Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Conquer Japan's Sales Charts
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have achieved a monumental feat, surpassing the iconic Pokemon Red and Green to claim the title of Japan's best-selling Pokemon games ever! 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 outpaced their predecessors, achieving a staggering 8.3 million units sold domestically in Japan, as reported by Famitsu. This victory ends the 28-year reign of the original Red and Green (known internationally as Red and Blue).
Released in 2022, Scarlet and Violet marked a significant evolution for the series. As the first open-world Pokemon games, they offered players unparalleled freedom to explore the Paldea region. While the ambitious open-world design initially faced criticism due to technical issues at launch, including graphical glitches and frame rate problems, the games' popularity proved undeniable.
Within their first three days, the games sold over 10 million copies worldwide, with a remarkable 4.05 million sales from Japan alone. This impressive debut shattered multiple 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's 2022 press release.
The original Pokemon Red and Green, launched in Japan in 1996, 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 global sales with 31.38 million units sold, closely followed by Pokemon Sword and Shield with 26.27 million. However, Scarlet and Violet are rapidly catching up, with 24.92 million units sold.
The enduring appeal of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is undeniable. With the potential for even greater sales on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 (given backward compatibility), along with continued updates, expansions, and events, these games are set to leave an indelible mark on 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 surge, with a 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza planned from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
For detailed information on this event and strategies for capturing Shiny Rayquaza, consult our comprehensive guide!
