Pokémon Franchise Hits Sales Milestone

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Conquer Japan: Outselling Gen 1!

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have achieved a monumental feat, surpassing the iconic Pokémon Red and Green to become the best-selling Pokémon games in Japan! This article delves into this historic achievement and the ongoing success of the Pokémon franchise.

Gen 1 dethroned by the Paldea Region

Famitsu reports that Scarlet and Violet have sold an impressive 8.3 million units domestically, ending Red and Green's 28-year reign at the top. Released in 2022, Scarlet and Violet marked a significant shift for the franchise, offering a fully open-world experience in the Paldea region – a departure from the linear gameplay of previous titles. While launch issues, including graphical glitches and frame rate problems, were widely reported, the games' popularity quickly overcame these initial setbacks. Within their first three days, they sold over 10 million copies globally, with over 4 million of those sales in Japan alone, setting new records for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo titles in Japan.

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

The enduring appeal of Scarlet and Violet is undeniable. With potential sales growth on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 (backward compatibility pending), coupled with ongoing updates, expansions, and events, these games are set to leave an indelible mark on Pokémon history.

Despite a challenging launch, Scarlet and Violet's continued success is a testament to their enduring appeal and the support from ongoing updates and events. A 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza, scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025, further fuels the game's ongoing popularity. For detailed information on this event and capturing the legendary Rayquaza, consult our comprehensive guide.