The PlayStation 2 has sold more units than any video game console in history — and it stopped production in 2013.
How to Play: Guess if the console on the right has sold MORE or FEWER lifetime units than the one on the left.
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Top 10 Bestselling Video Game Consoles
Console sales accumulate over a generation that typically lasts 6-8 years. Sony’s PlayStation 2 (2000-2013) is the all-time leader with about 159 million units. The Nintendo DS, PlayStation 4, and Game Boy follow close behind.
| # | Name | Lifetime Sales (millions) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PlayStation 2 | 159 | millions |
| 2 | Nintendo DS | 154 | millions |
| 3 | Nintendo Switch | 140 | millions |
| 4 | Game Boy/Game Boy Color | 118.70 | millions |
| 5 | PlayStation 4 | 117 | millions |
| 6 | PlayStation | 102.50 | millions |
| 7 | Wii | 101.60 | millions |
| 8 | PlayStation 3 | 87.40 | millions |
| 9 | Xbox 360 | 84 | millions |
| 10 | PlayStation Portable | 82 | millions |
How Console Sales Are Tracked
Console sales are reported by manufacturers (Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft) in quarterly earnings or annual reports. Lifetime totals accumulate over generations that last 6-10 years. After production stops, totals freeze. PlayStation 2 stopped manufacturing in 2013 after a 13-year run.
The Nintendo Switch, launched 2017, has reached 140 million units by 2024 and is still selling — making it likely to surpass the PS2 record before its successor (Switch 2) cannibalizes sales. The PS4 sold 117M before the PS5 launched; Switch’s longer life cycle gives it more time.
Failed consoles are equally revealing. The Virtual Boy (Nintendo, 1995) sold 770,000 units before being discontinued after one year, hampered by a red-only display that caused eye strain. The Sega Saturn and Sega Dreamcast were technically capable but lost to PlayStation in marketing. Sega exited the hardware business in 2001.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the bestselling console of all time?
PlayStation 2 at 159 million units. Nintendo DS is close at 154M. Nintendo Switch at 140M may overtake before its end-of-life.
Did the Wii really outsell the Xbox 360?
Yes — Wii sold 101.6 million vs Xbox 360 at 84 million. The Wii’s motion controls expanded the audience to non-gamers, which Xbox’s traditional audience never matched.
Why is Steam Deck on this list?
Steam Deck is a portable gaming device sold by Valve since 2022. With ~3 million sold, it competes for the same handheld market as Switch.
Are PS5 and Xbox Series sales final?
No. Both consoles are still active. PS5 has crossed 65M as of late 2024; Xbox Series X/S around 25M.
Note: Lifetime sales in millions per manufacturer disclosures. Active consoles (PS5, Switch, Xbox Series) are still adding to their totals.
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