The United States’ Best Selling Video Games of All Time

Ever since the Sega Megadrive and the PlayStation revolutionized gaming in the late 80s and early 90s - taking gaming from the arcade and into the family home - video games have become a mainstay in the lives of regular Americans. Way back then, it was games such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario which were mainstays. As we tick into 2023, games such as Elden Ring and the impending Hogwarts Legacy release have shown just how far gaming has come.

And gaming isn’t just a leisurely activity anymore. The world of gaming has become a competitive business, with eSports becoming just as popular as regular sports, especially in North America and Asia.

Add to that the likes of KSI and his Sidemen, who hit the jackpot off streaming themselves gaming, and the industry has had a book, unlike anything anyone could have predicted.

Nowadays, not only can one play in an online casino for real money but also bet on eSports events - something that was unimaginable just a short while ago. But as we tick into the future, we feel that it is the perfect time to give a nod to the past.

Video games have become an integral part of our lives and the industry continues to grow bigger and bigger each year. The United States has been at the forefront of the gaming industry, producing some of the best-selling games of all time. From the classic Super Mario Bros. to recent releases like Red Dead Redemption 2, here are the best-selling video games in the US.

Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V is the highest-selling video game in the US. Released in 2013, the action-adventure video game was developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It has sold over 34 million copies in the US and is the best-selling game of the series.

And if we take a look at the money-spinning franchise itself, the figures are even more impressive. Rockstar’s masterpiece has sold a collective 385m units in North America alone across seven different games and four expansion packs.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 is another popular action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar Studios and released in 2018. The game has sold over 23 million copies in the US, making it the second highest-selling game in the US. Rockstar will be feeling proud as punch knowing that they have created the United States’ two best-selling video games of all time.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Everyone is familiar with Mario and Luigi, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a kart racing video game as part of that iconic franchise developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the best-selling racing game in the US and has sold over 19 million copies.

Super Mario Bros.

More action for Mario, Luigi, and Nintendo. Super Mario Bros. is one of the most iconic video games of all time. The classic side-scrolling platformer was released in 1985 and has since sold over 17 million copies in the US.

Minecraft

Minecraft is an open-world sandbox game developed by Mojang and released in 2011. The game has sold over 16 million copies in the US, making it one of the best-selling games of all time. As the world progresses and things such as virtual reality and Metaverse technology continues to develop, you can expect Minecraft to take even more of a step forward into the future.

Super Mario Odyssey

Nintendo just doesn’t stop, and they have certainly ensured that they cashed in on their creation of Super Mario. Super Mario Odyssey is another popular platformer developed and published by Nintendo. The game was released in 2017 and has sold over 14 million copies in the US.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world action role-playing game developed by CD PROJEKT RED and released in 2015. The game has sold over 12 million copies in the US, making it one of the best-selling games of the series.

Such is the popularity of The Witcher that the masterpiece of a game has seen a spinoff Netflix Series starring British acting sensation Henry Cavill starring as the main character, Geralt of Rivia. If you haven’t seen the first two seasons, we strongly suggest checking them out.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

More from Mario and Luigi here. This installment of the franchise is a platformer developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. The game has sold over 11 million copies in the US, making it one of the best-selling games on the system.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fighting game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. The game has sold over 11 million copies in the US, making it one of the best-selling games on the system. It features all of Nintendo’s greatest creations in one place and ensures that the legendary Japan-based studio holds more than a 50% stake in this top ten list.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Zelda is an iconic franchise. The game is an open-world action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. The game has sold over 10 million copies in the US.