Pokémon surpasses Gen 1 sales in Japan

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have officially surpassed Pokemon Red and Green to become the top-selling Pokemon games of all time! Read on to learn more about this momentous achievement and the ongoing success of the Pokemon franchise.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Shatter Sales Records in JapanGen 1 Pokemon Games Ousted by Scarlet and Violet

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have officially outperformed their predecessors to become the best-selling Pokemon games in Japan’s history. With a remarkable 8.3 million units sold domestically, as initially reported by Famitsu, these games dethroned the original Red and Green (known as Red and Blue internationally) after their 28-year reign.

Scarlet and Violet launched in 2022 and represented a significant advancement for the franchise. As the first truly open-world games in the series, they enabled players to freely explore the Paldea region without the linearity of previous entries. However, this ambition came at a cost: Launch day saw players reporting technical issues, ranging from graphical glitches to frame rate problems. Despite these challenges, the games sold exceptionally well.

In their first three days on the market, the titles sold over 10 million copies worldwide, with 4.05 million of those sales originating from Japan alone. This impressive start broke several records, including the best launch for a Nintendo Switch game and the best debut for any Nintendo title in Japan, according to The Pokemon Company’s press release from 2022.

The initial Pokémon Red and Green games, launched in Japan in 1996, presented fans to the cherished Kanto region and its renowned 151 Pokémon. These games initiated a worldwide cultural phenomenon that continues to enthrall millions. As of March 2024, Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green still retain the record for global Pokémon sales, with 31.38 million units sold. Pokémon Sword and Shield closely trail with 26.27 million units sold. However, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are swiftly gaining ground, with 24.92 million units sold.

As Pokémon Scarlet and Violet near record-breaking global sales, their lasting legacy is unquestionable. With the possibility of augmented sales on the backward-compatible Nintendo Switch 2, combined with ongoing updates, expansions, and events, these games are set to secure their position in Pokémon history.

Despite a difficult launch hampered by performance problems, Scarlet and Violet have endured, thanks in part to the game receiving regular updates and events. The game's popularity continues to climb, with a 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

For more information on the event and the optimal way to capture this majestic dragon, you can check out our guide below!