Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Shatters Sales Record

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Conquer Japan's Sales Charts

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have achieved a monumental 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 at the top.

This remarkable success for the 2022 releases highlights a significant step for the franchise. As the series' first open-world titles, they offered players unprecedented freedom to explore the Paldea region. While launch issues, including graphical glitches and performance problems, drew criticism, the games' popularity proved undeniable.

Their initial global sales surpassed 10 million units within three days, with over 4.05 million from Japan alone. This record-breaking launch shattered previous Nintendo Switch and Japan-specific sales records, according to The Pokemon Company's 2022 announcement.

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

The enduring appeal of Scarlet and Violet is evident. Continued updates, expansions, and events, along with potential sales boosts from Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatibility, position these games for lasting success in Pokemon history.

Despite initial technical difficulties, consistent updates and events have fueled Scarlet and Violet's ongoing popularity. A 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza, running from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025, further demonstrates this commitment to player engagement. For detailed event information and capture strategies, consult our comprehensive guide.