Pokémon Gen 9 Breaks Sales Record

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Conquer Japan's Sales Charts, Surpassing Gen 1

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have achieved a remarkable feat, dethroning the long-reigning champions, Pokémon Red and Green, to become the best-selling Pokémon games in Japan's history. This monumental achievement, reported by Famitsu, sees the latest installments boasting a staggering 8.3 million units sold domestically. This victory marks the end of a 28-year reign for the original duo.

The 2022 release of Scarlet and Violet represented a significant evolution for the franchise, introducing a fully open-world experience in the Paldea region. This departure from the linearity of previous games, while ambitious, wasn't without its initial challenges. Players encountered various technical issues at launch, including graphical glitches and frame rate problems. However, this didn't deter fans, and the games enjoyed phenomenal sales.

Within their first three days, over 10 million copies were sold globally, with a remarkable 4.05 million originating from Japan alone. This impressive launch shattered records, securing the title of best-selling Nintendo Switch game launch and the best debut for any Nintendo title in Japan, according to The Pokémon Company's 2022 press release.

While Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green (collectively) maintain the worldwide sales record with 31.38 million units sold, and Pokémon Sword and Shield follow closely behind at 26.27 million, Scarlet and Violet's current global sales of 24.92 million are rapidly closing the gap.

The enduring appeal of Scarlet and Violet is undeniable. Their continued success is further bolstered by ongoing updates, expansions, and in-game events, and the potential for increased sales on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The ongoing 5-Star Tera Raid event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza (December 20, 2024 - January 6, 2025) further exemplifies the game's sustained popularity. Despite a less-than-perfect launch, Scarlet and Violet's triumph is a testament to the enduring power of the Pokémon franchise and the dedication of its player base. For detailed information on the Rayquaza event and capture strategies, consult our comprehensive guide.