Pokémon Gen 9 Outsells Gen 1 in Japan
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have achieved a remarkable feat, surpassing the iconic Pokémon Red and Green to claim the title of best-selling Pokémon games in Japan! This article delves into this monumental achievement and explores the ongoing success of the Pokémon franchise.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Reign Supreme in Japan
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have officially overtaken their predecessors to become the top-selling Pokémon games in Japan's history. According to Famitsu, these games have achieved staggering domestic sales of 8.3 million units, ending the 28-year reign of the original Red and Green (known internationally as Red and Blue).
Released in 2022, Scarlet and Violet marked a significant advancement for the franchise. As the series' first truly open-world titles, they offered players unprecedented freedom to explore the Paldea region, a stark contrast to the linearity of previous installments. However, this ambitious design came with initial challenges; players reported various technical issues at launch, including graphical glitches and frame rate problems. Despite these setbacks, the games enjoyed phenomenal sales.
Within their first three days, over 10 million copies were sold globally, with a remarkable 4.05 million units sold in Japan alone. This impressive launch shattered numerous records, including the best launch for a Nintendo Switch game and the best debut for any Nintendo title in Japan, as reported by The Pokémon Company in 2022.
The original Pokémon Red and Green, released in Japan in 1996, introduced the world to the beloved Kanto region and its memorable 151 Pokémon. These games ignited a global phenomenon that continues to captivate millions worldwide. As of March 2024, Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green still hold the global sales record with 31.38 million units sold, closely followed by Pokémon Sword and Shield with 26.27 million. However, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are rapidly closing the gap, boasting 24.92 million units sold.
As Pokémon Scarlet and Violet edge closer to breaking global sales records, their enduring popularity is undeniable. With the potential for further sales increases on the backward-compatible Nintendo Switch 2, along with continued updates, expansions, and engaging events, these games are set to cement their place in Pokémon history.
Despite a challenging launch hampered by performance issues, Scarlet and Violet have thrived, largely due to consistent updates and engaging in-game events. The game's popularity continues to surge, with a 5-Star Tera Raid Event featuring a Shiny Rayquaza scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
For further details on this event and strategies for capturing this magnificent dragon, explore our comprehensive guide!
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