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 ever! This remarkable achievement marks a new chapter in the franchise's enduring success.

A New Era for Pokemon in Japan

With an impressive 8.3 million units sold domestically (as reported by Famitsu), Scarlet and Violet have ended Red and Green's 28-year reign at the top. Released in 2022, these titles introduced a groundbreaking open-world experience to the series, allowing players unparalleled freedom to explore the Paldea region. While the ambitious open-world design initially faced criticism due to technical issues at launch, the games' popularity proved undeniable.

The games' initial global sales of over 10 million copies within their first three days, including a staggering 4.05 million in Japan alone, shattered multiple records. This phenomenal launch secured the title of best-selling Nintendo Switch game debut and the best-ever debut for any Nintendo title in Japan (per The Pokemon Company's 2022 press release).

While Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green still hold the global sales record (31.38 million units as of March 2024), with Pokemon Sword and Shield closely behind (26.27 million units), Scarlet and Violet are rapidly catching up, having already sold 24.92 million units worldwide.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite initial technical challenges, consistent updates and engaging events have fueled Scarlet and Violet's continued success. The upcoming 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza (December 20, 2024 - January 6, 2025) is further evidence of this ongoing support. With potential sales boosts from Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatibility, Scarlet and Violet's position in Pokemon history is secure.

For comprehensive details on the Shiny Rayquaza event and capture strategies, be sure to check out our dedicated guide!