Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Achieves Second-Largest Launch in Franchise History in the UK

The latest installment in the Pokémon series, Scarlet and Violet, has experienced a remarkable launch in the UK, with sales figures surpassing expectations. According to recent data, the game has secured the top spot as the largest boxed game launch of the year, with a 4% increase in sales compared to FIFA 23, the previous record holder. In terms of overall units sold, Scarlet and Violet ranks as the second-largest Pokémon launch of all time, trailing behind Pokémon Sun and Moon, which was released on the 3DS. The success of Sun and Moon can be attributed to the massive interest generated by the release of Pokémon Go in 2016. GfK reports that Scarlet and Violet generated more revenue during its launch week than Sun and Moon, with an average selling price of £48, compared to £35 for the latter. It is essential to note that this data only reflects boxed retail sales, as download figures for Nintendo games are not available. The Violet version accounted for 52% of sales, while the Scarlet version accounted for 42%, and the double pack featuring both games made up the remaining 6%. The first-week sales of Scarlet and Violet have exceeded those of the previous 'new generation' Pokémon release, Sword and Shield, by 25%, which launched on the Switch in November 2019. Additionally, sales have surpassed last year's Diamond and Pearl remakes by 70% and January's Pokémon Legends: Arceus by 56%. The launch of Pokémon has also had a positive impact on Switch console sales, with GfK reporting a 62% increase in sales, led by the OLED model. This marks the largest week of the year so far for Nintendo Switch console sales. The success of Pokémon follows the massive launch of God of War: Ragnarok on PS4 and PS5, which has dropped to No.4 after a 73% decline in sales. Another new release, Sonic Frontiers, has dropped from No.4 to No.10 due to a 64% decline in sales. The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil In Me has debuted at No.16, with sales slightly higher than last year's House of Ashes. Several PlayStation games have also experienced a surge in sales due to pricing promotions at major retailers, including The Last of Us Part 2, which re-entered the charts at No.18 after a price drop below £10. Spider-Man: Miles Morales re-entered at No.26 with a 292% increase in sales, while Gran Turismo 7 returned at No.30 with a 228% increase, and The Last of Us Part 1 re-entered at No.38 with a 454% increase in sales.