To celebrate the brand's 30th anniversary PlayStation, Sony revealed which are its best-selling consoles of all time.
The information was shared on website created by Sony to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the PlayStation brand, revealing that it has sold 160 million PlayStation 2 (PS2) units worldwide. This achievement officially confirms the PS2 as the best-selling console of all time, something that was already widely accepted but lacked official confirmation.
The PS2 was a revolution in the market, introducing technological advances such as the processor Emotion Engine, online gaming features and an extensive and varied catalog.
No other console has managed to surpass the PS2's sales, not even its successors. This success was prolonged by the introduction of the Slim version and the limited initial impact of the PlayStation 3 (PS3). The PS2 remained in production until the end of 2012, ensuring its relevance for over a decade.
1. PlayStation 2 (PS2)
The PS2 tops the list as the best-selling console of all time, with over 160 million units sold. Launched in March 2000 in Japan and in the following months in North America and Europe, it quickly became a global phenomenon. Its diverse catalogue and innovative features, combined with its longevity, have made it an undisputed reference in the market.
2.Nintendo DS
With 154,02 million units sold, the Nintendo DS ranks second. This handheld console was released in 2004 in the United States and Japan, arriving in Europe the following year. It includes variants such as the DS Lite, DSi and DSi XL, which contributed to its success. It is important to note that sales of the Nintendo 3DS (75,94 million units) are not included in this figure.
3.Nintendo Switch
Nintendo's current console is the third best-selling console in history, with 146,04 million units sold to date. Despite its success, it is unlikely that it will be able to surpass the PS2, especially with declining sales and the anticipation surrounding the launch of its successor, the Switch 2. Even so, the Nintendo Switch remains one of the most influential and popular consoles of recent years.
4. Game Boy and Game Boy Color
The Game Boy, released in the late 80s, revolutionized portable gaming. Together with the Game Boy Color version, it sold 118,69 million units. This milestone solidified Nintendo's position as the leader in the portable console market during the 90s.
5. PlayStation 4 (PS4)
The PS4 rounds out the Top 5 with over 117 million units sold since its launch in 2013. This model was crucial for Sony, especially during the early days of the PlayStation 5, when demand far outstripped supply.
When it comes to Xbox, Microsoft has been less transparent about its sales statistics in recent years. The brand's most successful console has been the Xbox 360, with more than 84 million units sold since 2005. It is followed by the Xbox One, with around 58 million, and the Xbox Series X|S, launched in 2020, which reached an estimated sales of 28 million. The original Xbox console, from 2001, registered 24 million units sold.
