Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Breaks 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 a staggering 8.3 million units sold domestically, ending Red and Green's 28-year reign.

This achievement underscores the success of the 2022 releases, which boldly ventured into open-world gameplay for the first time in the franchise. While the ambitious open world of Paldea came with initial technical challenges – including graphical glitches and frame rate issues – the games' popularity proved undeniable.

Their global launch saw over 10 million units sold within the first three days, with a remarkable 4.05 million from Japan alone. This impressive debut shattered records, securing the best launch for a Nintendo Switch game and the best debut for any Nintendo title in Japan, as announced by The Pokemon Company in 2022.

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

Despite initial technical setbacks, consistent updates and events have fueled Scarlet and Violet's continued success. A testament to this is the upcoming 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza, running from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025. This ongoing support ensures the games' enduring legacy within Pokemon history. The potential for further sales on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 further solidifies their position.

For detailed information on the Shiny Rayquaza event and capture strategies, consult our comprehensive guide!