Let's be honest - when you're looking up best selling video game systems, you're not just curious about sales numbers. You're probably trying to decide where to spend your hard-earned cash. I get it. Buying a console is an investment, and with prices these days, you want to make sure you're getting it right.
I remember buying my first console back in 2003. Saved up for months mowing lawns, then stood in the electronics store completely paralyzed between options. The sales guy kept throwing jargon at me - "bits" and "polygons" and all that nonsense. What I really needed to know was simple: which system would give me the most fun without emptying my wallet? That's what we'll tackle here.
The Absolute Best Selling Video Game Systems Ever
Sales numbers tell an interesting story, but they don't always show the full picture. Sometimes a console sells like crazy because it's cheap. Sometimes it's pure innovation. Here's the breakdown of the real champions:
| Console | Units Sold | Release Year | Secret Sauce | Rough Price Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 | 155 million+ | 2000 | DVD player + insane game library | $30-50 (used) |
| Nintendo DS | 154 million | 2004 | Two screens + portable | $40-60 (used) |
| Nintendo Switch | 141 million+ (and counting) | 2017 | Hybrid home/portable | $299 new |
| Game Boy/Game Boy Color | 118 million | 1989 | Tetris + battery life | $50-80 (used) |
| PlayStation 4 | 117 million | 2013 | Power + exclusives | $250-300 (used) |
What's fascinating about these best selling video game systems? They solved real problems. The PS2 was cheaper than DVD players at the time. The Switch solved the "do I buy handheld or home console?" dilemma. The DS? That bottom touchscreen was weird but brilliant for games like Brain Age.
Honestly, I think the Game Boy might be the most impressive. That greenish screen was awful by today's standards, but man, it just wouldn't die. Dropped mine in a snowbank once - thawed it out and kept playing Pokémon.
Why These Systems Actually Sold
Forget the marketing hype. Having tested dozens of consoles over 20 years, I've noticed three real reasons consoles become best sellers:
They Fit Real Life
The Switch didn't sell 140 million units because it's the most powerful. It sold because parents could play Zelda on the TV after kids went to bed, then grab it for the morning commute. Meanwhile, the PS2 became the Netflix machine before Netflix existed.
They Had Must-Play Exclusive Games
Look at these system-defining exclusives:
- Nintendo Switch: Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing
- PlayStation 2: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, God of War
- PlayStation 4: Spider-Man, The Last of Us Part II
That's the thing - you couldn't play these anywhere else. I bought a PS4 solely for Spider-Man, no shame.
Warning: Don't fall for the "exclusives" trap though. Xbox used to have Halo exclusives, but now most games come to PC too. Always check if you actually need the console for the games you want.
Price and Timing
The Wii sold 100 million not because it looked good (it didn't), but because it was $250 when PS3 was $600. Released right before the 2008 recession? Genius timing.
Meanwhile, the PS4 launched at $399 versus Xbox One's $499 - and that $100 difference absolutely mattered. Saw it myself working retail during that launch - people constantly comparing price tags.
Some consoles sell despite being expensive. But most best selling video game systems? They nail the price point.
Current Best Sellers: What's Actually Worth Buying Now?
Okay, history lesson over. Let's talk about today's best selling video game systems you can actually buy new:
| System | Starting Price | Best For | Annoying Flaw | Must-Buy Accessory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | $299 | Families/casual gamers | Underpowered hardware | Pro Controller ($70) |
| PlayStation 5 | $499 | Graphics/blockbuster games | Massive size | Extra SSD storage |
| Xbox Series S | $299 | Budget gamers | No disc drive | Game Pass Ultimate |
| Steam Deck | $399 | PC game portability | Battery life concerns | ProtonDB subscription |
Here's my take after owning all of these: The Switch is still king for flexibility, but man does it show its age. Playing Hogwarts Legacy on Switch versus PS5 is like watching VHS after Blu-ray. Still fun though!
The PS5? Fantastic machine but good luck finding shelf space for that monster. Mine looks ridiculous next to the TV. And Xbox Series S - great value but that tiny 512GB storage fills up crazy fast. You'll be buying expansion cards constantly.
Pro Tip: Always check if physical games are cheaper than digital before buying discless consoles like Series S. I saved $120 on Elden Ring buying physical.
Choosing Your Perfect System: The Real Questions
Forget specs. Ask yourself these instead:
- "Will I actually play on the go?" If yes, Switch or Steam Deck. If no, save money on home consoles.
- "Do I care about Game Pass?" Xbox Game Pass is insane value - over 400 games for $17/month.
- "Am I buying for kids?" Switch durability > fancy graphics.
- "Will I play online?" PS Plus/Xbox Live required for multiplayer ($60-100/year).
Seriously, write answers down. Saved my cousin $500 last month when he realized he mostly plays mobile games anyway.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Budget $100+ extra for:
- Controllers ($60-75 each)
- Charging docks ($25-40)
- Online subscriptions ($60-100/year)
- Storage expansions (PS5/Xbox $100-200)
My Xbox Series X "bargain" cost me $800 after essentials. Wish I'd known that upfront.
Where to Actually Find Best Selling Video Game Systems
Retail's changed since the PS5 shortage days:
- New Systems: Best Buy, Target, Amazon (check seller ratings!)
- Used Deals: eBay (look for "refurbished by manufacturer"), GameStop during trade-in events
- Worst Places: Random Facebook Marketplace sellers (got scammed once), pawn shops without testing
Black Friday? Honestly not great anymore. Last year's "deals" were bundles with games nobody wanted. Better to watch for random Target restocks.
Pro insider move: GameStop sometimes has display models for 20% off. Just ask.
Must-Have Games for Today's Best Sellers
Systems are useless without games. Based on hours played and community buzz:
Nintendo Switch Essentials
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ($70)
- Super Mario Odyssey ($60)
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons ($60)
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ($60 - still!)
Personal opinion: Skip Pokémon Scarlet/Violet. Performance issues make them feel unfinished despite the $60 price.
PlayStation 5 Showpieces
- God of War Ragnarök ($70)
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2 ($70)
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth ($70)
- Returnal ($70 but often discounted)
Here's a hot take: PS5's best feature might be playing PS4 games with faster loads. My Bloodborne replay felt brand new.
Xbox Series X/S Hidden Gems
- Forza Horizon 5 (on Game Pass)
- Hi-Fi Rush (on Game Pass)
- Starfield ($70 but included in Game Pass)
- Halo Infinite (multiplayer free-to-play)
Game Pass is Xbox's real killer app. Saved me $400+ on games last year.
Common Questions About Best Selling Video Game Systems
Which best selling video game systems still hold up today?
Original Nintendo DS and PS2. DS cartridges are nearly indestructible, and PS2 emulation keeps getting better. Avoid original Xbox - those clock capacitors will destroy your system.
Should I buy older best selling systems for collecting?
Only if you enjoy frustration. Finding working controllers for PS3 is nightmare fuel. Stick to modern systems unless you're a serious hobbyist willing to repair stuff.
Do best selling video game systems retain value?
Nintendo systems do (Switch still $250+ used years later). PlayStation/Xbox depreciate faster. Sold my launch PS4 for $100 after 7 years - not terrible.
Which current system has the best exclusives?
Switch for family games, PS5 for cinematic experiences. Xbox exclusives mostly come to PC now. As a multi-console owner, I grab PlayStation for story games and Switch for everything else.
Will there be new best selling video game systems soon?
Switch successor rumored for late 2024. PlayStation/Xbox probably 2028. Current systems have life left. Don't wait unless you want bleeding-edge tech.
Set Up Your System Like a Pro
Stop! Before you unbox:
- Clear TV cabinet space (PS5 requires 10" clearance)
- Buy HDMI 2.1 cable for PS5/Xbox if your TV supports 120Hz
- Setup accounts BEFORE inserting game discs
- Enable two-factor authentication immediately
Learned the hard way when my nephew accidentally deleted my 80-hour Elden Ring save.
The Bottom Line: Best selling video game systems earn that title by solving real problems. Today that means balancing power, price and flexibility. For most people? Nintendo Switch remains the smart buy despite its age. But if you want cutting-edge visuals and don't mind the size/cost? PlayStation 5 delivers. Xbox makes sense if Game Pass appeals to you. Forget chasing specs - focus on what fits your actual life.
Still torn? Go physical with GameStop's 7-day return policy. Test systems yourself. Because honestly? My "perfect" system might be your paperweight. Happy gaming!