30 Best-Selling Video Game Consoles of All Time

Video GamesNostalgiaRetro Toys
A collage of best-selling video game consoles and controllers, featuring iconic handheld and home systems from different eras, alongside vintage packaging and classic advertisements.

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Reading time: 3 min.

I have to say, putting this piece together was a blast. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, video games were a big part of life for everyone I knew. Visiting a friend’s house usually meant sifting through their collection, searching for your favorites or games you’d always wanted to try and staring at the screen for hours. It wasn’t all that competitive, either—most of us hadn’t played every game or logged as much time as someone else. Instead, it was more about playing together, swapping tips, and sharing the little secrets or easter eggs we’d discovered.

I was a Nintendo kid through and through. My first console was the NES, followed by the SNES, before I eventually switched teams and adopted the PlayStation system—a loyalty that still holds strong today. But there was always that kid in the friend group who had a Sega Genesis, with the unfamiliar controller and strange games. We’d argue about what the better console was.

But one thing that’s always intrigued me about gaming consoles is how they compare in terms of sales. Was the Super Nintendo really that much bigger than the Sega Genesis, or was that just my perception? It’s fascinating to see how these systems stack against each other and how our personal experiences shape our views of their success. So here are the 30 best-selling video game consoles of all time, in descending order.

30. TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine

The box of the TurboGrafx-16, one of the best-selling video game consoles, showcases images of the console, controller, and a game on screen. Text highlights features like game cards, graphics, and sound. The predominantly black-and-white design exudes a vintage charm.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: NEC
  • Released: 1987
  • Units Sold: 10 million
  • Iconic Game: Bonk’s Adventure

29. Atari Lynx

Discover the Atari Lynx, one of the best-selling video game consoles, now for just $99.95. Experience portable gaming magic with titles like Blue Lightning, Rampage, and Shanghai. The display showcases the console alongside these thrilling game covers. Don’t miss this iconic piece of gaming history!
  • Type: Handheld
  • Manufacturer: Atari
  • Released: 1989
  • Units Sold: >1 million
  • Iconic Game: California Games

28. Dreamcast

A Sega Dreamcast console, one of the best-selling video game consoles, has its lid open to reveal a Sonic Adventure disc. Next to it, a white controller with a small screen and colorful buttons rests on the flat surface.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Sega
  • Released: 1998
  • Units Sold: 9.13 million
  • Iconic Game: Sonic Adventure

27. Sega Saturn

The image showcases the cover of a Sega Saturn console box, highlighting one of the best-selling video game consoles. It features the Sega Saturn console and controller against a space-themed backdrop, with the iconic Sega Saturn and Sega logos prominently displayed.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Sega
  • Released: 1994
  • Units Sold: 9.26 million
  • Iconic Game: Nights into Dreams

26. Sega Game Gear

An open Sega Game Gear carrying case showcases one of the best-selling video game consoles. Inside, a Game Gear console is flanked by multiple game cartridges in plastic cases, an AC adapter, and several empty game cases, all meticulously arranged on a blue surface.
  • Type: Handheld
  • Manufacturer: Sega
  • Released: 1990
  • Units Sold: 10.62 million
  • Iconic Game: Sonic Chaos

25. PlayStation Vita

A best-selling PlayStation Vita handheld console rests on a wooden surface, showcasing a fantasy-themed video game screen with rocky landscapes and a sword embedded in the ground.
  • Type: Handheld
  • Manufacturer: Sony
  • Released: 2011
  • Units Sold: 10–15 million (estimate)
  • Iconic Game: Persona 4 Golden

24. Wii U

A person holds a white Wii U GamePad against a blue background. Below, the console and accessories like the Wii Remote and green Nunchuk sit nearby. The screen features various app icons, highlighting one of Nintendo's ventures into best-selling video game consoles.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Nintendo
  • Released: 2012
  • Units Sold: 13.56 million
  • Iconic Game: Mario Kart 8

23. Oculus Quest 2

Two white virtual reality headsets, inspired by the best-selling video game consoles, with matching controllers rest on a wooden surface. The headsets have straps and padded interiors, and the controllers are positioned beside them, each pair connected with a charging cable.
  • Type: VR Headset
  • Manufacturer: Meta
  • Released: 2020
  • Units Sold: ~20 million
  • Iconic Game: Beat Saber

22. Nintendo GameCube

A silver Nintendo GameCube console, one of the best-selling video game consoles, is displayed on a wooden surface with two matching controllers. The original box with the iconic GameCube logo proudly stands behind the console.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Nintendo
  • Released: 2001
  • Units Sold: 21.74 million
  • Iconic Game: Super Smash Bros. Melee

21. Xbox

A translucent green Xbox console with a matching controller sits on a light wooden floor. With Halo branding, this console joins the ranks of best-selling video game consoles. In the background, an orange Nintendo 64 is partially visible.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Microsoft
  • Released: 2001
  • Units Sold: 24 million
  • Iconic Game: Halo: Combat Evolved

20. Xbox Series X/S

A white gaming console, one of the best-selling video game consoles, features a circular black vent and sits elegantly on a table beside a matching white controller. In the background, a cozy living room with couches and green accent lighting creates an inviting atmosphere.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Microsoft
  • Released: 2020
  • Units Sold: 28.3 million
  • Iconic Game: Forza Horizon 5

19. Atari 2600

An Atari 2600, one of the best-selling video game consoles, comes complete with a joystick and a 10 Games in 1 cartridge. The console's iconic wood grain finish adds nostalgia, while the nearby cartridge box promises endless entertainment.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Atari
  • Released: 1977
  • Units Sold: 30 million
  • Iconic Game: Pitfall!

18. Sega Genesis/Mega Drive

A Sega Mega Drive 16-bit console set with two controllers, a power adapter, AV cables, and three game cartridges. Among the best-selling video game consoles of its time, it comes complete with original packaging in the background and game covers featuring colorful illustrations.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Sega
  • Released: 1988
  • Units Sold: 30.75 million
  • Iconic Game: Sonic the Hedgehog

17. Nintendo 64

A Nintendo 64 console, one of the best-selling video game consoles, comes with a gray controller. The sleek black console features a game cartridge in place. The vibrant controller’s colorful buttons and connecting cord are plugged into the first port of this iconic gaming system.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Nintendo
  • Released: 1996
  • Units Sold: 32.93 million
  • Iconic Game: Super Mario 64

16. Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

A Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), one of the best-selling video game consoles, is displayed in its original packaging. The box, console, controller, and components are neatly arranged in foam. An instruction manual and promotional inserts are partially visible to the side.

15. Xbox One

An Xbox, one of the best-selling video game consoles, is displayed with a sleek black controller in front on a vibrant green background.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Microsoft
  • Released: 2013
  • Units Sold: ~58 million
  • Iconic Game: Halo 5: Guardians

14. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

A classic Nintendo Entertainment System console, one of the best-selling video game consoles, features a grey rectangular design connected to a matching controller. The controller has a black D-pad and red buttons, perfectly placed beside the console on a pristine white background.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Nintendo
  • Released: 1983
  • Units Sold: 61.91 million
  • Iconic Game: Super Mario Bros.

Related: Top 25 Best-Selling NES Games of All Time

13. PlayStation 5

Image of a best-selling video game console, the PlayStation 5, alongside its DualSense controller and packaging box. The PS5 features a sleek white design with black accents, while the box prominently displays the PS5 logo and Sony branding.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Sony
  • Released: 2020
  • Units Sold: 65.6 million
  • Iconic Game: Elden Ring

12. Nintendo 3DS

An open Nintendo 3DS, one of the best-selling video game consoles, with a stylus pointed at the screen. The top screen displays its iconic logo while the bottom shows various app icons like a notepad, smiley face, and a game controller. Buttons adorn its sides.
  • Type: Handheld
  • Manufacturer: Nintendo
  • Released: 2011
  • Units Sold: 75.94 million
  • Iconic Game: Pokémon X & Y

11. PlayStation Portable (PSP)

A black Sony PSP, one of the best-selling video game consoles, features a wide screen with control buttons on both sides and various operational buttons like volume and power. The PSP logo is prominently displayed below the screen.

10. Game Boy Advance

A purple handheld gaming device with a screen in the center, directional pad on the left, and buttons on the right. The text Game Boy Advance is below the screen, marking it as one of the best-selling video game consoles.

9. Xbox 360

A white, best-selling video game console with a controller and power brick. The console includes vent holes on top and front, plus a disc slot, USB ports, and buttons. The controller sports multiple colored buttons, and the power brick has an attached cable.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Microsoft
  • Released: 2005
  • Units Sold: >84 million
  • Iconic Game: Halo 3

8. PlayStation 3

Image showing three models of the best-selling video game console, PlayStation 3. The top is the original with a gloss finish, the middle is the Slim version, and the bottom is the Super Slim version. A black PS3 controller sits beside the Slim version.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Sony
  • Released: 2006
  • Units Sold: >87.4 million
  • Iconic Game: The Last of Us

7. Wii

A white gaming console, renowned as one of the best-selling video game consoles, comes with a sensor bar, controller, and nunchuck attachment. The console includes a front disc slot and a controller with directional buttons and motion-sensing ability. A power cord is visible on the side.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Nintendo
  • Released: 2006
  • Units Sold: 101.63 million
  • Iconic Game: Wii Sports

6. PlayStation

A grey Sony PlayStation console, one of the best-selling video game consoles, includes a matching wired controller. The console features the iconic PlayStation logo and has two controller ports on the front. The controller comes equipped with a directional pad, buttons, and two joysticks.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Sony
  • Released: 1994
  • Units Sold: 102.49 million
  • Iconic Game: Final Fantasy VII

5. PlayStation 4

A black gaming console with a matching controller, this best-selling video game system features a sleek, layered design and a small, illuminated logo on top. The controller includes thumbsticks, buttons, and a touchpad for an enhanced gaming experience.
  • Type: Home Console
  • Manufacturer: Sony
  • Released: 2013
  • Units Sold: 117.2 million
  • Iconic Game: God of War (2018)

4. Game Boy & Game Boy Color

A collection of eight best-selling Game Boy Color handheld consoles in various colors, including purple, red, blue, yellow, and white. Some feature Pokémon designs. These iconic devices are arranged in two rows on a white background.
  • Type: Handheld
  • Manufacturer: Nintendo
  • Released: 1989, 1998
  • Units Sold: 118.69 million
  • Iconic Game: Pokémon Red & Blue

3. Nintendo Switch

The best-selling Nintendo Switch console, featuring vibrant red and blue Joy-Con controllers, sits next to its docking station. Both the console and dock proudly display the iconic Nintendo Switch logo on a pristine white background.

2. Nintendo DS

A silver Nintendo DS handheld game console, one of the best-selling video game consoles, with its dual screens open. The top screen displays the iconic Nintendo DS logo, while the lower touchscreen hosts a resting stylus. The console features control buttons and a directional pad.
  • Type: Handheld
  • Manufacturer: Nintendo
  • Released: 2004
  • Units Sold: 154.02 million
  • Iconic Game: Mario Kart DS

1. PlayStation 2

A black PlayStation 2 console with its matching DualShock 2 controller. As one of the best-selling video game consoles, it features a sleek, rectangular design with a blue and black logo on top and multiple horizontal grooves along the front edge.

  • From the cutting-edge PlayStation 5 to the timeless appeal of the Nintendo DS, each console on this list has left its mark on gaming history. At the top stands the PlayStation 2, a true icon that revolutionized gaming and entertainment.
Colby Droscher
Colby Droscher
Colby has been in digital publishing for 15+ years. In a past life he was the Editor in Chief of Literally Media Entertainment brands (cracked.com, ebaumsworld.com, cheezburger.com).

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