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 Japan's best-selling Pokemon games. Famitsu reports domestic sales exceeding 8.3 million units, ending Red and Green's 28-year reign.
This success is particularly noteworthy given the games' controversial launch in 2022. As the series' first open-world titles, offering unprecedented freedom to explore the Paldea region, they faced criticism for various technical shortcomings, including graphical glitches and performance issues. Despite these initial setbacks, the games proved incredibly popular.
Their global launch sales exceeded 10 million units within the first three days, with Japan contributing 4.05 million. This impressive debut set new records for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo titles in Japan, as announced by The Pokemon Company in 2022.
While Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green maintain their worldwide sales record (31.38 million units as of March 2024), followed closely by Pokemon Sword and Shield (26.27 million), Scarlet and Violet are rapidly catching up, with 24.92 million units sold globally.
The enduring appeal of Scarlet and Violet is undeniable. Their continued success is fueled by consistent updates, expansions, and engaging events, and the potential for further sales on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is significant.
Despite the initial technical hurdles, Scarlet and Violet's popularity continues to grow. A 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza, running from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025, further demonstrates the game's ongoing engagement. For details on this event and capturing the legendary dragon, consult our comprehensive guide!
