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Xbox 360 at 20: Call of Duty Dominates Top US Sales

Xbox 360 at 20: Call of Duty Dominates Top US Sales
Various Xbox 360 game covers including Call of Duty titles, Halo, and Grand Theft Auto, displayed around an Xbox 360 console.

As the Xbox 360 marks its remarkable 20th anniversary this weekend, a new analysis of its top-selling games in the US has unveiled a startling truth: the Call of Duty franchise utterly dominated the console's commercial landscape. Shared by Circana's Mat Piscatella, this definitive list of the 20 best-selling Xbox 360 titles in the United States offers a compelling look at the games that defined an era for Microsoft's iconic second-generation console.

Call of Duty's Unstoppable Legacy on Xbox 360

The sheer scale of Call of Duty's success on the Xbox 360 is nothing short of staggering. Seven individual Call of Duty titles populate the comprehensive top 20 list, underscoring the franchise's unparalleled appeal during the console's prime. Further highlighting this dominance, six of these blockbusters secured positions within the top 10, with an incredible four Call of Duty entries landing among the top five best-sellers. The pinnacle of this achievement goes to Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, released November 13, 2012, claiming the number one spot, closely followed by Call of Duty: Black Ops (November 9, 2010) at number two, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (November 8, 2011) at number three. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (November 8, 2009) also made it into the elite top five.

Microsoft's Expanding Dominion: Acquisitions Pay Off

In a significant shift reflecting modern industry consolidation, Microsoft now owns the rights to an astounding 17 of the 20 titles on this best-sellers list. This formidable portfolio expansion is a direct result of key acquisitions, including Bethesda, Activision, and Mojang Studios. Beyond the Call of Duty juggernaut, Microsoft's proprietary franchises also shone brightly. Three Halo titles, including Halo 3 (Bungie, September 25, 2007) and Halo: Reach (Bungie, September 14, 2010), secured spots, alongside two Gears of War entries, with the original Gears of War (Epic Games, November 7, 2006) making its mark. Furthermore, global phenomena like Minecraft (Mojang Studios, November 18, 2011) and critically acclaimed RPG The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim (Bethesda Game Studios, November 11, 2011) are noted as perennial best-sellers on the console, now under Microsoft’s banner.

Beyond Microsoft: Iconic Hits and Lone Contenders

While Microsoft-owned properties dominate, other publishers also carved out their legacy. Rockstar Games made a significant impact with two of the generation's most acclaimed titles: Red Dead Redemption (May 18, 2010) and Grand Theft Auto 4 (December 8, 2008), with the evergreen Grand Theft Auto 5 (September 12, 2013) also appearing. Electronic Arts secured a single, yet notable, spot with DICE’s Battlefield 3 (October 25, 2011), underscoring its competitive presence. Other memorable entries include Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock (Neversoft, October 28, 2007) and Rock Band (Harmonix, November 20, 2007), showcasing the rhythm game craze of the era.

A Console's Enduring Impact: The Full Top 20 List

The Xbox 360, a console that former Microsoft executive Peter Moore described as locked in an epic battle with the PlayStation 3, remains one of Microsoft's greatest gaming successes. Despite its dedicated store having shut down last year, Microsoft provided a system update in June 2025, and many of these best-selling titles are still accessible via the Xbox Store. Here is the complete list of the top 20 best-selling Xbox 360 games in the US:

  • 1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (Treyarch, November 13, 2012)
  • 2. Call of Duty: Black Ops (Treyarch, November 9, 2010)
  • 3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (Infinity Ward/Sledgehammer Games, November 8, 2011)
  • 4. Halo 3 (Bungie, September 25, 2007)
  • 5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Infinity Ward, November 8, 2009)
  • 6. Grand Theft Auto 5 (Rockstar Games, September 12, 2013)
  • 7. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Infinity Ward, September 14, 2010)
  • 8. Halo: Reach (Bungie, September 14, 2010)
  • 9. Call of Duty: Ghosts (Infinity Ward, November 13, 2013)
  • 10. Halo 4 (343 Industries, November 6, 2012)
  • 11. Rock Band (Harmonix, November 20, 2007)
  • 12. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim (Bethesda Game Studios, November 11, 2011)
  • 13. Call of Duty: World at War (Treyarch, November 11, 2008)
  • 14. Grand Theft Auto 4 (Rockstar Games, December 8, 2008)
  • 15. Minecraft (Mojang Studios, November 18, 2011)
  • 16. Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock (Neversoft, October 28, 2007)
  • 17. Battlefield 3 (DICE, October 25, 2011)
  • 18. Red Dead Redemption (Rockstar Games, May 18, 2010)
  • 19. Gears of War (Epic Games, November 7, 2006)
  • 20. Gears of War 3 (Epic Games, September 20, 2011)

The Xbox 360's Place in Gaming History

Twenty years on, the Xbox 360 remains a testament to Microsoft's ambition and impact in the gaming realm. This milestone and the revelation of its top-selling titles serve as a potent reminder of the console's incredible library, the cultural phenomenon of Call of Duty, and the evolving landscape of intellectual property ownership in the video game industry. Its legacy continues to resonate, even as new generations of consoles take center stage.