Wolverine sets PS5 record despite massive criticism

Harper Cole 09/19/2026

When Marvel’s Wolverine hit the PlayStation 5 market, it didn’t just arrive—it set a new benchmark. Despite facing a somewhat mixed critical response, the game managed to shatter sales records, proving that sometimes, the sheer power of hype and a killer IP can overshadow a bumpy ride.

The numbers speak for themselves. Insomniac’s latest offering amassed approximately 1.9 million copies sold, positioning it as a powerhouse among the PlayStation 5 titles of that year. This achievement puts the game well ahead of many other major releases, including titles like Death Stranding 2, Marvel Tōkon, Saros, and MLB The Show.

Financially, the success was undeniable. With one million copies sold digitally before launch, the game generated a reported revenue of $130 million. Physical disk sales accounted for roughly 22.7% of this total, demonstrating a solid commercial footprint for the franchise.

In a head-to-head comparison, Wolverine outperformed even some of its established competitors. It beat MLB The Show, which also sold 1.5 million copies on the console and brought in a $99 million payday. This performance confirms that the market was hungry for the action and angst of the Wolverine universe.

However, as with many highly anticipated games, the road ahead requires more than just initial momentum. While the sales record is impressive, analysts caution that critical reception will play a significant role in the game’s longevity. The reception for Wolverine was less universally glowing than that of some of Insomniac’s Spider-Man installments, suggesting that the game’s mixed reviews will temper future sales growth.

Despite this caveat, the momentum remains strong. The positive reviews that did emerge highlighted the game’s core appeal, even as some critics pointed out similarities to other Spider-Man titles that might have dampened the sense of fresh innovation. Nevertheless, the market clearly responded to the promise of a gritty, compelling adventure.

With the holiday season fast approaching, the focus now shifts to sustained performance. Though the immediate sales figures are staggering, the long-term success of Marvel’s Wolverine will depend on the game’s ability to maintain quality and build lasting appeal beyond the initial wave of hype.