Sony has stopped reporting the number of PlayStation 4 consoles it's shipped, and so the console's final sales number is a staggering 117 million units. This is incredibly impressive to say the least, but some may be wondering how the PS4 stacks up compared to some of the other best-selling video game consoles.
The PlayStation 4 hitting 117 million units shipped puts it at fourth place on the all-time best-selling game consoles list. The top spot still belongs to the juggernaut that was the PlayStation 2, which passed 155 million units. The Nintendo DS handheld is right behind the PS2 with 154 million units, while the Game Boy is at 118 million. It should be noted that the Game Boy's sales also include the Game Boy Color redesign.
While the PlayStation 4 is currently in fourth place, it likely won't hold that position forever. The Nintendo Switch is hot on its heels, with 111 million units shipped reported to date. Nintendo has said that the Switch is only in the middle if its life cycle, which means the console is going to continue receiving major new game releases for years to come, including system sellers like the upcoming Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The Switch might have a hard time catching up to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2, but it stands a decent shot at surpassing both the PlayStation 4 and the Game Boy.
Best-Selling Video Game Consoles List
- PlayStation 2 - 155 million
- Nintendo DS - 154 million
- Game Boy - 118 million
- PlayStation 4 - 117 million
- Nintendo Switch - 111 million
- PlayStation - 102 million
- Nintendo Wii - 101 million
- PlayStation 3 - 87 million
- Xbox 360 - 84 million
- Game Boy Advance - 81 million
Besides the Nintendo Switch still receiving major new game releases, Nintendo may improve the console's sales through redesigns. Since launching the original Nintendo Switch console, Nintendo has introduced a cheaper alternative in the form of the Nintendo Switch Lite, which functions as a purely handheld gaming device, as well as the Switch OLED, which is pricier, but comes with a superior screen. There have been consistent rumors that a Switch Pro console is in the works, though nothing official has been announced. If such a console ever comes to pass, one has to imagine that it will boost the Switch's sales numbers even further.
As far as PlayStation goes, every single one of PlayStation's home consoles have managed to crack the top 10 so far, and there's no reason to think that the PS5 won't do so as well. Right now the PlayStation 5's problems are the chip shortages and the ongoing supply chain issues that stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eventually, there should be a steady supply of PS5 consoles hitting the market.