Pokémon Scarlet/Violet Shatters Japanese Sales Record

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 remarkable achievement and the ongoing success of the Pokemon franchise.

A New Era for Pokemon in Japan

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have shattered records, achieving a remarkable 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, introducing the first truly open-world experience. Players could freely explore the Paldea region, a departure from the linear gameplay of previous titles. While the ambitious open-world design presented initial technical challenges, including graphical glitches and frame rate issues, the games' popularity proved unstoppable.

Within their first three days, they sold over 10 million copies globally, with an impressive 4.05 million sales in Japan alone. This extraordinary launch broke 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, released in Japan in 1996, introduced the world to the Kanto region and its 151 Pokemon, sparking a global phenomenon that endures to this day. As of March 2024, Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green still hold the worldwide sales record with 31.38 million units sold, followed closely 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.

With global sales continuing to climb and the potential for increased sales on the backward-compatible Nintendo Switch 2, along with ongoing updates, expansions, and events, Scarlet and Violet are poised for an enduring legacy in Pokemon history.

Despite a challenging launch, consistent updates and events have fueled Scarlet and Violet's continued success. The current 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza, running from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025, is further testament to the game's enduring appeal. For details on this event and capturing Rayquaza, consult our comprehensive guide!