The Best-Selling Video Game Consoles of All Time (2025 Update)
Introduction to console sales
In a world where gaming technology evolves by the year, some consoles have become legends not just for their specs or exclusives, but for the millions of memories they created. With 2025 well underway, it’s time to look at the definitive list of the best-selling video game consoles of all time, complete with updated sales data, a full comparison chart, and a look at the next contenders for the crown.
Whether you're a retro collector or a next-gen powerhouse gamer, this one’s for you.
Why Console Sales Matter
Sales numbers do more than show how many units shipped, they tell a story.
They reveal which systems shaped entire generations, which ones delivered iconic exclusives, and which earned a permanent place in living rooms and hearts around the world. For collectors, these numbers often reflect the consoles worth displaying, preserving, and celebrating.
It’s no coincidence that many of the best-selling consoles are also the most nostalgic.
Console Sales Chart – Updated for 2025
| Rank | Console | Manufacturer | Release Year | Units Sold (Millions) | Notable Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PlayStation 2 | Sony | 2000 | 155 | GTA: San Andreas, Final Fantasy X, MGS 3 |
| 2 | Nintendo DS | Nintendo | 2004 | 154 | Mario Kart DS, New Super Mario Bros., Pokémon |
| 3 | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo | 2017 | 140+ | Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing: New Horizons |
| 4 | PlayStation 4 | Sony | 2013 | 117 | The Last of Us Part II, God of War, Spider-Man |
| 5 | Game Boy / Color | Nintendo | 1989 / 1998 | 118.7 | Tetris, Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow |
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What Made the Top Consoles So Successful?
- PlayStation 2: The ultimate all-rounder. With a DVD player, backward compatibility, and a monstrous game library, it ruled an entire decade.
- Nintendo DS: The dual-screen marvel captured casual and hardcore gamers alike. Pokémon, Mario, and a portable format made it a must-own.
- Nintendo Switch: Blurring the lines between handheld and home console, the Switch’s flexible design, combined with elite first-party titles, makes it a modern legend.
These consoles didn’t just sell well, they defined eras.
Could the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S Break the Top 5?
Let’s look at the numbers:
- PlayStation 5: 58 million units sold and climbing. Supply chain issues hurt its early momentum, but sales in 2024 surged thanks to key exclusives and Slim/Pro variants.
- Xbox Series X|S: While behind the PS5, Microsoft's dual-model approach and Game Pass integration give it a strong digital ecosystem.
The Verdict? The PS5 is well-positioned to eventually crack the top 5 but overtaking the PS2 or Switch? That’s a steep mountain.
The Rise of Retro and the Collector’s Mindset
What’s fascinating is how these sales numbers continue to fuel a booming collector culture.
- Retro gamers are buying back their childhoods.
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Framed displays, boxed editions, and custom shelving are on the rise.
- Nostalgia is now part of the gaming economy.
Whether it’s a mint PS2 disc or a Day 1 Switch cartridge, these physical items have become trophies. And they deserve to be seen, not shoved in a drawer.
Conclusion: The Numbers Are Fun — But the Memories Matter Most
While the PS2 still reigns supreme (for now), every console on this list made an unforgettable impact. Whether you're holding onto your DS Lite or anticipating the next Nintendo release, you’re part of the legacy.
Still own one of these legendary systems?
You’re not alone — and many gamers are now framing their games to keep those memories alive.
And here at Cheevo we're helping you celebrate these video games by displaying them.