The Xbox Series X/S family of consoles has just passed a major milestone, officially outselling the legendary Nintendo 64 in total global sales. According to VGChartz, as of April 2024, combined sales of the Xbox Series X and S have reached an estimated 32.98 million units, narrowly edging out the Nintendo 64’s lifetime sales of 32.93 million units.
This puts Microsoft’s latest generation of consoles one step closer to cementing their place in gaming history.
From 1996 to Now: Beating a Legend
Released in 1996, the Nintendo 64 was Nintendo’s first foray into fully 3D console gaming and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic platforms of its time. Classics like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Donkey Kong 64, Super Smash Bros., and Majora’s Mask helped define a generation.
The fact that Xbox Series X/S has now outsold such a celebrated console underscores how far the Xbox brand has come since its debut in 2001.
Xbox’s Momentum Since 2020
Launched in late 2020, the Xbox Series X and S have faced tough competition from the PlayStation 5 and the continued success of the Nintendo Switch. Yet, Microsoft’s strategic bets—Game Pass, cloud gaming, day-one releases, and studio acquisitions—have paid off. The performance-driven Series X and the budget-friendly Series S offer strong value to a wide range of gamers.
With the post-pandemic gaming boom and a strong library of titles in 2023 and 2024, the Series line has quietly built momentum—culminating in this significant achievement.
What’s Next for Xbox?
Now that the Nintendo 64 is in the rearview mirror, the next target for Xbox Series X/S is the Sega Genesis, which sold around 34.06 million units. After that comes the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) at 49.10 million units.
Given Xbox’s continued investment in first-party exclusives and growing subscription base, surpassing those numbers doesn’t seem far-fetched.
The Xbox Series X/S surpassing the Nintendo 64 isn’t just a win for Microsoft—it’s a statement. As the gaming landscape evolves, Xbox is proving it can not only keep up but lead in some of gaming’s most competitive generations.