10 Video Games You Didn't Realise Were VERY Successful
4. Nintendogs
Because of its simple gameplay and adorable characters, Nintendogs is one of the most delightful gaming experiences any animal-lover can imagine.
Despite receiving positive reviews, you wouldn't expect a pet simulator to fly off the shelves. Not only does it sound like a niche market, Nintendogs doesn't have the same level of recognition as Mario or The Legend of Zelda, does it?
Although Nintendo were probably expecting a reasonable profit, nobody thought this Tamagotchi-inspired title would blow up. Nintendogs was the most successful game on the DS at the time, apart from New Super Mario Bros. (It even outsold Mario Kart DS!) We know customers bought a DS just to play with this digital pet, since sales for the handheld system quadrupled the same week Nintendogs was released. On top of that, it was the top-selling Nintendo game on any system in 2005.
But it doesn't stop there. Nintendogs sold almost 24 million units, making it among the most successful games of all time. Let's say that again - Of All Time. It outperformed gigantic titles, including Red Dead Redemption, Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire and 2018's God of War. The fact it sold almost as much as Super Mario Bros. 3 and Sonic the Hedgehog is bewildering.