10 Best-Selling Video Games, Based on Platform (2020 Edition)

As a new dawn unfolds with Microsoft launching the Xbox Series X and Sony branching out the PlayStation 5, the war heats up for which next-gen console will take home the trophy (or achievement in Microsoft's case) for the best-selling platform. However, seeing as the world has narrowed all pupils on to the running for the best platform, many of us have lost sight of what's already come and gone. Sure, there's plenty to see today, but what lurks in yesterdays era is still thriving from beneath the shadows somewhere.

The gaming industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that only continues to evolve and aspire. But, even as technology marches forward, there are still some projects that continue to amass mouthwatering figures even when out of the spotlight. And it's those projects that we want to talk about. It's those record-breaking stats that we want to explore as 2020 closes its curtains.

It takes a great deal to build an empire in the gaming world. Keeping it going strong without even realising it, however, is a what crafts a legacy. And it's these ten specific empires that will remain legends for the many gaming generations to come, too. So, without further ado — here are the ten best-selling video games of all time, based on each platform.

10. Mario Kart 8 (Nintendo Wii U)

There are no surprises that Mario manages to grab a place in the best-selling video games list.

Even though Mario Kart 8 is slightly newer than some of the following entries on this list, it hasn't stopped Nintendo from exploiting the beloved franchise by introducing another addictive chapter to the karting series. With over eight million sales since its 2014 release, the eighth instalment to the Super Mario world has managed to become the Wii U's highest-selling video game of all time. Of course, this was expected, seeing as it's a Mario game.

Mario Kart 8 proved to be such a successful hit amongst the Nintendo fanbase, that the enhanced edition was quickly pushed to publish for later consoles. And, even today, as the Wii U falls behind the likes of the Switch, Mario Kart 8 still hosts some of the greatest family competitions known to mankind. Yes, even with Rainbow Road.

9. Halo 2 (Xbox)

Who could forget Master Chief and the iconic Halo series?

During the golden era of Xbox gaming, Halo managed to become one of the most-played series of the generation — both online and offline. Even fans that couldn't stand the taste of alien blood and worlds without gravity seemed to love it. With its linear narrative and immersive quality to the combat, Halo 2 offered the entire package one would hope for from a first-person shooter title. Only, Halo 2 managed to surpass expectations after becoming Xbox's highest-selling video game. With more than eight-million sales worldwide, the Master Chief and his sequel took the top spot for the Microsoft platform with ease.

Since the release of Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Xbox One, fans are still praising the second leg of the journey as the best chapter to grace the franchise.

8. Gran Turismo (PlayStation)

Gran Turismo has shaped mountains with its approach to fast-paced gameplay.

Snatching the top of the podium from Final Fantasy VII is, of course, Gran Turismo. With an incredible ten million-plus sales on PlayStation alone, Sony managed to continue the series and blow up the franchise with another seven main titles, as well as several smaller chapters on handheld consoles. And now, thanks to the 1997 original, racing fans can enjoy some of the most immersive driving gameplay as Sony carve up fresh sequences to the Sony Allstar.

Gran Turismo was once considered to be the most life-like driving experience available from the comfort of our own homes. Even with the many jagged corners and blotchy controls, the 1997 Sony hit still accrued record-breaking sales due to its realism. And, while that may seem crazy in this day and age — Gran Turismo was the closest we'd ever felt to being behind the wheel of a racecar.

7. Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64)

Super Mario 64 set the bar incredibly high in 1996 with its fresh approach to 3D platforming.

Back in 1996 when ambitious developers started to toy with the physics of platformers, Nintendo managed to set the new standard with one of the best games of the generation. With a stylish 3D approach that would later inspire countless other artists, Super Mario 64 was able to secure a place amongst one of the best games ever made.

Featuring a stellar musical score, variety of action-packed gameplay and fluid controls, Super Mario 64 set the benchmark to what video games should have aimed for as the new Millenium drew nearer. Even today, as generations evolve and dominate the genre, the key features of Super Mario 64 are still implemented in most current-gen favourites.

6. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PlayStation 2)

San Andreas proved to be the most favoured chapter in the series to date.

After Rockstar celebrated the major success of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City in 2002, it was only a matter of time before the powerhouse developer struck gold with a follow-up. And, thankfully, by 2004 — that came to fruition. With the explosive launch of San Andreas, Rockstar was able to swipe the pockets of almost every PlayStation 2 owner worldwide. With well over seventeen million sales on the PS2 alone, the San Andreas chapter went on to become the platforms highest-selling title.

Fans have been begging Rockstar to consider a remaster of the fan-favourite for well over a decade now, but have yet to be gifted one. Even with Grand Theft Auto V featuring subtle hints to the San Adreas world, the developer still refuses to give in on the request. But hey — perhaps one day, eh?

5. Kinect Adventures (Xbox 360)

Kinect Adventures proved to be the best launch title on the Microsoft add-on.

It almost feels like a lifetime ago since Microsoft dropped the Xbox Kinect, doesn't it? I mean, the add-on might have been discontinued, but there are still millions of people dusting off the little lens for another quickfire game or two. And, unsurprisingly, the game that has kept the legacy going strong for the Xbox 360 is the 2010 launch title, Kinect Adventures, which usually came as a bolt-on to the hardware.

With a series of addictive games that gave players more of a workout than most couch-idlers, Kinect Adventures provided family-friendly entertainment that could never grow tiresome. Even when placed next to over two-thousand 360 games, this joyous little number still managed to steal the show and accrue the most dollars on an international level.

4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch)

There are no surprises that Mario manages to grab a place in the best-selling video games list.

Now, we've definitely covered Super Mario and the many available games on Gaming.net before — which means there isn't really a great deal more to explain. Of course, after the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, there were no doubts that a Mario title would bag the highest revenue. For the Switch, unsurprisingly — it was no other than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, with its enhanced edition to the Wii U favourite. With over thirty million units sold on the Switch, this Nintendo crowdpleaser stands on the podium spewing dollars around as if it's raining.

3. New Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo DS)

Super Mario and friends practically own the gaming world, alright?

During the golden years of handheld gaming, the Nintendo DS homed thousands of strong contenders, all of which combined to steal millions of global hours of quality game time. Only, the title that stood out the most was, of course, New Super Mario Bros. Yes — another Mario title. We are more than aware that Mario has his gloves on almost every corner of the industry. And for good reason, too.

Placing just over Mario Kart 8 Deluxe by a million additional sales since launch, this DS counterpart has held its own over fourteen years of Nintendo sibling rivalry. Although, it almost makes you wonder just how much the franchise is worth in its entirety, doesn't it? Well, to put in bluntly — it's in the thirty-billion region. We won't say any more on that matter.

2. Grand Theft Auto V (Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4)

Grand Theft Auto V stole the crown for the ex-gen market.

The consoles biggest achievement can be no other than Rockstar's masterpiece, Grand Theft Auto V. With a captivating storyline featuring dozens of hours of gameplay, as well as an outstanding eight-year strong active online community; Grand Theft Auto V still stands at the apex of console gaming.

Combining the sales from the Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, this fifth chapter to the Rockstar series has accumulated over one-hundred million sales worldwide. And, although not bagging the crown for Xbox 360's highest-selling game, this fan-favourite has still managed to snag three other trophies. So, yes — Grand Theft Auto V is, in fact, the best-selling video game of the ex-gen console era.

1. Minecraft (PC)

Taking the first position without so much as lifting a finger is, of course, Minecraft.

Minecraft is, whether we like it or not, an everlasting trend that never grows restless. Ever since its debut in 2011, people have been trying to raise the bar and craft something new and exciting for the decade-old title. With endless routes to explore, worlds to build and mods to chuck in, Minecraft never runs low on creativity, so long as the player is always willing to immerse. And, it's because of these sandbox elements that Minecraft still holds up even after nine years. There's a two-hundred million player fanbase that just can't get enough of it. And, honestly, we doubt that will change anytime soon, either.

Minecraft has been downloaded on consoles, computers and handheld devices almost a quarter of a billion times — making it the highest-selling video game of all time.