Marvel’s Wolverine Dominates PS5 Sales Despite Mixed Reactions

Don’t take everything you see online at face value. Despite Marvel’s Wolverine becoming a meme on social media, with clips mocking its “fart trail” UI and uninspired chase sequences, the game has actually performed quite well in terms of sales. Recent data from industry analysts shows that Marvel’s Wolverine was the top-selling game in the United States for September, both physically and digitally. Not too shabby for a console exclusive with a somewhat notorious reputation.

September was a busy month for game releases, with eight of the top ten bestsellers launching during that time. Sports titles continued to dominate, with NBA 2K27 in second place, EA Sports FC 27 in third, and Madden NFL 27 rounding out the top ten. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave secured the fourth spot, a notable achievement for a console exclusive, followed by The Blood of Dawnwalker, Wardogs, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Halloween: The Game, and Ace Combat 8.

While these figures reflect U.S. sales, Sony has also shared last month’s EU PlayStation Store data, where Wolverine landed in second place behind EA Sports FC 27. Previous sales insights indicated that Wolverine had a strong performance on disc, with 35% of its sales being physical copies. This success contradicts Sony’s narrative that players are moving away from physical releases, especially as the company plans to halt disc production for PlayStation games starting in 2028. Overall, estimates suggest that Wolverine sold around 2.35 million copies in September.

After years of anticipation, Marvel’s Wolverine launched to mixed reviews, with critics pointing out its repetitive gameplay, shallow mechanics, and lackluster storytelling. While it wasn’t completely dismissed—some praised its visuals and spectacle—it certainly didn’t receive the same level of acclaim as many of Sony’s other AAA titles in recent years.

Adding to the controversy, Wolverine found itself in the crosshairs of the backlash against Sony’s decision to discontinue support for physical discs. The game was being promoted around the time of this unpopular announcement, leading fans of physical media to flood comment sections, including those related to Wolverine, to express their frustration.

One of the main reasons Wolverine became a target for criticism is that it showcased many design elements that players have grown to dislike, such as excessive guidance (like scent trails) and an overemphasis on cinematic flair at the expense of gameplay.

While Wolverine may be facing a storm of negativity on social media, its sales figures tell a different story so far.