Video games are one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world, and the devices that play them have evolved significantly over the years. From the humble beginnings of the Magnavox Odyssey in 1972 to the latest generation of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, video game consoles have captured the imagination and passion of millions of gamers around the globe. But which console is the most successful of all time? How do the current contenders stack up against the classics? In this article, we will rank the 10 best selling video game consoles of all time, based on the most reliable sources and data available.
10. PlayStation Portable (PSP) – 80.82 million units
The PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony’s first handheld console, released in 2004. It featured a 4.3-inch LCD screen, a UMD disc drive, and a powerful processor that allowed it to run games comparable to the PlayStation 2. The PSP also had multimedia capabilities, such as playing music, videos, and photos, as well as online connectivity via Wi-Fi. Some of the most popular games on the PSP include God of War: Chains of Olympus, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite.
9. Game Boy Advance (GBA) – 81.51 million units
The Game Boy Advance, or GBA, was Nintendo’s third handheld console, released in 2001. It was a major upgrade from the previous Game Boy models, featuring a 32-bit processor, a larger screen, and improved graphics and sound. The GBA also had backward compatibility with the Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, as well as a link cable that allowed multiplayer gaming. Some of the most popular games on the GBA include Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, and Metroid Fusion.
8. Xbox 360 – 85.80 million units
The Xbox 360 was Microsoft’s second home console, released in 2005. It was a direct competitor to the PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii, and was known for its online service, Xbox Live, which offered multiplayer gaming, digital downloads, and streaming media. The Xbox 360 also had a Kinect motion sensor accessory, which allowed users to control games and apps with their body movements and voice commands. Some of the most popular games on the Xbox 360 include Halo 3, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and Grand Theft Auto V.
7. PlayStation 3 (PS3) – 87.4 million units
The PlayStation 3, or PS3, was Sony’s third home console, released in 2006. It was the first console to use the Blu-ray disc format, which offered higher storage capacity and better graphics quality than the DVD format. The PS3 also had a built-in hard drive, a wireless controller, and a PlayStation Network service, which offered online gaming, digital downloads, and streaming media. The PS3 also had a PlayStation Move motion controller accessory, which allowed users to control games and apps with their hand movements and voice commands. Some of the most popular games on the PS3 include Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, The Last of Us, and God of War III.
6. Nintendo Wii – 101.63 million units
The Nintendo Wii was Nintendo’s fifth home console, released in 2006. It was a revolutionary device that introduced motion controls to the mainstream gaming market, using a wireless remote controller that detected the user’s movements and gestures. The Wii also had a Wii Balance Board accessory, which measured the user’s weight and balance, and a Wii Fit software, which offered fitness and health-related games and activities. The Wii also had backward compatibility with the GameCube games, as well as a Virtual Console service, which offered classic games from previous Nintendo consoles and other platforms. Some of the most popular games on the Wii include Wii Sports, Mario Kart Wii, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
5. PlayStation 4 (PS4) – 117.2 million units
The PlayStation 4, or PS4, is Sony’s fourth home console, released in 2013. It is the most recent console on this list, and is still in production as of 2024. The PS4 is a powerful device that offers high-definition graphics, a fast processor, and a large hard drive. The PS4 also has a PlayStation Camera accessory, which allows users to control games and apps with their body movements and voice commands, and a PlayStation VR headset, which offers virtual reality gaming. The PS4 also has a PlayStation Plus service, which offers online gaming, digital downloads, and streaming media. Some of the most popular games on the PS4 include God of War, Spider-Man, and Horizon Zero Dawn.
4. Game Boy/Game Boy Color (GB/GBC) – 118.69 million units
The Game Boy and the Game Boy Color, or GB and GBC, are Nintendo’s first and second handheld consoles, released in 1989 and 1998, respectively. They are considered as one console for the purpose of this list, as they share the same hardware and software library, with the exception of the color display on the GBC. The GB and GBC are simple devices that use cartridges to play games, and have a monochrome or color LCD screen, a directional pad, and two buttons. The GB and GBC also have a link cable that allows multiplayer gaming. Some of the most popular games on the GB and GBC include Tetris, Pokemon Red and Blue, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.
3. Nintendo Switch (NS) – 139.36 million units
The Nintendo Switch, or NS, is Nintendo’s sixth home console, released in 2017. It is a hybrid device that can be used as a handheld console or a home console, depending on whether it is docked to a TV or not. The NS has a touchscreen, a pair of detachable Joy-Con controllers, and a cartridge slot for games. The NS also has a Nintendo Switch Online service, which offers online gaming, digital downloads, and streaming media. Some of the most popular games on the NS include Animal Crossing: New Horizons, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Super Mario Odyssey.
2. Nintendo DS (DS) – 154.02 million units
The Nintendo DS, or DS, is Nintendo’s fourth handheld console, released in 2004. It is a dual-screen device that has a touchscreen, a microphone, and a stylus for input. The DS also has a slot for Game Boy Advance games, as well as a wireless adapter for online gaming. The DS also has several models, such as the DS Lite, the DSi, and the DSi XL, which offer different features and designs. Some of the most popular games on the DS include New Super Mario Bros., Nintendogs, and Brain Age.
1. PlayStation 2 (PS2) – 159 million units
The PlayStation 2, or PS2, is Sony’s second home console, released in 2000. It is the best-selling video game console of all time, with over 159 million units sold worldwide. The PS2 is a versatile device that can play games, DVDs, CDs, and other media formats. The PS2 also has a built-in hard drive, a network adapter, and a USB port for accessories. The PS2 also has backward compatibility with the PlayStation games, as well as a PlayStation EyeToy camera, which allows users to control games and apps with their body movements and voice commands. Some of the most popular games on the PS2 include Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Final Fantasy X, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
