Nintendo’s Pokemon Sword and Shield was already off to a strong start in the United Kingdom, becoming the biggest exclusive IP launch of this year. It appears to have achieved great success in Japan as well – Famitsu reports 1,364,544 copies sold in the first three days of release. Only physical copies, download cards and the Double Pack containing both versions were accounted for.
If digital sales are factored in, the overall number will be higher. As such, Pokemon Sword and Shield has already had the best selling opening week for a Switch title in the region. It’s beaten out Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which sold 1.23 million units in its launch week in Japan.
Pokemon Sword and Shield has seen its share of controversies before launch. The removal of the National Dex, not to mention several moves that fans have come to known, has received criticism in the past few months. Nevertheless, the series’ brand still seems to be intact, if sales are any indication. Stay tuned for more details and updates on the same in the coming weeks.