Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Surpass Sword and Shield in Nintendo Switch Sales Milestone

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have achieved a significant sales milestone, officially surpassing Pokémon Sword and Shield as the highest-selling titles in the franchise on the Nintendo Switch.

This achievement was confirmed during Nintendo's latest fiscal earnings release, presented on May 8, 2025.

The new figures highlight the enduring popularity and sustained momentum of the Pokémon brand, underlining both the lasting appeal of Nintendo's core IP and the impressive performance of these latest entries on the hybrid console. As detailed in the official sales report, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have collectively sold 26.79 million units worldwide since their debut.

In comparison, Pokémon Sword and Shield, which previously held the top spot among Pokémon releases on the Nintendo Switch, have achieved lifetime sales of 26.72 million units.

This narrow yet notable lead underscores the massive commercial success of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which managed to overtake their predecessors despite launching three years later. Developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company in collaboration with Nintendo, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet released for the Nintendo Switch in November 2022.

Building upon the foundation laid by previous entries, these games introduced a fully open-world environment that reimagined the gameplay experience for the franchise.

Enhanced exploration, new multiplayer features, and a vibrant new region contributed to a positive reception and robust initial sales momentum.

Within just a few days of release, Scarlet and Violet sold over 10 million copies, setting a new record for the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch launch at that time. The strong sales trajectory continued, bolstered by regular updates, DLC content, and persistent community engagement.

Throughout its sales lifespan, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet maintained a consistent presence atop the eShop charts and frequently featured in Nintendo Direct announcements.

The titles benefited from global marketing campaigns, international events, and ongoing integration with the competitive Pokémon ecosystem, all of which helped drive their sustained popularity. During the earnings call, Nintendo representatives emphasized the notable role of first-party releases like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet in supporting the sales success of the Nintendo Switch platform, which itself has reached historic hardware milestones. The Pokémon Company and Game Freak's achievement with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet not only reflects the franchise's adaptability but also reinforces the unique strengths of the Nintendo Switch, eShop ecosystem, and the enduring demand for innovative Pokémon experiences from fans worldwide.

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