"Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Outsell Gen 1 in Japan"

In a historic milestone for the Pokémon franchise, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have officially surpassed the iconic Pokémon Red and Green to become the best-selling Pokémon games of all time in Japan. According to data from Famitsu, Scarlet and Violet have sold an impressive 8.3 million units domestically, eclipsing the 28-year reign of the original games.

Released in 2022, Scarlet and Violet marked a significant evolution for the series by introducing the first truly open-world experience in the Paldea region. This ambitious shift, however, was not without its challenges. At launch, players encountered various technical issues, including graphical glitches and frame rate problems. Despite these initial setbacks, the games achieved remarkable sales figures, selling over 10 million copies worldwide within the first three days, with 4.05 million of those sales coming from Japan alone. This launch not only broke records for Nintendo Switch titles but also set a new benchmark for any Nintendo game debut in Japan, as announced by The Pokémon Company in 2022.

The original Pokémon Red and Green, launched in Japan in 1996, introduced the world to the enchanting Kanto region and its 151 Pokémon, sparking a global cultural phenomenon. As of March 2024, Red, Blue, and Green still hold the record for worldwide Pokémon sales at 31.38 million units. Pokémon Sword and Shield are not far behind, with 26.27 million units sold, while Scarlet and Violet are quickly catching up, having sold 24.92 million units globally.

The enduring success of Scarlet and Violet is bolstered by their potential for further sales on the backward-compatible Nintendo Switch 2, as well as ongoing updates, expansions, and special events. Despite the rocky start, the games have seen continuous improvements, maintaining high player engagement. A highlight event scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025, features a 5-Star Tera Raid with a Shiny Rayquaza, further fueling excitement among fans. For detailed strategies on capturing this majestic dragon, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide.