History's Best Selling Video Games of 1996

Hats off to 1996! Few games commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Pokémon Red and Green. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Pokémon Red / Blue / Yellow and Nintendo 64, consumers eagerly embraced the radical 90s attitude and millennium anticipation. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Nintendo and Game Freak set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that flew off store shelves and cemented lifelong fandoms. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Pokémon Red and Green

   Released in 1996 by Nintendo

   On February 27, 1996, a small developer named Game Freak released two role-playing games on the Nintendo Game Boy: Pocket Monsters Red and Green. Initially selling slowly, the game's social trading mechanics and media synergy created a global phenomenon, birthing the most profitable entertainment franchise in human history.

2. Pokémon Red / Blue / Yellow

   Released in 1996 by Game Freak, Nintendo

   On February 27, 1996, the video game landscape changed forever, though few knew it at the time. On this day, a small developer named Game Freak, with publishing support from Nintendo, released 'Pocket Monsters: Red' and 'Pocket Monsters: Green' in Japan for the aging Game Boy. There was no massive marketing push or global fanfare; it was a quiet launch for a quirky RPG based on creator Satoshi Tajiri's childhood love of insect collecting. This humble release was the spark that ignited the Pokémon phenomenon, a franchise that would grow to become the highest-grossing media property of all time. This date marks the very beginning of the journey for millions to become Pokémon Masters.

3. Nintendo 64

   Released in 1996 by Nintendo

   On June 23, 1996, the landscape of video games changed forever with the launch of the Nintendo 64 in Japan. The release marked the culmination of years of anticipation, shifting the industry's focus from 2D sprites to immersive 3D worlds. While competitors were exploring CD-ROM technology, Nintendo launched its 64-bit powerhouse with just two launch titles, the most important being 'Super Mario 64.' This single game wasn't just a system-seller; it was a technical marvel that provided the blueprint for 3D platforming for decades to come. On this day, players experienced true analog control for the first time, guiding Mario through a vibrant, open-ended polygonal world that felt revolutionary, solidifying the N64's place in history from day one.