Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have achieved a historic milestone by surpassing the sales of the iconic Pokemon Red and Green, becoming the best-selling Pokemon games in Japan. Dive into the details of this remarkable achievement and the ongoing success of the Pokemon franchise.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Break Sales Records in Japan

Gen 1 Pokemon Games Dethroned by Scarlet and Violet

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have set a new benchmark in the Pokemon series by eclipsing the sales of the legendary Red and Green games in Japan. According to Famitsu, these latest entries have sold an impressive 8.3 million units domestically, outstripping the 28-year reign of the original titles.

Launched in 2022, Scarlet and Violet marked a significant evolution for the franchise with their open-world format, allowing players to explore the Paldea region freely. Despite facing initial technical challenges such as graphical glitches and frame rate issues, the games achieved phenomenal sales. Within the first three days of release, they sold over 10 million copies worldwide, with 4.05 million units sold in Japan alone. This launch not only set a new record for Nintendo Switch games but also marked the best debut for any Nintendo title in Japan, as reported by The Pokemon Company in 2022.

The original Pokemon Red and Green, released in Japan in 1996, introduced the world to the Kanto region and its 151 iconic Pokemon, sparking a global phenomenon that continues to thrive. As of March 2024, Red, Blue, and Green still hold the record for the highest worldwide sales in the franchise, with 31.38 million units sold. Pokemon Sword and Shield are not far behind, with 26.27 million units sold, while Scarlet and Violet are rapidly gaining ground with 24.92 million units sold.

As Scarlet and Violet continue to approach global sales records, their lasting impact on the franchise is clear. With the potential for further sales on the backward-compatible Nintendo Switch 2, along with ongoing updates, expansions, and events, these games are set to cement their place in Pokemon history.

Despite a challenging launch due to performance issues, Scarlet and Violet have maintained their momentum through consistent updates and engaging events. The excitement continues with a 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza, scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

For more details on how to participate in this event and tips on capturing the majestic Shiny Rayquaza, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide below!