From the retro vibes of the 1970s to the modern era of portable and hybrid consoles, video game consoles have shaped the entertainment industry across generations. With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch, let’s take a look back at the five best-selling gaming consoles of all time, together selling over 700 million units worldwide.
Whether you’re a fan of “Assassin’s Creed,” “Grand Theft Auto,” or “Zelda,” these iconic consoles have defined gaming history.
1. PlayStation 2: 160 Million Units Sold
Still holding the crown for the best-selling video game console of all time, the Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) debuted in 2000 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
Key Features That Made It a Hit:
- Backward compatibility with original PlayStation games
- Built-in DVD player, making it a multimedia device
- Midnight launches and high-demand hype globally
Despite early criticism for a lacklustre game lineup, it was later fuelled by smash hits like:
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Gran Turismo 4
- Final Fantasy X
- Metal Gear Solid 2
- Tekken 5
Total Sales: Over 160 million units globally
Legacy: Cemented Sony as a dominant force in the console wars
2. Nintendo DS:154 Million Units Sold
Launched in 2004 (Japan) and 2005 (globally), the Nintendo DS transformed portable gaming with its dual-screen, clamshell design.
What Set It Apart:
- Two screens, including a touchscreen
- Built-in microphone and WiFi for multiplayer gaming
- Compatibility with Game Boy Advance games
Best-Selling Titles:
- New Super Mario Bros.
- Mario Kart DS
- Nintendogs
- Animal Crossing: Wild World
- Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
Total Sales: 154 million+
Fun Fact: “Nintendogs” became a viral pet simulator phenomenon
3. Nintendo Switch: 152 Million Units Sold (and Counting)
The Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017, blended console and handheld gaming into one sleek device.
Why It’s a Game-Changer:
- Hybrid design for on-the-go and home play
- Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer flexibility
- Seamless transition between TV, tabletop, and handheld modes
Chart-Topping Games:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons (especially popular during the 2020 lockdown)
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Total Sales: 152.1 million (as of March 2025)
Still Active: Remains Nintendo’s flagship console with strong ongoing sales
4. Game Boy & Game Boy Colour: 118 Million Units Sold
A portable revolution in the 1990s, the Nintendo Game Boy and its 1998 Colour variant made gaming truly mobile.
What Made It Iconic:
- Simple yet addictive games
- Long battery life
- Durable and compact design
Legendary Titles:
- Tetris
- Super Mario Land
- Pokémon Red and Blue (where Pikachu made his debut)
Total Sales: Over 118 million combined
Cultural Impact: Solidified Nintendo as the king of handheld gaming
5. PlayStation 4:113 Million Units Sold
Launched in 2013, the Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4) dominated the eighth generation of consoles, outpacing its main rival, the Xbox One.
Why It Dominated the Market:
- Powerful hardware and smoother gameplay
- Vast library of exclusives and third-party games
- Seamless online multiplayer with PlayStation Plus
Popular Titles:
- The Last of Us Part II
- Grand Theft Auto V
- Marvel’s Spider-Man
- Star Wars Battlefront
Total Sales: 113.5 million by 2020
Winner of Its Generation: Outperformed Xbox One in global sales and exclusives
Why These Consoles Made History
These top 5 gaming consoles didn’t just sell millions; they shaped the evolution of gaming. From the DVD-compatible PS2 to the versatile Switch, each offered something unique that resonated with gamers worldwide.
As Nintendo Switch 2 launches, it will be interesting to see if it joins this elite club of record-breaking gaming systems.
