The 1990s were a time of explosive growth for the video game industry. With new consoles like the Super Nintendo and the Sony PlayStation hitting the market, video games became a staple of mainstream entertainment. Many of the games released in the 1990s have become classics that are still beloved by gamers today. Here is a look at some of the top selling video games of the 1990s.
The Top 10 Video Games of the 1990s By Sales
Super Mario World (SNES, 1990)
With over 20 million copies sold, Super Mario World is one of the most popular video games of all time. This side-scrolling platformer introduced new power-ups like the cape feather and Yoshi the dinosaur, and remains a beloved classic among gamers.
Street Fighter II (Arcade, 1991)
The arcade game that started the fighting game craze, Street Fighter II was a smash hit in the early 1990s. Its competitive gameplay, memorable characters, and iconic moves like Ryu’s Hadoken and Chun-Li’s Lightning Kick made it a must-play for gamers.
Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis, 1991)
Sega’s answer to Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog quickly became a fan favorite. With its fast-paced platforming and memorable music, Sonic’s debut game sold over 15 million copies.
Donkey Kong Country (SNES, 1994)
Developed by British studio Rare, Donkey Kong Country was a technical marvel that used pre-rendered graphics to create a 3D effect on the SNES. Its charming characters, challenging levels, and catchy music made it a massive success, with over 9 million copies sold.
Mortal Kombat (Arcade, 1992)
Another fighting game that took the world by storm, Mortal Kombat’s use of digitized actors and its gory “fatality” finishing moves made it controversial but also incredibly popular. It sold over 5 million copies in arcades alone.
Pokemon Red and Blue (Game Boy, 1998)
The start of a global phenomenon, Pokemon Red and Blue introduced gamers to the world of pocket monsters and collecting them all. With over 23 million copies sold, it remains one of the best-selling video games of all time.
GoldenEye 007 (Nintendo 64, 1997)
Based on the James Bond film of the same name, GoldenEye 007 was a landmark first-person shooter that revolutionized console gaming. Its split-screen multiplayer mode became a staple of late-night gaming sessions, and it sold over 8 million copies. This title has been brought back to life with a re-release on Nintendo Switch Online.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64, 1998)
Widely considered one of the greatest video games of all time, Ocarina of Time took the Zelda series into the 3D realm and created a vast, immersive world for players to explore. It sold over 7 million copies and won numerous awards.
Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation, 1997)
A landmark RPG that helped popularize the genre in the West, Final Fantasy VII was a sprawling epic with unforgettable characters, a complex storyline, and revolutionary visuals for the time. It sold over 10 million copies and remains a fan favorite.
Super Mario Kart (SNES, 1992)
The game that popularized the kart racing genre, Super Mario Kart was a colorful, fun-filled racer that let players choose their favorite Mario characters and race on wacky courses. It sold over 8 million copies and spawned numerous sequels.
In conclusion, the 1990s were a golden age for video games, and these top-selling titles were just a few of the many amazing games that gamers enjoyed during that time.
