boy in 1996, leading to the creation of a globally successful franchise encompassing films, television series, games, and merchandise. With popular titles like “Tetris” and “Super Mario Land,” the Game Boy solidified Nintendo's position as a market leader in the 1990s, ultimately achieving over 118 million sales, as reported by the company.
While the PlayStation 2 played a significant role in the decline of Sega’s Dreamcast at the beginning of the millennium, the PlayStation 4 faced off against Microsoft’s Xbox series and emerged victorious. Released in 2013, it recorded sales of 117 million units, according to data from the Japanese firm in 2022, significantly surpassing its Microsoft competitor.
Its success was bolstered by highly acclaimed additions to well-known franchises such as “Grand Theft Auto” and “The Last of Us.” Additionally, film adaptations like “Marvel’s Spider-Man” and “Star Wars Battlefront” also performed well commercially.