Nintendo’s most popular games have captivated players for decades. Based on Nintendo’s official sales data updated through September 2026, here are the top 10 best-selling Nintendo-published games of all time. All figures represent standalone sales unless noted, sourced directly from Nintendo’s financial reports.
Top 10 Best-Selling Nintendo Games: Verified Sales Data
| Rank | Game Title | Platform | Sales (Millions) | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Switch | 61.16 | 2017 |
| 2 | Wii Sports | Wii | 82.90* | 2006 |
| 3 | Pokémon Red/Green/Blue | Game Boy | 31.38 | 1996 |
| 4 | Super Mario Bros. | NES | 40.24 | 1985 |
| 5 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Switch | 43.58 | 2020 |
| 6 | Pokémon Gold/Silver | Game Boy Color | 23.76 | 1999 |
| 7 | Nintendogs | DS | 23.96 | 2005 |
| 8 | Super Mario World | SNES | 20.61 | 1990 |
| 9 | Pokémon Sword/Shield | Switch | 26.46 | 2019 |
| 10 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Switch | 29.13 | 2017 |
Why These Games Topped the Charts
Three key factors propelled Nintendo’s top sellers to record-breaking success:
1. Must-Have Launch Titles
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (61.16 million sales) became the Switch’s flagship game, driving hardware sales with its accessible multiplayer. Unlike Wii Sports (bundled with every Wii), it achieved these numbers as a standalone purchase1.
2. Perfect Timing and Cultural Impact
Animal Crossing: New Horizons sold 43.58 million copies by filling a critical need during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, becoming a virtual social hub for millions1.
3. Timeless Franchise Appeal
Series like Pokémon and Super Mario consistently top sales charts by blending nostalgia with innovation. The original Pokémon Red/Blue (31.38 million) remains the franchise’s best-seller, proving enduring character appeal1.
Table Data Source from 1
Figure 2 shows the Switch dominates Nintendo’s top sellers list with 4 of the top 10 games, reflecting its status as Nintendo’s best-selling console platform.
Conclusion
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands as Nintendo’s best-selling standalone game of all time, proving that accessible, multiplayer-focused experiences have universal appeal. As Nintendo transitions to new hardware, these timeless franchises will continue to drive sales for years to come.
- What is the best-selling Nintendo game of all time?
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling standalone Nintendo game with 61.16 million copies sold as of September 2026. Note: Wii Sports has higher total shipments (82.90 million) but was bundled with every Wii console.
- How many Switch games are in the top 10?
- Four Switch games appear in the top 10: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (1), Animal Crossing: New Horizons (5), Pokémon Sword/Shield (9), and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (10).
- Why is Wii Sports listed if it was bundled?
- Wii Sports is included in official Nintendo sales records as part of the Wii console package. Its 82.90 million figure represents total Wii shipments, not standalone sales.
- Are these sales figures updated for 2026?
- Yes, all data is current through Nintendo’s latest financial report (March 2026) and verified as of September 3, 2026.
