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 iconic Pokemon Red and Green to become the top-selling Pokemon games in Japan! This article delves into this landmark achievement and the enduring success of the Pokemon franchise.

A New Era for Pokemon in Japan

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have officially claimed the title of best-selling Pokemon games 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 evolution for the series. As the first open-world Pokemon games, they offered players unprecedented 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 unstoppable.

Within their first three days, they sold over 10 million copies globally, with a remarkable 4.05 million units sold in Japan alone. This phenomenal launch shattered numerous 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 1996, the original Pokemon Red and Green introduced the world to the Kanto region and its 151 Pokemon, sparking a global phenomenon that continues to this day. As of March 2024, Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green still hold the record for worldwide sales with 31.38 million units sold, followed closely by Pokemon Sword and Shield with 26.27 million. 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 its backward compatibility), plus ongoing updates, expansions, and events, these games are set to leave an indelible mark on Pokemon history.

Despite initial technical challenges, Scarlet and Violet's popularity has only grown, fueled by consistent updates and engaging events. A highly anticipated 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza is scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

For detailed information on this event and strategies for capturing Rayquaza, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide!