Pokémon SV Breaks Japanese 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 best-selling Pokemon games in Japan! This article delves into this remarkable achievement and the ongoing success of the Pokemon franchise.

A New Era for Pokemon in Japan

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have officially shattered the long-standing sales record held by the original Red and Green (known internationally as Red and Blue) in Japan. With an impressive 8.3 million units sold domestically, as reported by Famitsu, these games ended a 28-year reign.

Launched in 2022, Scarlet and Violet marked a significant evolution for the series. As the first open-world Pokemon games, they offered players unprecedented freedom to explore the Paldea region. While the ambitious open-world design initially faced criticism due to technical issues at launch, including graphical glitches and frame rate problems, the games' popularity proved undeniable.

Within their first three days, the games sold over 10 million copies globally, with a staggering 4.05 million from Japan alone. This phenomenal launch broke multiple records, including the best-ever launch for a Nintendo Switch title and the best debut for any Nintendo game in Japan, according to The Pokemon Company's 2022 press release.

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

The enduring appeal of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is clear. With the potential for even greater sales on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 (given its backward compatibility), coupled with ongoing updates, expansions, and engaging events, these games are set to leave an indelible mark on Pokemon history.

Despite a less-than-perfect start, Scarlet and Violet have thrived, thanks to consistent updates and events. The game's popularity continues to grow, with a 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

For detailed information on this event and capturing the legendary Shiny Rayquaza, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide!