Pokémon SV Surpasses Sales Records, Breaks Gen I Benchmark

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 claim the title of best-selling Pokemon games in Japan! This article delves into this monumental achievement and the ongoing triumph of the Pokemon franchise.

A New Era for Pokemon in Japan

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have officially outsold their predecessors, securing the top spot in Japan's video game sales history. Famitsu reports a staggering 8.3 million units sold domestically, ending Red and Green's 28-year reign.

Released in 2022, Scarlet and Violet marked a significant evolution for the series. As the franchise's first fully open-world titles, players enjoyed unprecedented freedom to explore the Paldea region. While launch issues, including graphical glitches and frame rate problems, drew criticism, the games' popularity proved unstoppable.

Within their first three days, over 10 million copies were sold globally, with Japan contributing an impressive 4.05 million. This phenomenal launch shattered records, including the best-ever debut for a Nintendo Switch game and a Nintendo title in Japan (as per The Pokemon Company's 2022 press release).

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

With global sales continuing to climb and the potential for increased sales on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, along with continued updates, expansions, and events, Scarlet and Violet's place in Pokemon history is firmly secured.

Despite a challenging launch, consistent updates and events have fueled Scarlet and Violet's enduring popularity. 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 capturing the legendary Rayquaza, consult our comprehensive guide!