Nintendo announces thatPokemon ScarletandPokemon Violethave sold over 10 million copies combined, over their first three days of availability.Pokemonhas long been one of the most successful video game franchises in the world. Every single main seriesPokemonrelease has sold over 15 million copies, with many selling significantly more. ForPokemon ScarletandVioletto reach over 10 million so quickly after launch, however, is a stunning accomplishment.
Pokemon ScarletandVioletofficially launched on November 18, five days ago, which perhaps shows how excited Nintendo is about these numbers. The games have been harshly criticized for performance issues, including stuttering and significant graphics glitches. These issues went largely unreported until past launch, though, and so are unlikely to have impacted pre-orders or anticipation forPokemon ScarletandViolet’s release. Either that, orPokemonfansaren’t too bothered by the new games' lack of polish.
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Nintendo describes the 10-million-sales threshold as the “highest global sales level” for any software ever sold on any Nintendo platform, over its first three days of availability. The incredible sales number includes both pre-orders and post-launch purchases, as well as both physical retail copies and digital game sales.Mario,Zelda,Super Smash Bros.and the rest have been left behind.
In a press release, Nintendo attributes the success ofPokemon ScarletandVioletto the game’s many innovations and new features. Most prominent on the list isPokemon ScarletandViolet’s open world structure, allowing players to freely explore and progress along three unique story paths as they please.Pokemon ScarletandVioletalso features, for the first time in the main series,co-op for up to four playersto travel together. Those are both additions thatPokemonfans have inarguably requested for years.
For some perspective, 10 million in sales already putsPokemon ScarletandVioletover the total sales ofPokemongames includingPokemon Black 2andWhite 2,Pokemon Ultra SunandUltra Moon, and evenPokemon CrystalandPokemon Emerald. EvenPokemon Red/Blue/Green’s sales, which are over 30 million, may not be out of reach forPokemon ScarletandViolet.
It’s going to be very interesting watchingPokemon ScarletandViolet’s sales going forward. Record-breaking launch sales are one thing, but the criticisms surrounding thePokemon ScarletandViolet’s performance issues and the resulting mediocre reviews could potentially stunt their momentum. APokemongame with momentum is a very difficult thing to slow, though.
Pokemon ScarletandPokemon Violetare available now on Switch.
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