Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Surpasses Gen 1's Sales Record in Japan

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Conquer Japan's Sales Charts

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have achieved a remarkable feat, surpassing the iconic Pokemon Red and Green to become the top-selling Pokemon games in Japan's history. This monumental achievement, reported by Famitsu, marks the end of a 28-year reign for the original generation. The games sold an impressive 8.3 million units domestically.

The 2022 release of Scarlet and Violet marked a significant shift for the franchise, introducing the series' first truly open-world experience. Players could freely explore the Paldea region, a departure from the linear structure of previous games. While ambitious, this innovation came with initial challenges; players encountered various technical issues at launch, including graphical glitches and frame rate problems. Despite these setbacks, the games' popularity propelled them to phenomenal success.

Within their first three days, Scarlet and Violet sold over 10 million copies globally, with a remarkable 4.05 million sold in Japan alone. This impressive launch shattered multiple records, including the best-ever launch for a Nintendo Switch game and the best debut for any Nintendo title in Japan, as announced by The Pokemon Company in 2022.

Released in Japan in 1996, the original Pokemon Red and Green (known internationally as Red and Blue) introduced the world to the Kanto region and its 151 Pokemon, sparking a global phenomenon. As of March 2024, Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green still hold the record for worldwide Pokemon sales, with 31.38 million units sold. Pokemon Sword and Shield follow closely behind with 26.27 million units sold. However, Scarlet and Violet are rapidly catching up, having already sold 24.92 million units.

The enduring appeal of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is undeniable. Their potential for further growth on the upcoming, backward-compatible Nintendo Switch 2, combined with ongoing updates, expansions, and events, ensures their lasting place in Pokemon history.

Despite a challenging launch, Scarlet and Violet have thrived, largely due to consistent updates and engaging events. The game's popularity continues to rise, with a highly anticipated 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025. For details on this event and strategies for capturing Rayquaza, consult our comprehensive guide!