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 monumental feat, surpassing the legendary Pokemon Red and Green to become the best-selling Pokemon games in Japan's history! This article delves into this remarkable achievement and the ongoing success of the Pokemon franchise.

A New Era for Pokemon in Japan

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have officially claimed the top spot in Japan, boasting impressive domestic sales of 8.3 million units, as reported by Famitsu. This victory ends the 28-year reign of the original Red and Green (known internationally as Red and Blue).

Launched in 2022, Scarlet and Violet marked a significant departure for the franchise. As the series' first open-world titles, they offered players unparalleled freedom to explore the Paldea region. While ambitious, this innovation wasn't without its challenges; the launch was met with criticism regarding technical issues. Despite these initial setbacks, the games' popularity proved undeniable.

Within their first three days, they sold over 10 million copies globally, with a staggering 4.05 million from Japan alone. This phenomenal launch broke numerous records, including the best launch for a Nintendo Switch game and the best debut for any Nintendo title in Japan, according to The Pokemon Company.

Released in Japan in 1996, the original Pokemon Red and Green introduced the world to the Kanto region and its iconic 151 Pokemon, sparking a global phenomenon that continues to this day. As of March 2024, Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green still hold the worldwide sales record with 31.38 million units sold, closely followed by Pokemon Sword and Shield with 26.27 million. However, Scarlet and Violet are rapidly closing the gap, having already sold 24.92 million units.

The enduring appeal of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is clear. With the potential for further sales on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, coupled with continued updates, expansions, and engaging events, these games are set to leave an indelible mark on Pokemon history.

Despite initial technical difficulties, Scarlet and Violet have thrived, largely due to consistent updates and 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 detailed information on this event and capturing Rayquaza, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide!