Pokémon Franchise Surpasses 489 Million Video Game Sales, Sets New Milestone

The Pokémon Company has once again demonstrated the incredible staying power of its franchise, as updated figures reveal its Pokémon-related video games have sold more than 489 million units worldwide.

The milestone, recently highlighted by industry observer Stealth40K, is a testament to the enduring appeal and commercial strength of one of gaming's most recognizable names. According to The Pokémon Company's official website, this new sales marker reflects an increase of roughly 9 million units over last year's tally.

This uptick is especially notable given that 2024 has seen only one new Pokémon title launch—the free-to-play Pokémon TCG Pocket—showcasing the franchise's remarkable ability to sustain momentum through its established catalogue across Nintendo platforms, particularly the Nintendo Switch and legacy systems. Launched in 1996, the Pokémon video game series has consistently ranked among the industry's highest sellers, regularly topping eShop charts and remaining a centerpiece of Nintendo's hardware ecosystem.

The Pokémon Company, formed as a joint venture between Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures Inc., has cultivated both a nearly annual release cadence and a diversified product line spanning trading cards, television series, movies, and merchandise. Industry conversations have in recent years focused on The Pokémon Company’s scheduling strategy.

Many devoted fans have called for extended development cycles, expressing hope that more time between releases would lead to higher quality titles.

Others, however, argue that the annual or near-annual release schedule is crucial for maintaining Pokémon’s cultural relevance and supporting its vast media mix. Despite only introducing Pokémon TCG Pocket in 2024—a title that leverages the franchise's storied trading card game legacy in a modern, digital format—Pokémon’s core video game sales have continued their upward trajectory.

This achievement underscores the franchise’s ability to captivate both new and returning players with each generation and re-release, as well as its deep integration into Nintendo Switch’s ongoing success. Reaching over 489 million lifetime video game sales further solidifies Pokémon's position among the best-selling video game franchises of all time, standing alongside titans such as Super Mario and Tetris.

The Pokémon Company's CEO and developers have consistently cited fan engagement and feedback as important factors driving the brand's evolution, with a commitment to refining gameplay experiences and expanding the series’ global reach. As the gaming world looks ahead to future Pokémon announcements—potentially during upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations—this latest sales milestone reflects not just the brand’s history, but its ongoing promise for new generations of players.

The Pokémon Company’s proven strategy continues to showcase why Pokémon remains a cornerstone property, both for Nintendo and the broader videogame industry.

Pokémon Milestone The Pokémon Company Pokémon Company The Pokemon Company Nintendo Pokemon TCG Pocket Stealth40K