Best-Selling Video Game Consoles (1983-2024) — A Retro Gaming Journey
Best-Selling Video Game Consoles for Each Year (1978–2026)
Since the late 1970s, video game consoles have shaped entertainment, technology, and pop culture. While dozens of systems have launched over the decades, only a handful dominated sales year after year, defining entire eras of gaming. This article breaks down the best-selling console for each year from 1978 to 2026, explaining why each system ruled its time.
1978–1982: The Birth of Home Consoles
Best-selling console (per year): Atari 2600
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1978–1982: Atari 2600
The Atari 2600 dominated the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming the first truly mass-market home console. Its interchangeable cartridges revolutionized gaming and allowed titles like Space Invaders and Pitfall! to flourish.
Fun Fact:
Atari 2600 sales exploded after Space Invaders launched in 1980, doubling console ownership almost overnight.
1983–1985: The Crash and Recovery
Best-selling console (per year): Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
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1985: NES (North America & Japan)
After the 1983 video game crash nearly destroyed the industry, Nintendo revived gaming with strict quality control and iconic franchises.
Did You Know?
Nintendo marketed the NES as an “entertainment system” to avoid the stigma of the word video game after the crash.
1986–1990: Nintendo’s Golden Age
Best-selling console (per year): NES
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1986–1990: NES
The NES completely dominated the late 1980s. Games like Super Mario Bros. 3, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid turned Nintendo into a global powerhouse.
Trivia:
By 1990, over 30% of U.S. households owned an NES.
1991–1994: The Console Wars Begin
Best-selling console (per year): Super Nintendo (SNES)
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1991–1994: SNES
The SNES introduced advanced graphics, iconic RPGs, and tighter game design. Although Sega’s Genesis competed fiercely, SNES won globally.
Fun Fact:
Street Fighter II alone sold over 6 million copies on SNES, driving console sales worldwide.
1995–1999: Sony Changes Everything
Best-selling console (per year): PlayStation (PS1)
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1995–1999: Sony PlayStation
Sony disrupted the industry with affordable CD-based games, third-party support, and a mature gaming image. The PS1 crushed rivals Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn.
Did You Know?
Sony originally partnered with Nintendo—before being publicly rejected, which led to the PlayStation’s creation.
2000–2006: The Unstoppable PlayStation 2
Best-selling console (per year): PlayStation 2
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2000–2006: PlayStation 2
The PS2 is the best-selling console of all time, dominating every year of the early 2000s. Its DVD player helped it sell even outside gaming audiences.
Trivia:
The PS2 remained in production for 13 years, an industry record.
2007–2010: Nintendo Strikes Back
Best-selling console (per year): Nintendo Wii
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2007–2010: Nintendo Wii
With motion controls and family-friendly games, the Wii outsold both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 annually during this period.
Fun Fact:
Many Wii consoles were bought by retirement homes and physical therapy clinics.
2011–2013: Handheld Domination
Best-selling console (per year): Nintendo DS
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2011–2013: Nintendo DS
Even late into its life cycle, the Nintendo DS outsold home consoles annually thanks to casual gaming and mass appeal.
Did You Know?
The Nintendo DS family sold over 154 million units, second only to the PS2.
2014–2019: PlayStation 4 Era
Best-selling console (per year): PlayStation 4
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2014–2019: PlayStation 4
Sony regained dominance with strong exclusives (God of War, The Last of Us Part II), third-party support, and global reach.
Trivia:
The PS4 outsold Xbox One by more than 2:1 worldwide.
2020–2022: Hybrid Revolution
Best-selling console (per year): Nintendo Switch
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2020–2022: Nintendo Switch
The Switch thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic, benefiting from portability and blockbuster titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Fun Fact:
Animal Crossing became a social platform during lockdowns, driving record console sales.
2023–2026: Next-Gen Battle
Best-selling console (projected): PlayStation 5
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2023–2026: PlayStation 5 (projected)
Despite supply shortages early on, the PS5 is projected to dominate annual sales due to strong exclusives, third-party support, and global demand.
Did You Know?
The PS5 became the fastest-selling PlayStation console in history.
Best-Selling Console by Era (Quick Summary)
| Era | Dominant Console |
|---|---|
| 1978–1982 | Atari 2600 |
| 1985–1990 | NES |
| 1991–1994 | SNES |
| 1995–1999 | PlayStation |
| 2000–2006 | PlayStation 2 |
| 2007–2010 | Nintendo Wii |
| 2011–2013 | Nintendo DS |
| 2014–2019 | PlayStation 4 |
| 2020–2022 | Nintendo Switch |
| 2023–2026 | PlayStation 5 (projected) |
Legacy of Console Sales History
The history of best-selling consoles reflects technological shifts, consumer behavior, and cultural moments. From cartridges to discs, motion controls to hybrid systems, each dominant console redefined what gaming could be.
The consistent lesson?
Accessibility, strong games, and timing matter more than raw power.
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