By shaking up the series formula to a drastic degree, Pokémon Legends: Arceus was a big risk on the part of Game Freak and The Pokémon Company, with many wondering if audiences would be receptive to the changes. Thankfully it seems like that worry was unwarranted, as the game has sold 6.5 million units in the space of a week.
Thank you to the more than 6.5 million explorers worldwide who have already embarked on an exciting new adventure in #PokemonLegendsArceus!
We hope you're loading up on more potato mochi before your next research mission! pic.twitter.com/u1MKRHkhhD
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 4, 2022
As Daniel Ahmad reports, this is higher than the 6 million reported for Sword & Shield and Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl’s debut week and it’s over a million more than what Super Smash Bros. Ultimate managed.
We also know, thanks to Famitsu, that Legends: Arceus shifted 1.425 million units in Japan over the span of 3 days, making it the second fastest selling Switch game in the region after Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
We’ll just have to wait and see if the Hisuian adventure has legs over the coming months, but here’s hoping!