Top-Selling Video Game Consoles Ever

Sony's PlayStation 2 remains the undisputed champion of video game console sales, having sold an astonishing 160 million units worldwide. Although the PlayStation 4 was a phenomenal success in its own right, it concluded its lifecycle approximately 40 million units shy of its predecessor. Meanwhile, Nintendo's Switch has surged past the PS4, securing its position among the top three best-selling consoles of all time.

Our exploration into the sales performance of hardware from Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft reveals a fascinating landscape of gaming history. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of the 28 best-selling video game consoles ever, complete with release dates, top-rated games, and other intriguing details.

Please note that while some sales figures are directly provided by the manufacturers, others are estimates derived from the latest reported numbers and market analysis. Estimated sales totals are indicated with an asterisk (*).

For those interested solely in the top performers, here's a quick rundown of the top 5 best-selling consoles, ranked by sales:

PlayStation 2 (Sony) – 160 million
Nintendo DS (Nintendo) – 154.02 million
Nintendo Switch (Nintendo) – 150.86 million
Game Boy/Game Boy Color (Nintendo) – 118.69 million
PlayStation 4 (Sony) – 117.2 million

Continue scrolling or click through the gallery for a more detailed look at each console's performance and legacy.