Nintendo’s latest additions to the Pokémon franchise, Scarlet and Violet, have cemented their status as best-sellers, soaring to impressive sales figures despite facing a fair share of criticism from avid fans about technical hiccups, bugs, and a lack of visual finesse.
These two titles have collectively sold an astonishing 26.79 million copies, surpassing any Pokémon launch to date since the iconic Pokémon Red/Green/Blue on the Game Boy—the original trendsetter that captured the hearts of millions.
According to recent data released by Nintendo, Scarlet and Violet have now outperformed other popular Switch titles, including Sword and Shield.
With nine generations of Pokémon games under its belt, it’s evident that the Nintendo Switch era represents the franchise’s peak in sales. However, this period has not been without its controversies. Many fans express dissatisfaction over what they perceive as a decline in technical performance, especially when compared to other recent hits like Legends: Arceus.
At launch in November 2022, Digital Foundry was harsh in its assessment, labeling Scarlet and Violet as “comprehensive technical failures” riddled with “embarrassing artwork” and numerous performance issues.
Our own review echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the potential of these games—an innovative twist on the classic Pokémon formula set in an open world—yet ultimately lamented their “sterile environments and underwhelming graphics,” as noted by our writer Lottie in Nova Play’s detailed critique.
In response to the outcry, Nintendo issued a rare apology, acknowledging the issues highlighted by players and vowing to implement improvements. This kind of transparency is appreciated in a gaming landscape often marked by corporate silence.
Despite the rocky start, Scarlet and Violet achieved remarkable sales feats, with 10 million copies flying off the virtual shelves within just three days—toppling prior records for Pokémon launches.
Looking ahead, fans have their eyes set on the upcoming spin-off, Pokémon Legends: ZA, anticipated to release for both Switch 1 and the eagerly awaited Switch 2 in 2025. This new title promises to focus on a single, expansive city environment—enhanced by the better hardware capabilities of the Switch 2.
As we move further into the future, 2026 marks a monumental occasion for Pokémon: its 30th anniversary. Speculation is rife that this anniversary will coincide with the launch of the franchise’s 10th generation—potentially crafted exclusively for the Switch 2.
Earlier announcements from Nintendo hint at an optimistic forecast for the Switch 2, with expectations to outsell its predecessor upon launch and possibly shifting 15 million units within the coming financial year. The excitement in the community is palpable as everyone eagerly anticipates new adventures in the Pokémon universe.
