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

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have achieved a monumental feat, surpassing the sales of 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.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Reign Supreme in Japan

Gen 1's Long Reign Ends

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have officially claimed the title of best-selling Pokemon games in Japan, achieving a staggering 8.3 million domestic sales, 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 franchise. As the series' first true open-world titles, they offered players unparalleled freedom to explore the Paldea region, a departure from the linear structure of previous games. While the ambitious open-world design led to initial criticisms regarding technical performance, including graphical glitches and frame rate drops, the games' popularity proved undeniable.

Within their first three days, they sold over 10 million copies worldwide, with a remarkable 4.05 million sales in Japan alone. This impressive launch broke numerous 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.

Released in Japan in 1996, the original Pokemon Red and Green introduced the world to the Kanto region and its iconic 151 Pokemon, sparking a global phenomenon that endures to this day. As of March 2024, Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green still hold the record for worldwide Pokemon sales, with 31.38 million units sold. Pokemon Sword and Shield follow closely with 26.27 million units sold, while Scarlet and Violet are rapidly approaching with 24.92 million units sold.

The enduring success of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is undeniable. With potential for increased sales on the backward-compatible Nintendo Switch 2, along with continued updates, expansions, and events, these games are set to further cement their place in Pokemon history.

Despite initial performance issues, Scarlet and Violet have thrived, thanks to consistent updates and engaging events. The game's popularity continues its upward trajectory, with a 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

For detailed information on this event and strategies for capturing the legendary Shiny Rayquaza, consult our comprehensive guide!