Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Have Officially Surpassed Gen 1’s Sales Record in Japan

The Pokémon franchise has reached another monumental milestone. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have officially claimed the crown as the best-selling Pokémon games in Japan's history, overtaking the original Red and Green titles. In just a few short years, these games have managed to dethrone the classics after their impressive 28-year reign.

Gen 1 Pokémon Games Dethroned by Scarlet and Violet

Released in 1996, the original Pokémon Red and Green (renamed Red and Blue outside Japan) introduced players to the Kanto region and its 151 iconic Pokémon. These games sparked a global phenomenon that has endured for decades, with cumulative sales of 31.38 million units worldwide as of March 2024. While Sword and Shield followed closely behind with 26.27 million units sold, Scarlet and Violet have made significant strides, with 24.92 million units sold to date.

However, in terms of domestic sales, Scarlet and Violet have triumphed with an impressive 8.3 million units sold in Japan alone. In their first three days post-launch in 2022, these games shattered records, selling over 10 million copies globally, with 4.05 million units sold in Japan. This achievement marked the best launch for a Nintendo Switch game and the highest debut for any Nintendo title in the region.

A Bold New Era for the Franchise

What sets Scarlet and Violet apart is their groundbreaking shift toward open-world gameplay. Unlike previous installments, players are free to explore the expansive Paldea region without the constraints of linear progression. While this innovation brought excitement, it also introduced challenges, such as technical glitches and performance issues upon launch. Despite these hurdles, fans embraced the games, propelling them to unprecedented success.

The future looks bright for Scarlet and Violet. With the anticipated release of the backward-compatible Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, along with regular updates, expansions, and engaging events, these games are well-positioned to break even more records globally.

One such event is the highly anticipated 5-Star Tera Raid, featuring a Shiny Rayquaza, running from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025. Fans eager to catch this legendary Pokémon can refer to our comprehensive guide for tips and strategies.

For more details on upcoming events and updates, stay tuned to our latest coverage!

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