Missed a GamesBeat Summit Next 2022 session? All sessions are now available for viewing in our on-demand library. Click here to start watching.
Nintendo revealed today that its latest Pokémon games, Scarlet and Violet, have sold more than 10 million units combined in their first three days on the market. It’s the highest level of sales for any game on any Nintendo platform, the publisher says. The title may have received some criticism for its presentation, but gamers are buying it en masse.
According to Nintendo, this number includes both physical and digital versions. Typically, Nintendo product sales reports do not include digital sales. In comparison, PlayStation announced today that God of War Ragnarök, its latest first-party game, has sold 5.1 million units in its first week. It’s the fastest-selling PlayStation first-party title ever, and the number is just over half that of the new Pokémon title.
Scarlet and Violet received criticism from gamers for its mediocre graphics and well-documented bugs. Some have even tried to get a refund for the game, with obvious success. However, it is unlikely that this will have a major impact on sales of this magnitude.
Sales of the new Pokémon are impressive, but not particularly surprising. The series has historically sold well: Pokémon Legends: Arceus topped the sales charts last January, despite launching on the 28th of the month. Nintendo also announced that the franchise had sold more than 30 million units in the 12 months ending March 2022, accounting for both Arceus and Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl.
GamesBeat’s credo in covering the gaming industry is “where passion meets business”. What does this mean? We want to tell you how important the news is to you — not only as a decision-maker in a game studio, but also as a fan of games. Whether you read our articles, listen to our podcasts, or watch our videos, GamesBeat helps you learn about and have fun with the industry. Discover our Briefings.
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.