Even with criticism of its performance and other issues, Game Freak’s Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are massive hit in the United Kingdom. According to Gfk (via GamesIndustry), it’s the biggest physical game release of the year, with launch week sales up four percent over previous record-holder FIFA 23. Not only that, but it’s the second biggest Pokemon launch ever (just behind Pokemon Sun and Moon).
Interestingly, due to being sold for £48, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet made more money than Sun and Moon (which sold for £35 at launch). Pokemon Violet accounted for 52 percent of sales. Scarlet made up 42 percent, and the double pack constituted the remaining six percent.
Compared to recent titles, first-week sales were up 36 percent over Pokemon Sword and Shield, 70 percent over Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, and 56 percent higher than Pokemon Legends: Arceus. If that weren’t enough, it also boosted Nintendo Switch sales by 62 percent week-on-week, making this the console’s biggest week in sales thus far.