Gamers react as crazy sale figures released on Call of Duty: Black Ops ports

Despite the apparent backlash following its release, the Call of Duty: Black Ops ports on PS5 and PS4 have sold over seven million copies, with some fans declaring, “gamers will always be their own worst enemy.”

This year, and keeping up with the traditional annual release, fans will be treated to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, the latest entry in the reimagined series that was soft-rebooted in 2019. Yet, unlike the previous three MW reimagings, MW4 will be a totally new story.

Before Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 graces us with its presence, ports of two of the most popular games in the series dropped on modern PlayStation consoles with Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) and Black Ops II (2012). However, despite these two entries being very popular with fans, they were both shrouded in controversy.

As reported by the X account CharlieIntel, sources claim that both Call of Duty: Black Ops ports have sold a combined seven million (plus) copies since they launched on the PlayStation Store on July 9, 2026.

What’s more, the decision to release the ports reportedly came from Activision’s strategy and finance team. Well, it looks like that decision to release these minimal ports has more than paid off.

That being said, it’s important to consider that these reports have not been officially confirmed by Activision at the time of writing, but those familiar with the franchise will not be surprised if proven true.

READ MORE: Two Call of Duty Black Ops drop on PS5 and fans rage again: 'Outta their minds'

Gamers have their say on the reported Call of Duty: Black Ops numbers

“Gamers will always be their own worst enemy,” declared Redditor OwnAHole.

“Activision will see these numbers and still refuse to do a proper release of the OG MW trilogy,” claimed EarthwormJoe.

“I mean, COD always sells well. I tried these, and yes, it was fun and nostalgic, but it didn’t do a ton for me. Maybe I’m weird, but I am interested in MW4,” said SilentNova300.

“COD fans cry every year about how things never change and then buy $60 ports with separate DLC,” exclaimed Crimsonclaw111.

“It helps that they’re on sale,” replied HydraTower.

Call of Duty: Black Ops, Activision

READ MORE: Call of Duty: Black Ops ports remind gamers ‘how good we had it’ as crucial era awaits

What’s the controversy surrounding the Call of Duty: Black Ops ports?

For starters, these are straight-up ports with no visual or performance enhancements. These are not remasters. The only minor improvement is the native resolution boost that the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 may provide, along with your 4K TV.

Secondly, many gamers had an issue with the RRP of the Call of Duty: Black Ops ports at $39.99/£34.99. Then on top of that, no season pass DLC is included, which will cost you a maximum $29.99/£25.99 each. That being said, it should be stated that until August 6, 2026, PS Plus subscribers get a 50% discount on each game and 67% off each season pass.

Why hasn't Call of Duty: Black Ops been ported to PC and Xbox?

Simply put, these games already exist. As with all previous games in the Call of Duty series, not only are they available on PC, but they’re also playable on modern Xbox consoles due to backwards compatibility.

You can buy all Call of Duty: Black Ops games via the Xbox Marketplace, as well as the accompanying season pass content. The backwards compatible versions of BO1 and BO2 on Xbox are the same games that were recently re-released on modern PlayStation consoles.

Well, when we say all games are available on Xbox, there is an exception, and that’s Call of Duty Classic. This is a minimal remaster of the original game that launched on PC in 2003. It was re-released on Xbox Live Arcade in 2009 and the PlayStation 3’s PSN Store digitally but has not been made backwards compatible for whatever reason, which is a shame.

As for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, that will be released on October 23, 2026, on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.