Japan's Pokémon Sales Record Broken by Scarlet and Violet

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Conquer Japan's Sales Charts

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have achieved a remarkable 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.

The 2022 release of 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 the ambitious open world design led to initial criticism regarding technical performance, including graphical glitches and frame rate drops, the games' popularity proved undeniable.

Within their first three days, they achieved over 10 million global sales, with a remarkable 4.05 million from Japan alone. This explosive launch shattered records, becoming the best-selling Nintendo Switch launch title and the best-ever debut for a Nintendo game in Japan, as announced by The Pokemon Company in 2022.

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

The enduring success of Scarlet and Violet is evident. With potential sales boosts from Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility, plus ongoing updates, expansions, and events, their place in Pokemon history is secure.

Despite initial performance issues, consistent updates and engaging events have fueled Scarlet and Violet's continued growth. 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 information on this event and capturing Rayquaza, consult our comprehensive guide.