A journey through the video game console timeline reveals a fascinating evolution of the industry. While subjective rankings of the best consoles and launch titles offer nostalgic trips down memory lane, objective data like game sales paint a compelling picture of popular trends. This article delves into the financial reports to uncover the best-selling games on every major video game console, offering a glimpse into what captivated players throughout gaming history.
Note: This list focuses on major home and handheld consoles, excluding niche systems. Sales figures are based on officially released data as of 2025 and may be subject to change.
Atari 2600: Pac-Man Devours the Competition
The early consoles served primarily as a bridge between arcades and homes, making Pac-Man‘s reign as the Atari 2600’s top seller unsurprising. What’s remarkable is the sheer volume of sales: over 8 million copies in the nascent gaming market of the early 1980s. Space Invaders trails behind with over 6 million, followed by Donkey Kong at over 4 million.
An Atari 2600+ running Pitfall.
NES: Super Mario Bros. Leaps to the Top
Super Mario Bros. holds the crown for the NES, boasting over 40 million copies sold. This figure deserves an asterisk, however, as the game was bundled with the console. While it undoubtedly contributed to the NES’s success, it’s impossible to determine its standalone sales potential. Even bundled titles like Duck Hunt and Super Mario Bros. 3 achieved impressive numbers at 28 million and 18 million, respectively. Without bundles, Tetris takes the lead with 8 million sales.
Nintendo Entertainment System with controller.
Sega Genesis: Sonic the Hedgehog Speeds Ahead
Mirroring Mario’s dominance, Sega’s mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog, claims victory on the Genesis with 15 million sales. This figure also carries an asterisk due to console bundling. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 secures second place with around 7.5 million copies, showcasing impressive performance while highlighting Nintendo’s market dominance.
A Sega Genesis Mini 2 and its controller.
Game Boy: Pokémon Red & Blue Capture Hearts
The Game Boy’s best-selling title is none other than the phenomenon that reshaped the gaming landscape: Pokémon Red & Blue, with a combined 31 million sales. This global sensation revitalized the handheld nearly a decade after its launch. While some might debate combining sales figures, it reflects Nintendo’s established practice. Tetris, a pack-in title, and Pokémon Gold & Silver (23.7 million) follow suit.
Promotional image for Save State. Game Boy on a purple background.
SNES: Super Mario World Reigns Supreme
Unsurprisingly, Super Mario World leads the SNES with 20.6 million sales, another title bundled with the console. Its enduring popularity suggests strong standalone potential. The next non-bundled title, Street Fighter II Turbo, comes in ninth place with 4.1 million copies sold.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System and controller.
PlayStation: Gran Turismo Races to Victory
A close contest unfolded on the PlayStation, with Gran Turismo edging out the competition at 10.85 million copies. This visually stunning racing game showcased the console’s capabilities, attracting a wide audience. Final Fantasy VII (10.02 million) and Gran Turismo 2 (9.37 million) follow closely behind.
best ps1 games sony ps1
Nintendo 64: Super Mario 64 Maintains the Legacy
Continuing the trend, Super Mario 64 leads the N64 with 11.91 million sales, yet another bundled title. The top four spots, including Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, all feature bundled games. Super Smash Bros. achieves a respectable 5.55 million without bundling.
Person playing a game on the Nintendo 64.
Dreamcast: Sonic Adventure Shines Briefly
The Dreamcast, despite its short lifespan and dedicated fanbase, saw Sonic Adventure achieve 2.5 million sales. Soulcalibur (>1.3 million) and Shenmue (1.2 million) round out the top three.
A Dreamcast sits on a table.
Game Boy Advance: Pokémon Continues its Reign
Pokémon maintains its handheld dominance with Ruby and Sapphire achieving 16.22 million sales on the GBA. Remakes of the original generation, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, follow with 12 million copies.
A teal GBA SP.
