Back in Time Today
The 2000s saw massive growth in the gaming industry, with consoles like the PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii dominating households around the globe. These 17 best-selling games didn’t just top the charts—they became cultural phenomena.
1. Wii Sports (2006)
Released in 2006, Wii Sports became a phenomenon, selling over 82.9 million copies. Bundled with the Nintendo Wii console, it introduced motion controls to a broad audience and engaged players of all ages. The game featured five sports: tennis, baseball, bowling, golf, and boxing.
The simplicity and intuitive gameplay made it accessible to non-gamers, creating a bridge between casual and hardcore gaming communities. Whether competing against friends or family, Wii Sports created a lively atmosphere, perfect for gatherings. Its innovative approach to interactive play was revolutionary, setting a new standard for future games.
2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas emerged in 2004 as a cornerstone of open-world gaming. Selling 27.5 million copies, it offered players a sprawling urban landscape to explore and a gripping narrative. The game followed the story of Carl “CJ” Johnson and his journey through the criminal underworld.
Players could engage in everything from street races to gang wars. Its realistic environment and robust mechanics set a new benchmark for the genre. The cultural impact of San Andreas was undeniable, influencing countless games and becoming a staple for gamers worldwide.
3. New Super Mario Bros. (2006)
In 2006, New Super Mario Bros. took the Nintendo DS by storm, selling 30.8 million copies. This game marked a joyful return to Mario’s roots, featuring classic 2D platforming with modern enhancements. The graphics were vivid and engaging, capturing the imagination of both new and seasoned players.
Players navigated through inventive levels filled with secrets, power-ups, and familiar foes. The game’s charm lay in its nostalgic yet fresh approach, blending old-school gameplay with contemporary features. Its universal appeal and delightful design made it a must-have for Mario fans everywhere.
4. Wii Fit (2007)
Wii Fit, launched in 2007, transformed living rooms into personal fitness studios, with 22.7 million copies sold. The game, paired with the innovative Wii Balance Board, encouraged players to engage in yoga, strength training, and aerobics.
Its appeal lay in its accessibility, making fitness fun and approachable for all age groups. Families could track their progress, setting personal goals and competing with one another. This gamified approach to exercise promoted a healthy lifestyle and changed perceptions about what video games could achieve beyond entertainment.
5. Mario Kart Wii (2008)
With 37.4 million copies sold, Mario Kart Wii became a fun-filled racing adventure in 2008. The game featured beloved Nintendo characters speeding through inventive tracks filled with power-ups and hazards. Its easy-to-learn controls made it accessible to players of all skill levels.
The online multiplayer mode hosted competitive races with friends worldwide, enhancing the game’s replayability. The inclusion of motion controls via the Wii Remote added a new dimension to the racing experience. Mario Kart Wii was a staple in parties and gatherings, providing endless entertainment and friendly rivalry.
6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 launched in 2009, selling over 25 million copies. Its cinematic campaign and revolutionary multiplayer mode redefined first-person shooters. Players were drawn into intense missions, featuring iconic characters and gripping storylines.
The multiplayer experience was groundbreaking, offering diverse maps, customizable loadouts, and strategic gameplay. It set a new standard for online gaming, fostering a competitive community. The game’s legacy continues to influence the FPS genre, with memorable moments and engaging mechanics that captivated a global audience.
7. The Sims (2000)
Released in 2000, The Sims revolutionized gaming with 11.2 million copies sold. It offered a unique life simulation experience, allowing players to build and control virtual households. Players could customize characters, design homes, and manage daily life.
The open-ended gameplay encouraged creativity and experimentation, appealing to a broad demographic. Its success spawned numerous expansion packs and sequels, solidifying its position as a cultural icon. The Sims provided a platform for players to express themselves and explore endless possibilities, making it a beloved game worldwide.
8. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (2006)
With 17.7 million copies sold, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl debuted on the Nintendo DS in 2006, revitalizing the series with new graphics and gameplay. Players embarked on a journey in the Sinnoh region, capturing and training Pokémon.
The game introduced innovative features like global trading and battling, connecting players worldwide. Its engaging storyline and strategic depth appealed to both newcomers and veteran fans. The combination of nostalgic elements and fresh content ensured its place as a standout in the Pokémon franchise.
9. Halo 3 (2007)
Released in 2007, Halo 3 concluded the original trilogy with over 14.5 million copies sold. Players joined Master Chief in a battle to save humanity from alien threats. The game featured epic single-player missions and a robust multiplayer mode.
The online multiplayer became a cornerstone of gaming culture, offering a variety of modes and maps. Its stunning graphics and compelling storyline captivated players, cementing its status as a defining title for the Xbox 360. Halo 3 remains a beloved classic with a lasting legacy.
10. Brain Age (2005)
In 2005, Brain Age turned mental exercises into a popular pastime, selling 19 million copies. The Nintendo DS game featured puzzles designed to stimulate the brain, including math challenges and memory tests.
Its simple yet engaging design encouraged players to make brain training a daily habit. The game’s emphasis on mental fitness found an audience across all age groups, promoting cognitive health. Brain Age demonstrated the potential for video games as tools for education and personal development, reaching a broad demographic.
11. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (2007)
Launched in 2007, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock became an instant party hit, selling over 13 million copies. Players used plastic guitars to play along with a diverse setlist of rock anthems, immersing themselves in the music.
The game’s addictive gameplay and competitive modes provided hours of entertainment for friends and family. Its impact on music games was profound, inspiring a wave of similar titles. Guitar Hero III made aspiring rock stars out of players, blending rhythm and fun in a unique gaming experience.
12. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008)
In 2008, Super Smash Bros. Brawl united Nintendo characters in epic battles, selling 13.3 million copies. Players could choose from a wide roster, engaging in chaotic and fun brawls across various arenas.
The game featured an extensive multiplayer mode, fostering competitive and casual play. Its unique mechanics and engaging gameplay kept players returning for more. Brawl‘s blend of nostalgia and fresh content attracted fans old and new, solidifying its place as a beloved title in the series.
13. Animal Crossing: Wild World (2005)
Released in 2005, Animal Crossing: Wild World invited players into a charming virtual world, selling 11.7 million copies. Players could build and customize their homes, interact with quirky animal villagers, and engage in seasonal events.
The game’s relaxing pace and open-ended gameplay offered a serene escape from reality. Its social aspects, including online connectivity, fostered a sense of community among players. Wild World‘s enduring charm and accessibility made it a beloved title, paving the way for future entries in the series.
14. Assassin’s Creed II (2009)
Assassin’s Creed II, released in 2009, captivated players with over 9 million copies sold. Set in Renaissance Italy, the game introduced Ezio Auditore, a charming and skilled assassin. Players explored iconic cities like Florence and Venice, immersing themselves in a richly detailed historical world.
The game’s innovative mechanics included free-running and strategic assassinations, providing thrilling gameplay experiences. Its engaging story and character development resonated with players, elevating the franchise’s reputation. Assassin’s Creed II set a high standard for action-adventure games, influencing titles across the genre.
15. Minecraft (Alpha/Beta in 2009)
Even in its alpha and beta stages in 2009, Minecraft became a cultural juggernaut, selling tens of millions of copies. This sandbox game offered creative freedom, allowing players to build, explore, and survive in blocky, procedurally-generated worlds.
Its simple yet profound mechanics encouraged creativity and collaboration, with a vibrant online community sharing mods and creations. The game’s influence extended beyond gaming, impacting education and popular culture. Minecraft‘s endless possibilities and engaging gameplay captured the imagination of millions, laying the foundation for future success.
16. Final Fantasy X (2001)
Released in 2001, Final Fantasy X enchanted players, selling 8.5 million copies. The game introduced voice acting to the series, enhancing its emotional narrative. Players followed Tidus and Yuna on a journey through the mystical world of Spira.
Its stunning visuals and compelling story set a new benchmark for role-playing games. The innovative turn-based combat system and character development added depth and strategy. Final Fantasy X‘s blend of traditional elements and new features made it a beloved classic, influencing RPG design for years to come.
17. Kingdom Hearts (2002)
In 2002, Kingdom Hearts captured hearts worldwide, selling over 6 million copies. This unique crossover combined beloved Disney characters with the fantasy world of Square Enix. Players followed Sora, a young protagonist wielding a keyblade, on an epic quest.
The game’s engaging story and dynamic combat resonated with fans of both franchises. Its distinctive blend of action and RPG elements created a memorable experience. Kingdom Hearts became a cornerstone of gaming culture, known for its charm, depth, and imaginative world, leaving a lasting legacy.