Special Report

Most Popular Video Games of All Time

Marco_Piunti / Getty Images

Video games are a technology-based form of entertainment that have evolved drastically throughout their short history. Compared with popular, modern titles such as “God of War” and “Red Dead Redemption 2,” the plodding simplicity of early games such as Atari’s “Pong” can seem almost comical. With fans eager to advance to the latest, most cutting-edge game, titles of the past are no longer flying off store shelves.

Yet while fans will continue to seek out the newest games, buying them soon after release, the best-selling games of all time continue to be those that are all-around outstanding. These are the titles that gamers return to despite – in certain cases – outdated aspects such as graphics and gameplay.

To determine the most popular video games of all time, 24/7 Tempo reviewed unit sales data for over 100,000 video games as provided by research firm VGChartz.

Some video games – such as Nintendo’s “Duck Hunt” and “Super Mario Bros.” – are extremely old relative to the medium, having been first released in the mid-1980s. These games are fan favorites that have spawned merchandise, movies, and even popular snack foods.

However technological advancements have led game designers down many different paths that have been successful with gamers in recent years. More than one-third of the most popular games of all time were released in the past decade, including the crime-action classic “Grand Theft Auto V” and numerous entries to the first-person shooter series Call of Duty. Some of the most popular games of all time are also among the best-selling games of 2018, highlighting the popularity of these recent releases.

Click here to see the most popular video games of all time.

To identify the most popular games of all time, 24/7 Tempo reviewed the total units sold of over 100,000 video game titles since their respective releases as provided by VGChartz. Sales for titles released across multiple consoles were combined. In cases where sales data was not available, units shipped was used as a proxy. Data on release dates and publishers also came from VGChartz. Primary console refers to the console for which the most versions of the game in question have been sold.

Courtesy of Rockstar Games

35. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
> Total copies sold: 16,150,000
> Publisher: Rockstar Games
> Primary console: PS2
> Release date: October 28, 2002

“Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” follows the criminal career of Tommy Vercetti and is set in Vice City, Florida. It was designed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. The video game became the best-selling video game of the year when it was released.

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Nintendo

34. Super Mario Bros. 3
> Total copies sold: 17,280,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: NES
> Release date: February 12, 1990

“Super Mario Bros. 3” was a video game developed by Nintendo for Famicom/NES. Before the video game was released in North America, footage of “Super Mario Bros. 3” gameplay appeared in the movie “The Wizard,” which drove interest among fans. The game would become one of the best-selling video games ever.

Courtesy of Nintendo

33. Super Mario Land
> Total copies sold: 18,140,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: GB
> Release date: August 1, 1989

“Super Mario Land” marked Mario’s first appearance on the Game Boy. The player assumes the role of Mario whose mission is to defeat Tatanga, also known as the Mysterious Spaceman, and rescue Princess Daisy.

Courtesy of Nintendo

32. Pokémon Diamond / Pearl Version
> Total copies sold: 18,250,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: DS
> Release date: April 28, 2007

“Pokémon Diamond / Pearl Version” are part of the Generation IV Pokémon game series. The games are the first main series Pokémon games for the Nintendo DS.

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Bethesda Softworks

31. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
> Total copies sold: 19,360,000
> Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
> Primary console: X360
> Release date: November 11, 2011

The single-player video game was developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game won more than 200 Game of the Year awards.

Courtesy of Activision

30. Call of Duty: WWII
> Total copies sold: 19,630,000
> Publisher: Activision
> Primary console: PS4
> Release date: November 3, 2017

The video game is a first-person shooter experience and the first Call of Duty game set during World War II since 2008. It takes the participant through the European war experience starting with the Normandy invasion.

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Rockstar Games

29. Red Dead Redemption 2
> Total copies sold: 19,710,000
> Publisher: Rockstar Games
> Primary console: PS4
> Release date: October 26, 2018

“Red Dead Redemption 2” was released to very strong positive reviews. The game takes place in the last days of the Old West and pits the participants against gangs and authority figures.

Courtesy of Nintendo

28. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day
> Total copies sold: 20,160,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: DS
> Release date: April 17, 2006

“Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day” is a video puzzle game developed by Japanese neuroscientist Ryuta Kawashima.

Courtesy of Nintendo

27. Super Mario World
> Total copies sold: 20,610,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: SNES
> Release date: August 13, 1991

“Super Mario World” finds Mario attempting to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser with a little help from his dinosaur friend Yoshi. The game was among the first released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Rockstar Games

26. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
> Total copies sold: 20,810,000
> Publisher: Rockstar Games
> Primary console: PS2
> Release date: October 26, 2004

“Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” is Rockstar Games’ follow up to 2002’s “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.” In addition to PlayStation 2, the third-person action game has been released on Xbox and PC among others.

Courtesy of Activision

25. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
> Total copies sold: 21,360,000
> Publisher: Activision
> Primary console: PS4
> Release date: November 4, 2014

“Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare” is the 11th main entry in Activision’s popular first-person shooter series. The game features actor Kevin Spacey as character Jonathan Irons.

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Rockstar Games

24. Grand Theft Auto IV
> Total copies sold: 21,660,000
> Publisher: Rockstar Games
> Primary console: X360
> Release date: April 29, 2008

“Grand Theft Auto IV” finds players exploring the criminal underworld of Liberty City as immigrant Niko Bellic. It’s the second best selling entry in the GTA series.

Courtesy of Nintendo

23. Wii Fit Plus
> Total copies sold: 21,810,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: Wii
> Release date: October 4, 2009

“Wii Fit” introduced a new type of video game — one that’s purpose was to let players have fun while they exercised. The updated version — “Wii Fit Plus” — includes additional activities such as “Rhythm Kung Fu.”

Courtesy of Microsoft Game Studios

22. Kinect Adventures!
> Total copies sold: 22,100,000
> Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
> Primary console: X360
> Release date: November 4, 2010

“Kinect Adventures!” is a family-oriented video game — five mini-games, actually — that takes a team of adventurers on a jaunt through exotic locations and includes a river-rafting simulation.

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Activision

21. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
> Total copies sold: 22,460,000
> Publisher: Activision
> Primary console: PS4
> Release date: November 6, 2015

Set in 2065, “Call of Duty: Black Ops 3” envisions a form of warfare shaped by the joining of humans with technology.

Courtesy of Nintendo

20. Wii Fit
> Total copies sold: 22,700,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: Wii
> Release date: May 21, 2008

“Wii Fit” is a home exercise video game with various activities that require participants to stand on the Wii Balance Board. One or several people can participate. “Wii Fit” demonstrated that video games could help people exercise.

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Nintendo

19. Pokémon Gold / Silver Version
> Total copies sold: 23,100,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: GB
> Release date: October 14, 2000

The Pokémon Gold and Silver versions were released following the huge success of the franchise’s Red / Blue / Yellow versions. The games introduced 100 new Pokémon and new features including Pokémon breeding and friendship.

Courtesy of Nintendo

18. Mario Kart DS
> Total copies sold: 23,260,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: DS
> Release date: November 14, 2005

This entry into the Mario Kart series featured a cast that included Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Toad, who compete in more than 30 courses.

Courtesy of Activision

17. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
> Total copies sold: 24,140,000
> Publisher: Activision
> Primary console: X360
> Release date: November 10, 2009

The sixth “full” installment in the Call of Duty series, “Modern Warfare 2” features an expanded multiplayer mode with online capabilities.

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Nintendo

16. Nintendogs
> Total copies sold: 24,680,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: DS
> Release date: August 23, 2005

This video game from Nintendo lets players select a puppy from various breeds and train them and nurture them. The dogs vary in color and personality. A sequel to the game, entitled “Nintendogs + Cats,” was released in 2011.

Courtesy of Activision

15. Call of Duty: Ghosts
> Total copies sold: 24,710,000
> Publisher: Activision
> Primary console: X360
> Release date: November 5, 2013

“Call of Duty: Ghosts” features many updates to the CoD franchise, including customizable players and maps that can be altered.

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Activision

14. Call of Duty: Black Ops
> Total copies sold: 27,410,000
> Publisher: Activision
> Primary console: X360
> Release date: November 9, 2010

“Call of Duty: Black Ops” is one of several versions of the hit video game. This version takes players who are part of elite teams behind enemy lines to carry out dangerous missions and engage in clandestine operations.

Courtesy of Activision

13. Call of Duty: Black Ops II
> Total copies sold: 27,660,000
> Publisher: Activision
> Primary console: X360
> Release date: November 13, 2012

“Call of Duty: Black Ops II” introduces players to a 21st Century Cold War with technologically advanced weaponry. Global sales of the game exceeded $500 million within its first 24 hours of availability.

Courtesy of Activision

12. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
> Total copies sold: 28,170,000
> Publisher: Activision
> Primary console: X360
> Release date: November 8, 2011

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” is the most popular version of the Call of Duty series, with more than 28 million copies sold. In this version, Delta Force is deployed to thwart a Russian invasion of New York City.

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Nintendo

11. Duck Hunt
> Total copies sold: 28,310,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: NES
> Release date: October 15, 1985

Nintendo’s iconic “Duck Hunt” was first released in the U.S. in 1985. It is the most popular game to use the company’s NES Zapper.

Courtesy of Nintendo

10. New Super Mario Bros. Wii
> Total copies sold: 28,510,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: Wii
> Release date: November 15, 2009

Competition and cooperation are combined in “New Super Mario Bros. Wii.” Players are able to invite up to three others to join in the game at any point, playing as Mario, Luigi, or Blue or Yellow Toad.

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Nintendo

9. Wii Play
> Total copies sold: 28,920,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: Wii
> Release date: February 12, 2007

“Wii Play” was among the first games released for Wii in North America. It consists of nine games, including fishing, billiards, and table tennis.

Courtesy of Nintendo

8. New Super Mario Bros.
> Total copies sold: 29,850,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: DS
> Release date: May 15, 2006

“New Super Mario Bros.” was the first brand new 2D Mario platform game since “Super Mario World.” The game utilizes 3D graphics to enhance its two-dimensional game-playing experience.

Courtesy of Nintendo

7. Pokémon Red / Green / Blue Version
> Total copies sold: 31,370,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: GB
> Release date: September 30, 1998

The original line of Pokémon games set the stage for one of the industry’s most successful franchises. Players must set out to collect all 150 Pokémon, dueling other trainers along the way.

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Nintendo

6. Wii Sports Resort
> Total copies sold: 32,900,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: Wii
> Release date: July 26, 1999

The very popular Wii series added “Wii Sports Resort” to the franchise, and this immersive, active-play experience features a dozen activities with a resort theme such as canoeing, cycling, and wakeboarding.

Courtesy of Nintendo

5. Tetris
> Total copies sold: 35,840,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: GB
> Release date: June 1, 1989

While the game has inspired numerous spin-off versions, the original “Tetris” is by far the most popular. Originally developed by a Russian man in 1984, the video game would not be released by Nintendo until five years later.

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Nintendo

4. Mario Kart Wii
> Total copies sold: 35,980,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: Wii
> Release date: April 27, 2008

“Mario Kart Wii” added 16 courses to the 16 courses from prior Mario Kart games. In this version, players also have the option of riding motorbikes in addition to the classic karts.

Courtesy of Nintendo

3. Super Mario Bros.
> Total copies sold: 40,240,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: NES
> Release date: October 18, 1985

While “Super Mario Bros.” was not the first appearance of Mario in a game, it helped shape the beloved character as he exists today. The game was originally launched for NES as a bundle with “Duck Hunt.”

Courtesy of Rockstar Games

2. Grand Theft Auto V
> Total copies sold: 65,620,000
> Publisher: Rockstar Games
> Primary console: PS3
> Release date: September 17, 2013

The fifth entry in the enormously successful Grand Theft Auto series featured three different playable characters for the first time. The action takes place in the City of Los Santos and its environs.

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Nintendo

1. Wii Sports
> Total copies sold: 82,650,000
> Publisher: Nintendo
> Primary console: Wii
> Release date: November 19, 2006

“Wii Sports” allows users to play five sports with their Wii Remotes, including tennis, baseball, golf, bowling, and boxing. The game was sold bundled with the Wii, which undoubtedly boosted its sales, yet its technology-based competitive gameplay and general simplicity contributed to its massive success.

Take This Retirement Quiz To Get Matched With An Advisor Now (Sponsored)

Are you ready for retirement? Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, that’s why it could be a good idea to speak to a fiduciary financial advisor about your goals today.

Start by taking this retirement quiz right here from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes. Smart Asset is now matching over 50,000 people a month.

Click here now to get started.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.