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

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the best-selling Pokemon games of all time in Japan. With an impressive 8.3 million units sold domestically, these games have eclipsed the legendary sales of Pokemon Red and Green, which had held the top spot for 28 years.

Gen 1 Pokemon Games Dethroned by Scarlet and Violet

Launched in 2022, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet marked a significant evolution for the franchise with their open-world format, allowing players to explore the Paldea region freely. This ambitious design, however, led to some technical challenges at launch, including graphical glitches and frame rate issues. Despite these initial setbacks, the games quickly became a sales phenomenon.

Within the first three days of release, Scarlet and Violet sold over 10 million copies worldwide, with 4.05 million sold in Japan alone. This launch not only set a record as the best debut for a Nintendo Switch game but also as the top launch for any Nintendo title in Japan, as announced by The Pokemon Company in 2022.

The original Pokemon Red and Green, which introduced fans to the Kanto region and its 151 iconic Pokemon in 1996, sparked a global phenomenon that continues to thrive. As of March 2024, Red, Blue, and Green hold the record for worldwide Pokemon sales with 31.38 million units sold, closely followed by Pokemon Sword and Shield at 26.27 million units. Meanwhile, Scarlet and Violet are not far behind, with 24.92 million units sold globally.

As Scarlet and Violet continue to approach global sales records, their impact on the franchise's legacy is undeniable. The potential for further sales on the upcoming backward-compatible Nintendo Switch 2, along with ongoing updates, expansions, and events, positions these games to leave a lasting mark on Pokemon history.

Despite facing initial performance issues, Scarlet and Violet have maintained their popularity through regular updates and exciting events. The upcoming 5-Star Tera Raid Event, featuring a Shiny Rayquaza, is set to take place from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025. For detailed strategies on capturing this majestic dragon, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide below!