What is the most bought console in the world?

As of 2025, the PlayStation 2 (PS2) holds the title of the most bought console in the world, with over 155 million units sold globally since its release in 2000. It remains the best-selling video game console of all time.

Why Was the PS2 So Popular?

• Backwards Compatibility: The PS2 was backward compatible with PS1 games, making it an easy upgrade for existing PlayStation owners.
• Extensive Game Library: The PS2 featured an incredible library of games, including iconic titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Final Fantasy X, Gran Turismo 3, and Metal Gear Solid 2. Its diverse game catalog appealed to a wide range of players.
• Affordable for Its Time: When it launched, the PS2 was competitively priced and also served as a DVD player, giving it added value for those looking for an entertainment hub.
• Longevity: The PS2 enjoyed a long lifespan, being supported by a vast library of games, new releases, and continued production for years after newer consoles were introduced.

Other top-selling consoles include the Nintendo DS with 154 million units sold and the Nintendo Switch, which has surpassed 130 million units since its release in 2017.

1. PlayStation 2 (PS2) – 155 Million Units

Released in 2000, the PS2 became a monumental success for Sony and is still the best-selling video game console of all time.

Key Factors Behind Its Success:

• Game Library: The PS2 boasted a huge and varied catalog of games, which helped it appeal to a broad audience. Popular titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Final Fantasy X, and Metal Gear Solid 2 solidified the console’s legacy.
• DVD Playback: The PS2 doubled as a DVD player, making it more appealing to consumers who wanted a multi-functional entertainment system.
• Backward Compatibility: The ability to play PS1 games made the PS2 an easy upgrade for existing PlayStation users.
• Long Lifespan: The PS2’s market dominance lasted for well over a decade, with continued game releases and hardware production long after new consoles came out.

2. Nintendo DS – 154 Million Units

The Nintendo DS (released in 2004) is the second best-selling console globally, known for its unique dual-screen design.

Key Factors Behind Its Success:

• Dual Screens and Touchscreen: The DS offered two screens, with the lower one being a touchscreen, which opened up new gaming possibilities and became a hallmark for future Nintendo handhelds.
• Diverse Game Library: The DS had a vast array of games, from Pokémon to Zelda and New Super Mario Bros., which appealed to both casual and hardcore gamers.
• Portable: The DS was a portable system, a major selling point for gamers who wanted a high-quality gaming experience on the go.
• Success in Multiple Markets: It had mass appeal in both Western and Japanese markets, allowing it to reach a wide demographic.

3. Nintendo Switch – 130 Million Units (and Counting)

Released in 2017, the Nintendo Switch quickly became one of the most popular consoles of its generation, thanks to its unique hybrid design and versatility.

Key Factors Behind Its Success:

• Hybrid Design: The Switch can function both as a home console and a handheld device, which appealed to a broad audience. This flexibility has allowed it to outsell many previous consoles in a relatively short period.
• Innovative Controllers: The Joy-Con controllers are detachable, allowing for various play styles and multiplayer experiences.
• Family-Friendly Games: The Switch is home to some of Nintendo's most successful franchises, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
• Casual and Hardcore Appeal: The Switch’s accessible design attracts casual gamers, while its strong lineup of titles and performance in docked mode appeals to hardcore gamers as well.

4. PlayStation 4 (PS4) – 117 Million Units

The PlayStation 4, released in 2013, cemented Sony’s dominance in the gaming world and is one of the most successful consoles of the current generation.

Key Factors Behind Its Success:

• Strong Exclusive Games: Titles like The Last of Us Part II, God of War, and Spider-Man made the PS4 a must-have for fans of single-player, narrative-driven games.
• Third-Party Support: The PS4 had extensive support from third-party developers, allowing for a wide range of game genres and titles.
• Improved Performance: The PS4 offered impressive graphics and smooth gameplay, particularly when compared to its predecessor, the PS3.
• Affordability: When it launched, the PS4 was priced competitively, making it an attractive option for many gamers.

5. PlayStation 5 (PS5) – 40+ Million Units (as of 2025)

The PlayStation 5, launched in 2020, is the latest in Sony’s line of consoles. While it’s still a few years away from reaching the heights of the PS2’s sales, the PS5 has already made a significant impact on the gaming market.

Key Features:

• Next-Gen Performance: With lightning-fast load times, ray tracing, and 4K gaming, the PS5 offers cutting-edge performance that makes it a huge upgrade over the PS4.
• Exclusive Titles: New entries in beloved franchises like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Demon’s Souls help the PS5 stand out with exclusive, graphically stunning experiences.
• DualSense Controller: The DualSense controller features haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, offering a more immersive experience for players.
• Increased Demand: The PS5 faced an initial shortage due to high demand and global supply chain issues, but sales have still remained strong as availability improves.

Comparison: PS2 vs. Modern Consoles

• Price and Value: The PS2 was priced at $199 at launch, which was a reasonable price for its time, especially considering its DVD functionality. In comparison, today’s consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X are priced at around $499-$599, reflecting their much more advanced hardware and the inflation in the market.
• Game Libraries: While the PS2 is best known for its vast game library, current consoles like the PS5 have digital storefronts that provide access to an even larger collection of games, including indie games and cross-generation titles.
• Technology: The PS2 had impressive technology for its time, but consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X are pushing the limits of what is possible in gaming, offering ray tracing, 4K resolutions, and virtual reality experiences.
• Audience: The PS2 had mass-market appeal due to its low price and broad game selection. Today’s consoles have targeted, dedicated fan bases, with some consoles focusing on high-fidelity graphics and others on casual gaming experiences (e.g., Nintendo Switch).

Conclusion

The PS2 remains the best-selling console ever, thanks to its amazing game library, backward compatibility, and unique value proposition. However, newer consoles like the Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X are continuing to shape the future of gaming with next-gen technology and unique gaming experiences.

While modern consoles are pushing the boundaries of gaming, the PS2 will always be remembered for its role in making gaming mainstream and establishing the foundations for the success of all subsequent consoles.