Pokémon SV Shatters Sales Record Set by Gen 1 in Japan

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Conquer Japan's Sales Charts

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have achieved a monumental feat, surpassing the legendary Pokemon Red and Green to become the top-selling Pokemon games in Japan! This article delves into this historic milestone and the enduring success of the Pokemon franchise.

Gen 1's Reign Ends

Famitsu reports that Scarlet and Violet have sold an impressive 8.3 million units domestically, ending Red and Green's 28-year reign as Japan's best-selling Pokemon games.

Released in 2022, Scarlet and Violet marked a significant shift for the franchise, introducing the series' first truly open-world experience. Players could explore the Paldea region freely, a departure from the linear structure of previous games. While launch issues, including graphical glitches and frame rate problems, drew criticism, the games' popularity proved undeniable.

Within their first three days, over 10 million copies were sold globally, with 4.05 million originating from Japan alone. This remarkable launch shattered records, including the best launch for a Nintendo Switch game and the best debut for any Nintendo title in Japan (as per The Pokemon Company's 2022 press release).

The original Pokemon Red and Green (known internationally as Red and Blue), launched in 1996, introduced the world to the Kanto region and its iconic 151 Pokemon. As of March 2024, these games still hold the record for worldwide Pokemon sales, with 31.38 million units sold. Pokemon Sword and Shield follow closely with 26.27 million units sold, while Scarlet and Violet are rapidly approaching, with 24.92 million units sold.

The enduring appeal of Scarlet and Violet is undeniable. With potential sales increases on the backward-compatible Nintendo Switch 2, coupled with continuous updates, expansions, and events, these games are set to leave a lasting mark on Pokemon history.

Despite a challenging launch, Scarlet and Violet have thrived thanks to consistent updates and engaging events. The excitement continues with a 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza, running from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

For detailed information on this event and capturing the magnificent Shiny Rayquaza, consult our comprehensive guide!