July is usually a slow month for gaming in general. Kids are outside and unable to play their consoles sitting inside. The console generation is also winding down which means that game studios are more focused on the next generation instead of the current one. There are definitely some heavy hitters in this lineup though. So let’s get into the knitty gritty of it. These are the top 10 best selling games of July. All of these numbers are courtesy of NPD research.
1. Madden 20
This one should be no surprise to anyone. This marks the 20th straight year that Madden is the highest selling game of it’s release month. If you want to read an in-depth review of Madden 20, check it out here.
2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
The Nintendo Switch had a great month of July in sales. Not only was it the number one console sold, it had six of the top ten spots. Fire Emblem: Three Houses is no different in the long running series of great tactics style games.
3. Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Maker 2 is the next in the long running Mario series for Nintendo consoles. But with a twist. It’s all about making levels and posting them for the community to see or your friends to play. There are some truly devilish levels in this game. So check it out for yourself if you have a Switch.
4. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is the long awaited sequel in the Marvel brawler series. This new game, exclusive to the Switch follows in the same vein as it’s previous games in the series. This time there are more characters to fight with and to level up. Pick this one up for your Switch if you’re a Marvel fan or a beat-em-up fan.
5. Minecraft
Minecraft has made a resurgence of late. With the popularity of Fortnite waning and people not having new releases in the summertime. People came flocking back to the game for it’s 10th anniversary. The gameplay is the same as it was ten years ago but there’s tons of new content for you to sink your teeth into. Check it out on literally any modern console you can think of.
6. Grand Theft Auto V
This one was the biggest surprise to me. A game that is nearly six years old making the list was a surprise. Grand Theft Auto: Online is the real driver of sales here though. The game is a cash-cow for Rockstar and Take Two. There might not be a Grand Theft Auto VI for awhile because of this one.
7. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate continues the fighting series that practically sells Nintendo consoles all by itself. With a roster bigger than any game in the series before, there’s a fighter for everyone here. The game is constantly getting new content, so its no wonder it’s such a hot seller.
8. Mortal Kombat 11
Another long running fighting series cracks the top 10. This time its Mortal Kombat 11. This game was very well received by critics upon it’s release. The fighter has more characters than ever and the fatalities are as brutal as they come.
9. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Another Switch game is the penultimate on our list of ten for the month of July. This time it’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The DX version of the Wii U game on the Switch. It adds tracks and improves the graphics. Mario Kart games are always hot sellers for Nintendo, and this one is no different.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The final game in our top 10 of the month is a classic from last year. Considered by many to be the game of the year, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The Nintendo Switch being the highest selling console of the month probably had a lot to do with this game seeing so many sales. It’s a classic on the console for a reason.
Final Thoughts
Well that’s a pretty interesting month from a sales standpoint. I’d imagine that August will be even more interesting. The video game season doesn’t really pick up steam until September, so there might be more surprises like Minecraft or Grand Theft Auto V sneaking back into the top 10.
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