Pokemon Sword and Shield are Already Smashing Series and Switch Sales Records

Combined, the two versions have already sold over 6 million units.

News by Mathew Olson, Reporter

Updated on 21 November 2019

Even with calls for boycotts and "Dexit" frustrations swirling about, there was little reason to doubt that Pokemon Sword and Shield would make an impressive sales debut. The results, though, are impressive even for Pokemon: in their first weekend, Sword and Shield combined sold over 2 million units in the United States and over 6 million units worldwide.

A new press release from Nintendo of America adds that Sword and Shield also broke the record for the Pokemon series' highest-grossing launch of all time. As industry analyst Daniel Ahmad points out, that may mean 2016's Pokemon Sun and Moon sold more units in the same time period, but at the lower retail price of 3DS games.

Based on Nintendo's own sales figures, up-to-date as of the end of September, Pokemon Sword and Shield combined are already the eighth best-selling Nintendo title on the Switch. Last year, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate set the previous record for fastest-selling Switch game at launch with just 3 million sold. At present, Sword and Shield have sold over half of Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu and Let's Go, Eevee's sales-to-date.

The Let's Go titles didn't crack NPD's top ten sales list in 2018, but given that Switch sales have been strong throughout the year and numerous Switch-exclusive titles have placed high in monthly reports, Sword and Shield could easily make the grade for 2019.

Despite outcry over cut Pokemon and perceived development shortcomings in the months and weeks leading up the launch of Sword and Shield, it seems that Game Freak's formula still has lots of fans flocking to Pokemon. "Despite its imperfections, I enjoy Pokemon Sword and Shield a whole lot," writes Nadia in USgamer's Sword and Shield review. "There's a great sense of adventure at its core, and several quality of life improvements to team-building make it possible for nearly anyone to participate in the meta."

If you're looking for more on Pokemon Sword and Shield, head on over to our Pokemon Sword and Shield Everything We Know Page. If you'd like to know which of your favorite Pokemon have made the cut for Pokemon Sword and Shield, head to our Pokemon Sword and Shield New Pokemon Guide. Finally, why not take a look at all of the differences between Sword and Shield in our Pokemon Sword and Shield Version Exclusives Guide.

Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. See our terms & conditions.

Mathew Olson

Reporter

Mathew Olson is a writer formerly of Digg, where he blogged and reported about all things under the umbrella of internet culture (including games, of course). He lives in New York, grew up under rain clouds and the influence of numerous games studios in the Pacific Northwest, and will talk your ear off about Half-Life mods, Talking Heads or Twin Peaks if you let him.