History's Best Selling Video Games of 2017

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2017 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 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Horizon Zero Dawn, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Capcom and Guerrilla Games proved their mettle with Nintendo Switch, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

   Released in 2017 by Capcom

   On January 24, 2017, the world of survival horror was fundamentally revitalized with the global release of Capcom's *Resident Evil 7: Biohazard*. This date marks the game's official launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows, representing a bold and critically acclaimed new direction for the iconic franchise. After previous installments veered heavily into action, *Resident Evil 7* was a deliberate return to the series' terrifying roots, trading global zombie outbreaks for intimate, claustrophobic dread. Its release on this day was a pivotal moment, introducing a new protagonist, a terrifying new family of antagonists, and a groundbreaking shift to a first-person perspective that would redefine horror gaming for a new generation.

2. Horizon Zero Dawn

   Released in 2017 by Guerrilla Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment

   When Horizon Zero Dawn launched in February 2017, it immediately captured the gaming world's attention, becoming a cultural phenomenon and one of the year's undisputed bestsellers. Developed by Guerrilla Games, previously known for the linear shooter series Killzone, this ambitious new intellectual property marked a significant pivot for the studio. Its release was met with widespread critical acclaim and immense player enthusiasm, quickly establishing itself as a flagship title for the PlayStation 4 and a testament to the power of original storytelling and world-building in the modern gaming landscape. Its unique blend of futuristic primalism resonated deeply, making it an instant classic.

3. Nintendo Switch

   Released in 2017 by Nintendo

   On March 3, 2017, the gaming world witnessed a pivotal moment as Nintendo launched the Switch simultaneously across major global markets. This date marked not just the release of a new console, but a bold new direction for the company following the commercial disappointment of the Wii U. The Switch arrived as a 'hybrid' console, a novel concept that promised to seamlessly merge the power of a home console with the portability of a handheld device. Anticipation was immense, fueled by a desire to see if Nintendo could reclaim its innovative edge. The launch was a statement of intent, promising a unified gaming ecosystem where players could enjoy epic adventures both on their living room TV and on the go.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

   Released in 2017 by Nintendo EPD, Nintendo

   March 3, 2017, marks a pivotal moment in Nintendo's history, as it was the worldwide launch date for both the Nintendo Switch console and its flagship title, 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'. After the commercial struggles of the Wii U, Nintendo's future in the home console market hinged on the Switch's success. 'Breath of the Wild' was positioned as the system's 'killer app,' a monumental, generation-defining experience designed to showcase the new hardware's capabilities and convince players to invest in the new ecosystem. The game's simultaneous release on this date provided an undeniable reason to purchase a Switch on day one, inextricably linking the game's identity with the birth of a new, wildly successful era for Nintendo.

5. PUBG: Battlegrounds

   Released in 2017 by PUBG Studios, Krafton

   On March 23, 2017, the gaming landscape was irrevocably altered with the Steam Early Access release of PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS. While the concept of a last-player-standing deathmatch existed in mods, PUBG was the first standalone title to package it into a tense, high-fidelity, and accessible experience. Its launch didn't just introduce a new game; it ignited the battle royale genre craze. At a time when multiplayer gaming was dominated by arena shooters and MOBAs, PUBG offered a fresh, high-stakes survival simulation that captivated millions almost overnight, laying the groundwork for a new generation of competitive online games and establishing a pop culture phenomenon.

6. Super NES Classic Edition

   Released in 2017 by Nintendo

   On September 29, 2017, Nintendo capitalized on a massive wave of 90s nostalgia with the release of the Super NES Classic Edition. Following the runaway success and scarcity of its predecessor, the NES Classic, the launch of the SNES mini was a major event for gamers and collectors. Demand was astronomical, with pre-orders vanishing in minutes and fans lining up for hours at retail stores. The release was not just about replaying old favorites; it made history by including the official, first-ever release of Star Fox 2, a game completed in the 1990s but canceled before it ever hit store shelves. This launch day cemented the 'classic mini' console as a powerful market force for Nintendo.

7. Super Mario Odyssey

   Released in 2017 by Nintendo EPD, Nintendo

   On October 27, 2017, the gaming world was electrified by the global release of 'Super Mario Odyssey' for the Nintendo Switch. Launched in the console's crucial first year, the game was not just a new entry in a beloved series but a monumental event. It represented Mario's grand return to the open-ended, sandbox-style 3D platforming that had defined classics like 'Super Mario 64.' Arriving just months after 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,' 'Odyssey' cemented the Switch's status as a must-have console, proving Nintendo could deliver two system-defining masterpieces in a single year. This date marked the beginning of a new adventure for millions, offering a journey filled with pure joy, creativity, and boundless discovery.