Pokémon Sales Statistics (2026): Best-Selling Games & Franchise
Free to use with a link back to ShaneTheGamer — compiled and kept up to date from the public sources listed below. Figures reflect the latest available reporting. Last updated: 2026.
Pokémon is not just the biggest video-game franchise — it is the highest-grossing entertainment franchise of all time, ahead of Star Wars, Marvel and Mickey Mouse. This page compiles the key Pokémon sales statistics for journalists.
Key Takeaways for Journalists
- Pokémon is the highest-grossing media franchise ever, at over US$150 billion lifetime.
- Video games account for $30B+; licensed merchandise over $100B.
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (~27.2M) is the 2nd best-selling Pokémon game.
- It sold 10 million copies in three days — the best launch of any Nintendo game.
- Red/Blue/Green (~31M) remains the best-selling entry.
- Multiple Pokémon titles rank among the best-selling Switch games ever.
Pokémon: The Biggest Franchise on Earth
Pokémon has grossed more than US$150 billion across its 30-year history, making it the highest-grossing entertainment franchise of all time. Strikingly, video games are a minority of that: games have earned over $30 billion, while licensed merchandise — cards, toys, apparel — accounts for more than $100 billion.
| Game | Year | Copies sold |
|---|---|---|
| Red/Blue/Green | 1996 | ~31 million |
| Scarlet/Violet | 2022 | ~27.2 million |
| Sword/Shield | 2019 | ~26.7 million |
| Gold/Silver | 1999 | ~23 million |
| Sun/Moon | 2016 | ~16.3 million |
Scarlet & Violet’s Record Launch
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet sold 10 million copies in its first three days — the best launch of any game on any Nintendo platform in history. By 2025 it had reached ~27.2 million, overtaking Sword/Shield to become the second best-selling Pokémon entry, behind only the original Red/Blue/Green.
Pokémon on Switch
Several Pokémon titles rank among the best-selling Switch games ever, and the franchise has been a cornerstone of Nintendo’s platform success. With a new generation on the way, Pokémon’s sales dominance shows no sign of slowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-selling Pokémon game?
Pokémon Red/Blue/Green (~31 million), followed by Scarlet/Violet (~27.2M) — the second best-selling entry.
How much has the Pokémon franchise made?
Over US$150 billion lifetime — the highest-grossing entertainment franchise ever. Video games are $30B+; merchandise over $100B.
How many copies did Pokémon Scarlet and Violet sell?
Around 27.2 million copies by 2025, making it the second best-selling Pokémon game.
Is Pokémon bigger than Star Wars?
Yes — by lifetime gross revenue, Pokémon (~$150B) is the biggest media franchise, ahead of Star Wars, Marvel and Mickey Mouse.
Methodology & Sourcing
Franchise revenue figures are widely-cited lifetime estimates (including merchandise, games, film and TV); game unit sales are from Nintendo and Statista. Franchise-gross figures combine many revenue streams and are estimates. Rounded and updated as new data emerges.
Sources
- Nintendo — software unit sales
- Statista — best-selling Pokémon games
- Franchise-revenue estimates (games + merchandise + media)
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