Record-Shattering Pokémon Game Tops US Sales Since Tears of the Kingdom

It seems like a record has been shattered, and it's quite a significant one, all things considered. According to the latest figures from Circana analysts, including Matt Piscarella, Pokémon Legends: Arceus (often referred to as Z-A in some regions) has claimed the title for selling the most units and generating the highest revenue for a physical game copy in the United States since The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom hit shelves back in May 2023. That's a remarkable claim, especially when you think about the context.

Now, comparing its performance to Tears of the Kingdom's launch, you have to remember the Switch was already a massive machine by then, with a huge installed base. So, Pokémon Legends: Arceus really demonstrated the enduring power of the Pokémon brand in the market. It wasn't just benefiting from existing hardware sales; it faced the competition head-on and still managed to stand out significantly.

An interesting point worth noting is that the reported US sales figures for Pokémon Legends: Arceus haven't included the contribution from bundle sets that include the game and the Switch 2 console. This is something that happened in Europe and was shown to be a major driver for console sales alongside game purchases. So, while the game is definitely boosting sales for the Switch 2, we don't yet have the full picture from the US regarding those specific deals.

The game is available on both the standard Nintendo Switch and the newer Switch 2, and its launch week performance globally was nothing short of explosive, reportedly exceeding 5.8 million copies sold worldwide. Impressively, about half of these sales are believed to come from the new Switch 2 hardware. This suggests a healthy overlap and appeal across both platforms, particularly the newer one.

Critically, the game has also received positive media attention. On Metacritic, it holds an 81 score, which is respectable. Much of the praise centers around its innovative real-time battle system, which feels like a significant evolution from previous Pokémon titles. The soundtrack was also lauded for its quality, and the reconstruction of the Goldenrod City area (known in Japan as Meihakashi-machi) was particularly noted for its attention to detail and emotional resonance for long-time fans. These elements combined to create a very well-received package upon release.

It's clear that this latest Pokémon adventure has made a substantial impact. The numbers speak for themselves, and the critical response adds another layer of credibility to its success. While many might expect the Pokémon series to maintain its sales momentum, breaking records like this one still feels like a notable achievement, showcasing both the brand's strength and the continued appeal of its latest adventures.