"Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Outsell Gen 1 in Japan"

The world of Pokémon has achieved another historic milestone: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have now become the best-selling Pokémon games in Japan, eclipsing the iconic Pokémon Red and Green. This remarkable achievement showcases the enduring appeal and evolving nature of the Pokémon franchise.

Gen 1 Pokémon Games Dethroned by Scarlet and Violet

According to Famitsu, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have sold an impressive 8.3 million units in Japan alone, surpassing the 28-year reign of Pokémon Red and Green. Released in 2022, these latest entries in the series introduced players to the expansive Paldea region, marking the franchise's first foray into a fully open-world experience. Despite facing some technical challenges at launch, including graphical glitches and frame rate issues, the games quickly captured the hearts of fans and flew off the shelves.

In their initial three days on the market, Scarlet and Violet sold over 10 million copies worldwide, with 4.05 million of those sales coming from Japan. This launch not only broke records for Nintendo Switch titles but also set a new benchmark for any Nintendo game's debut in Japan, as highlighted in The Pokémon Company's 2022 press release.

The legacy of the original Pokémon Red and Green, which launched in Japan in 1996, remains unparalleled. These games introduced the world to the Kanto region and its 151 iconic Pokémon, sparking a global phenomenon that continues to thrive. As of March 2024, Red, Blue, and Green hold the record for worldwide Pokémon sales with 31.38 million units sold, followed closely by Pokémon Sword and Shield with 26.27 million units. Meanwhile, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are not far behind, having sold 24.92 million units globally.

As Scarlet and Violet continue to chase global sales records, their impact on the franchise is undeniable. With the potential for further sales on the upcoming backward-compatible Nintendo Switch 2, along with ongoing updates, expansions, and events, these games are set to cement their place in Pokémon history.

Despite a challenging launch marred by performance issues, the dedication to improving Scarlet and Violet through consistent updates and exciting events has kept the fanbase engaged. A prime example is the upcoming 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza, scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025. For those eager to capture this majestic dragon, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide below!