Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Dominate Japanese Sales

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have officially surpassed Pokemon Red and Green to become the best-selling Pokemon games of all time! Read on to learn more about this historic milestone and the continued success of the Pokemon franchise.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Break Sales Records in JapanGen 1 Pokemon Games Dethroned by Scarlet and Violet

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have officially surpassed their predecessors to become the best-selling Pokemon titles in Japan’s history. With a whopping 8.3 million units sold domestically, as first reported by Famitsu, these games dethroned the original Red and Green (known as Red and Blue internationally) after their 28-year reign.

Scarlet and Violet released in 2022 and represented a bold leap forward for the franchise. As the first truly open-world games in the series, they allowed players to freely explore the Paldea region without the linearity of past installments. However, this ambition came at a cost: Launch day saw players complaining about technical hiccups, ranging from graphical glitches to frame rate issues. Despite these hurdles, the games flew off the shelves.

In their first three days on the market, the titles sold over 10 million copies globally, with 4.05 million of those sales coming from Japan alone. This strong start broke several 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 press release back in 2022.

The original Pokémon Red and Green games, released in Japan in 1996, introduced fans to the beloved Kanto region and its iconic 151 Pokémon. These games started a global cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate millions. As of March 2024, Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green still hold the record for worldwide Pokemon sales, with 31.38 million units sold. Pokémon Sword and Shield follow closely behind with 26.27 million units sold. However, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are rapidly closing in, with 24.92 million units sold

As Pokémon Scarlet and Violet approach record-breaking global sales, their enduring legacy is undeniable. With the potential for increased sales on the backward-compatible Nintendo Switch 2, coupled with ongoing updates, expansions, and events, these games are poised to solidify their place in Pokémon history.

Despite a rocky launch plagued by performance issues, Scarlet and Violet have persevered, thanks in part to the game receiving consistent updates and events. The game's popularity continues to soar, with a 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

For more information on the event and the best way to capture this majestic dragon, you can check out our guide below!