The original Xbox launched Microsoft into the world of console gaming. The sixth-generation gaming console saw the launch of signature Xbox series such as Halo and Fable. It was also the launch of the online service Xbox Live. The console was released in late 2001 in the United States and in early 2002 around the world. The console was discontinued in 2006 and sold 24 million units worldwide during its lifespan. Let’s look at the top 10 best-selling Xbox games of all time.
10 Best Selling Xbox Games Ever
- Halo 2
- Halo: Combat Evolved
- Sneak King
- Fable
- Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Counter-Strike (T8)
- Ninja Gaiden (T8)
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Top 10 Selling Original Xbox Games: Analysis
Halo 2 – 8.46 Million Units Sold
Halo 2 built on the success of the original Halo game and sold over 3 million more units than the first. Gamers were put back into the giant shoes of the Master Chief and his AI companion Cortana as they take on the Covenant and the Flood. A new plot twist put gamers in the role of the covenant Arbiter as well. Halo 2 was the first in the series to feature online multiplayer through the Xbox Live service. The first-person shooter was a critical and commercial success and set up for the final piece of the mainline Bungie trilogy, Halo 3.
Halo: Combat Evolved – 5 Million Units Sold
Halo: Combat Evolved was a launch title for the original Xbox and it launched one of the most successful franchises in Xbox and gaming history. Fans were introduced to the Master Chief, Cortona, Sergeant Johnson, Jacob Keyes, Miranda Keyes, and many other key characters in the franchise. Halo: Combat Evolved was re-released on the 10th anniversary of the original release in November of 2011 for the Xbox 360. It was also part of the Master Chief Collection which was released for the Xbox One in 2014.
Sneak King – 3.2 Million Units Sold
Believe it or not, a game released in collaboration with Burger King comes in at number three on the list. Sneak King was sold as part of value meals at Burger as part of a promotion. Gamers take control of the Burger King restaurant mascot “The King” as he makes stealthy food deliveries. Two other games were released as part of the promotion. The game ran on both the original Xbox and the Xbox 360. It was the 20th best-selling game on the 360.
Fable – 3 Million Units Sold
The open-world role-playing action game that launched a key Xbox franchise was released in 2004. Gamers are introduced to the world of Albion and take control of a hero early on in their journey. Gamers can decide if they want to be good or evil with the characters’ looks changing depending on how good or evil they choose to be. Fable had a “Lost Chapters” edition which built onto the ending of the main campaign. Fable The Lost Chapters had a re-released edition come out in 2014. The two sequels were released on the Xbox 360 in 2008 and 2010 respectively. A new title in the franchise is also in the works.
Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City 2.49 Million Units Sold
The Grand Theft Auto Double Pack included Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto Vice City. Grand Theft Auto auto racked up impressive sales on the fellow sixth-generation console the Playstation 2. The Double Pack was released on the original Xbox in 2003 and included the full versions of both games. It featured a couple of updates including upgraded audio, models, and reflections. The game sold nearly 2.5 million units and preceded the release of Grand Theft Auto San Andreas which sold well on the original Xbox as well.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell – 2.4 Million Units Sold
The first game in the Splinter Cell series was released in November of 2002. Gamers were put in the boots of NSA agent Sam Fischer as he began his journey that would span seven main series entries. Gamers are encouraged to use stealthy tactics as they work their way through Fischer’s quest around the world. The game was originally an Xbox exclusive but was later released for the PlayStation 2, PC, MAC, and Gamecube. Splinter Cell was well-received upon release and launched a very successful series.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – 1.58 Million Units Sold
The original Xbox exclusive Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic is a role-playing game that puts gamers directly into the old republic of the Star Wars galaxy. Gamers pick from three different classes and work their way through various worlds of the old republic making decisions as they go. Based on decisions made the player will either align with the light or dark side of the force. As the game progresses another key choice is introduced as gamers select a Jedi subclass. The game was very well received upon release and a sequel was released in 2004.
Counter-Strike – 1.5 Million Units Sold
The first Counter–Strike game was ported to the original Xbox as gamers ventured into player vs player combat on Xbox Live. Although single-player modes were available, the bulk of the game came via Xbox Live. Gamers could explore a variety of game modes that included player vs player or player against bots. Different modes included hostage rescue and bomb defusal. Sequels on the PC in the form of Counter-Strike Source and Counter-Strike Global Offensive.
Ninja Gaiden – 1.5 Million Units Sold
The hack and slash game set in the Dead or Alive universe game Ninja Gaiden, ties Counter-Strike for the eighth best-selling game on the original Xbox. Gamers take control of Ryu Hayabusa in 16 chapters of hack and slash action. Ninja Gaiden was released to positive reviews and multiple direct sequels were released across Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo platforms.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – 1.46 Million Units Sold
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas landed the top spot of best selling PlayStation 2 game of all time, and lands at number 10 all-time best selling original Xbox games. The final game in the sixth generation of gaming Grand Theft Auto trilogy sees players head to San Andreas following a drive-by murder of the main character Carl “CJ” Johnson’s mother. The game was to a very positive response from fans and critics and became a cross-platform hit.
Best Selling Xbox Games: Honorable Mentions
Other games that sold well on the original Xbox include racing classic Need for Speed Underground 2 with 1.44 million units sold. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind also sold over 1 million copies on the game and brought The Elder Scrolls games to consoles for the first time. The original Xbox successfully launched Microsoft into the world of console gaming and launched franchises that are still popular and being added to today.
What were some of your favorite original Xbox games? Did you play any of the best-selling Xbox games ever? Leave your comments in the comments section below and let us know your thoughts!
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Loved Halo/Halo 2, Fable, Splinter Cell, and KOTR!