History's Best Selling Video Games of 2006

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2006 saw a swell surge of Y2K fever and early digital revolution in the world of games! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like New Super Mario Bros. and Pokémon Diamond / Pearl / Platinum, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Nintendo R&D4 and Game Freak proved their mettle with Gears of War, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. New Super Mario Bros.

   Released in 2006 by Nintendo R&D4, Nintendo

   On May 15, 2006, North American gamers witnessed the triumphant return of classic side-scrolling Mario action with the release of 'New Super Mario Bros.' for the Nintendo DS. It had been over a decade since the last original 2D Mario platformer, and fans were eager for a return to form. Launching on the wildly successful dual-screen handheld, the game wasn't just a nostalgic trip; it was a reinvention. It established a new '2.5D' visual style and introduced fresh mechanics that would define the series for the next generation. This release date marked the beginning of a massive commercial and critical success, proving that the simple joy of running and jumping through the Mushroom Kingdom was as compelling as ever.

2. Pokémon Diamond / Pearl / Platinum

   Released in 2006 by Game Freak, Nintendo, The Pokémon Company

   On September 28, 2006, the Pokémon universe expanded dramatically with the release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl in Japan. This date marked the franchise's highly anticipated debut on the Nintendo DS, a dual-screened handheld that promised new ways to interact with the world of Pokémon. For fans, it was the dawn of the fourth generation, bringing over 100 new creatures and the beautiful, mysterious Sinnoh region to explore. The launch was a monumental event, representing a technological leap forward with the introduction of online trading and battling via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. This release didn't just launch a new game; it kicked off a new era of global connectivity for Pokémon trainers.

3. Gears of War

   Released in 2006 by Epic Games, Microsoft Game Studios

   When 'Gears of War' burst onto the scene on November 7, 2006, it wasn't just another game release; it was a seismic event that redefined the landscape of third-person shooters and became an instant cultural phenomenon. Launching exclusively on the Xbox 360, it quickly became the console's killer app, showcasing the raw power of the Unreal Engine 3 and setting new benchmarks for graphical fidelity and visceral gameplay. Its gritty, post-apocalyptic aesthetic and intense cover-based combat captivated millions, establishing a new archetype for action games and solidifying its place as one of the most talked-about and bestselling titles of the year.

4. PlayStation 3

   Released in 2006 by Sony

   On November 11, 2006, Sony launched the PlayStation 3 in Japan, ushering in a new era of high-definition gaming and home entertainment. Coming off the unprecedented success of the PlayStation 2, expectations were astronomical. The PS3's launch was a bold, expensive gamble, introducing the world to the Blu-ray disc format and the free online multiplayer service, the PlayStation Network. This date marked a pivotal moment in the seventh console generation, as Sony positioned the PS3 not just as a gaming device, but as a powerful, all-in-one digital media hub, setting the stage for a fierce technological battle with its competitors.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

   Released in 2006 by Nintendo EAD, Nintendo

   The release of 'The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess' on November 19, 2006, wasn't just another game launch; it was a momentous event that captivated the gaming world. Arriving simultaneously with the groundbreaking Nintendo Wii in North America, it instantly became a must-have title, showcasing the console's potential and providing a swansong for the Nintendo GameCube. Its dark, mature tone and epic scope set it apart, drawing in millions of fans eager for a new, immersive adventure in Hyrule. This title quickly established itself as a cultural phenomenon, redefining expectations for the Zelda series and demonstrating Nintendo's mastery of epic storytelling and innovative gameplay during a pivotal year for the industry.

6. Wii Sports

   Released in 2006 by Nintendo EAD, Nintendo

   On November 19, 2006, the landscape of home entertainment changed forever with the North American launch of the Nintendo Wii. Bundled with every console was a simple, unassuming game called Wii Sports. This date is significant not just for the release of a new console, but for the introduction of a new paradigm in gaming. Nintendo's decision to include the game was a masterstroke, ensuring that every single person who bought a Wii could immediately experience the magic of its motion-sensing Wii Remote. It wasn't just a pack-in title; it was the system's mission statement, a proof of concept that instantly demonstrated the intuitive, accessible fun the Wii promised, turning living rooms across the continent into virtual bowling alleys and tennis courts overnight.

7. Wii

   Released in 2006 by Nintendo

   On November 19, 2006, the landscape of home entertainment changed forever with the North American launch of the Nintendo Wii. Breaking from the industry's relentless pursuit of graphical horsepower, Nintendo released a console built on a simple, revolutionary idea: intuitive motion control. Lines formed outside stores as consumers eagerly awaited a machine that promised to get them off the couch and into the game. This date marks the moment Nintendo’s 'blue ocean' strategy was unleashed upon the public, successfully capturing an entirely new demographic of casual players, from young children to their grandparents, and fundamentally redefining what a video game console could be.

8. Garry's Mod

   Released in 2006 by Facepunch Studios, Valve

   On November 29, 2006, the landscape of independent game development and user-generated content changed forever with the commercial release of Garry's Mod on Steam. What began as a free, experimental modification for Half-Life 2 transitioned into a standalone, paid product, a move that was both bold and prescient. This date marks the moment creator Garry Newman, in collaboration with Valve, legitimized the mod as a full-fledged game, proving that a sandbox built entirely on the principle of player freedom could be a commercial powerhouse. Its arrival on the Steam store set a new precedent, demonstrating a viable path for modders to monetize their creations and paving the way for a new era of community-driven games on the world's largest digital distribution platform.

9. Wii Play

   Released in 2006 by Nintendo EAD, Nintendo

   On December 2, 2006, Nintendo launched its revolutionary Wii console in its home country of Japan, and with it came a killer app that was more than just a game; it was a Trojan horse for an entirely new way to play. 'Wii Play' arrived as a launch title, but its true genius lay in its packaging. In most regions, it was bundled with a much-needed second Wii Remote controller. This masterstroke of marketing turned the game into an essential day-one purchase for families and friends eager to experience the console's multiplayer magic together. Its release on this date marks the beginning of its journey to becoming one of the best-selling video games of all time, serving as the world's introduction to the intuitive fun of motion controls.