Timeline history of the best selling video games from 1989 to 2019. Measured by cumulative units sold worldwide. Includes game copies sold on PC and gaming consoles. Excludes games bundled with gaming consoles and mobile app sales. Also free-to play copies are not included here.
Most Sold Video Games of All Time (1978–2026)
Video games have evolved from simple pixelated experiences in the late 1970s to massive, multi-platform global phenomena. Over the decades, some titles didn’t just become popular — they became best-selling video games of all time, shaping gaming culture, hardware sales, and even pop culture itself.
In this article, we explore the most sold video games from 1978 to 2026, including the consoles they made famous, fun facts, trivia, and little-known details you may not know.
1. Tetris (1984) – Over 100 Million Copies
Main Platform: Game Boy, NES, Multi-Platform
Tetris is the undisputed legend of video game sales. Originally created in the Soviet Union, it became a worldwide sensation when bundled with the Nintendo Game Boy in 1989.
Did you know?
Tetris was so addictive that psychologists studied it, leading to the term “Tetris Effect,” where players see falling blocks in real life.
Fun Fact:
The Game Boy sold over 118 million units, largely thanks to Tetris being included in the box.
2. Minecraft (2011) – 90+ Million Copies
Main Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Mobile, Switch
Minecraft redefined creativity in gaming. With no fixed goals, players build entire worlds block by block.
Did you know?
Minecraft is used in schools worldwide to teach coding, math, and problem-solving.
Trivia:
It is the best-selling PC game in history and one of the most streamed games on YouTube.
3. Grand Theft Auto V (2013) – 80+ Million Copies
Main Platforms: PlayStation 3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
GTA V shattered entertainment records, becoming the fastest product ever to reach $1 billion in revenue — faster than any movie or book.
Fun Fact:
GTA V has been re-released on three console generations, an extremely rare achievement.
Did you know?
Its online mode, GTA Online, still generates millions annually over a decade later.
4. Fortnite (2017) – 75+ Million Copies
Main Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Switch, Mobile
Fortnite popularized the battle royale genre and changed how games are monetized with free-to-play models and cosmetic skins.
Trivia:
Fortnite hosted live in-game concerts featuring real artists, attracting millions of players simultaneously.
Did you know?
Despite being free, Fortnite earned billions through microtransactions.
5. Super Mario Bros. (1985) – 61 Million Copies
Main Platform: NES
Super Mario Bros. saved the video game industry after the 1983 crash and made Nintendo a household name.
Fun Fact:
The game was bundled with the NES, massively boosting console sales.
Did you know?
Mario was originally called “Jumpman” in Donkey Kong (1981).
6. Mario Kart Series – 60+ Million Copies
Main Platforms: SNES, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo Switch
Mario Kart is one of the most successful racing franchises ever, appealing to casual and hardcore gamers alike.
Trivia:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Nintendo Switch game.
Fun Fact:
The Nintendo Switch has sold over 139 million units, with Mario Kart being a key driver.
7. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) – 61 Million Copies
Main Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Known for its realism and storytelling, Red Dead Redemption 2 raised expectations for open-world games.
Did you know?
The game took over 8 years to develop and involved thousands of voice recordings.
Trivia:
Its world reacts dynamically to player behavior — even NPCs remember your actions.
8. Pokémon Red & Blue (1996) – 45 Million Copies
Main Platform: Game Boy
Pokémon created one of the most profitable franchises in history, spanning games, TV shows, movies, and merchandise.
Fun Fact:
The original Game Boy sold over 32 million units during Pokémon’s peak popularity.
Did you know?
The slogan “Gotta Catch ’Em All” was invented outside Japan for Western audiences.
Why Consoles Matter So Much in Game Sales
Many of these best-selling games succeeded because they were closely tied to hardware:
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Tetris boosted Game Boy sales
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Super Mario Bros. saved the NES
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Minecraft expanded across every platform
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GTA V sold consoles during multiple generations
This powerful relationship between games and consoles is a key reason why certain titles dominate sales charts for decades.
Final Thoughts
From the simplicity of falling blocks in Tetris to the massive open worlds of GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2, the most sold video games of all time tell the story of gaming itself. They didn’t just entertain — they defined generations, sold millions of consoles, and changed how games are made and played.
As we approach 2026, one thing is certain: legendary games don’t just sell well — they leave a permanent mark on history.
Post Keywords: Most sold video games of all time, best selling video games, video game sales history, top video games 1978–2026, consoles and video games, gaming fun facts, video game trivia, did you know gaming
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