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Pokemon Black and White sell over 2.6 million in Japanese launch

by Griffin McElroy on Sep 21st 2010 1:00PM

We find comfort in the known constants of our universe. You know, things like the laws of thermodynamics, or the fact that every time a new Pokémon game hits store shelves in Japan, people go absolutely bananas for it. Today, we have a figure for just how bananas these pocket-sized monster enthusiasts went: Within the first two days of their launch, Pokémon Black and White racked up over 2.6 million units sold.

As a point of contrast, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver only pulled in 1.4 million units during their first two days on store shelves last year. We guess Japanese gamers value the grayscale dichotomy of Black and White over the flash and elegance of Gold and Silver. Or maybe, just maybe, all those new pokémon had something to do with it.

Via: Edge Online
Source: Famitsu

Tags: ds, game-freak, japan, nintendo, Pokemon-Black-and-White, sales, The-Pokemon-Company

Reader Comments (49)

Man, it's amazing how successful this franchise has been for so long.

Bravo.

@Ezio Auditore da Firenze

yep, it amazes me that they can resell the same formula in a different theme setting and make so much cash!

That is crazy lol can't wait for them to come over hear :)

I'm still debating whether to buy this or not. I swore when HG & SS came out it was just for nostalgic purposes, but now I can't stop....

So a whole 2 Percent of Japan has bought the new Pokemon? Impressive.

What do the colours mean? I have never played Pokemon before..

@spyder

Don't you remember what Michael Jackson said?

It don't matter if you're black or white.

@spyder

They mean nothing other than signifying that you're getting a different version of the game. Usually each version have different pokemon, so you would eventually need both if you want to catch all of them.

@spyder

First of all, you didn't have a proper childhood. Secondly, they're just different versions, with different exclusive Pokemon and maybe a few other minor differences.

@spyder why do they always release 2 colours at a time?

@spyder

"spyder why do they always release 2 colours at a time?"

$$$

@spyder The main reason is that you can only get one legendary Pokemon (basically the final boss Pokemon in a sense, which is on the cover of the game) from each game. You need to trade or have the other version of the game to get all of the Pokemon.

@spyder
In the beginning it was to encourage communal play and trading. Think of it as one of the first games designed for "social" play features. If you wanted to "catch em all" you HAD to know someone with the other color or buy a cheating device.

Plus, the carts were actually colored accordingly in the Gameboy days. A shame that hasn't persisted with the DS, really.

@spyder

To get their fan base to buy 2 copies of nearly the exact same cock fighting game.

@Vidikron

Either that or to encourage social play.

@Vidikron

to sell as many copies as they can, why buy one game with all ___ # of pokemon when you can buy 2 version with half ___ # of pokemon. Maybe it started as a cool communal way of playing but it has evolved into something else.

(ps, how many are there now again)

@PR0F3TA

649 Pokemanz.

Why Gamefreak didn't just go ahead and make just one more for an even 650 escapes me, but Ground/Ghost Golem that learns Fly and Dark/Steel Kamen Rider trump my argument.

@Cypher FDP
because number 650 will probably be included in Pokemon gray

i still say Nuts from hitman reborn would've made the most epic fire starter ever

http://i33.tinypic.com/1zgt3i9.jpg

Big ups.

Which one has the shiny ponyta?

Ahahaha, saw that video just yesterday xD

ahahaha saw that video just yesterday!

If you're thinkin bout my pokemon, it don't matter if you're black or white.

@KillaPat
God damned Ezio...

Too bad it is region locked...

@C1

you're fine if you have a ds original/lite, though...

@C1 I know.... Id be playing it right now if it wasnt :(

@Wazzup4567
The leaked rom actually played nice with the flash cart in the DSi XL my buddy was using. The game is really good, even in Japenese. Now I'm driving myself crazy with anticipation for the NA release.

@TheBennettBrigade
Japanese!
My spelling FTL.

@TheBennettBrigade I believe only DSi features are region locked. Also DSi flashcards work in DS mode.

So I take it this would be appropriate given the subject.

http://sharkrobot.com/popup_image/pID/240:8db366cb8934dbf8807e32c35601e60e

There ARE some cool pokemon.

Blue sea turtle FTW

I can not believe after so many years this game is still so indemand. Its a great testiment to the series on a whole. I for one am really looking forward to owning this game. I just wish they would add sound bites thats all thats missing for me personally.

These Pokepeople are dedicated...I'll give em that.

Yeah! Now release in America please! :DDDD

Oh, if only you guys knew the stuff people were going through to get you info.

@Cena
Many Bothans died to bring us this information.

Now they just have to release the US versions sooner over here. Six months is way too much waiting.

nintendo and capcom should collaborate on pokemonster hunter and just rule all of japan already.

@bca360

Add Square-Enix and make it Pokemon Hunter Quest and you've got the best selling game of all time.

It's heresy if you expected it to flop.

Jesus...
Japanese people love their pokemon...

My pokemanz, let me show you them

They best be making a new Pokemon Snap for the 3DS

@KillaPat I'd buy it...

Said it before and will say it again.
5th Generation is BEST Generation.

...dat music.

hm..other sources say they sold 4 Million. which is insane.

either way, selling 2.6 million in JAPAN alone while halo reach only sold 3 million WORLD WIDE (the first WEEK I believe?) is insane.....

Anyone who didn't expect this is crazy. Now to begin the long wait 'till the NA release. Winters always seem longer when there's a new Pokemon coming in the spring.

Breaking News

Pokemon Black / White

Pokemon Black and White sell over 2.6 million in Japanese launch

Reader Comments (49)

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:05PM Ezio Auditore da Firenze said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 6:30PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:05PM StormChaser91 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:08PM dudes113 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:10PM jameskond said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:11PM spyder said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:12PM Ezio Auditore da Firenze said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:19PM Vegeta has a ps3 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:20PM TraceurRyuk Prepping for LBP2 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:32PM spyder said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:49PM acefondu said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:53PM tmujir955 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 2:26PM Mmmmz said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 2:27PM Vidikron said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 2:33PM Diodax said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 2:45PM PR0F3TA said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 4:21PM Cypher FDP said

Posted: Sep 22nd 2010 1:21PM Steafan said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:13PM skyblaze said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:15PM thisredengine said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:16PM Petebot330 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 3:30PM Ashitaka said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 3:32PM Ashitaka said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:17PM KillaPat said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:18PM KillaPat said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:19PM C1 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:21PM skyblaze said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:23PM Wazzup4567 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 2:53PM TheBennettBrigade said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 2:54PM TheBennettBrigade said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 7:03PM mko said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:21PM Vegeta has a ps3 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:24PM Wazzup4567 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:27PM mikegooner said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 1:29PM ShadowXIII said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 2:11PM Juri said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 2:23PM Cena said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 2:36PM KaBob799 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 2:38PM Diodax said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 3:26PM bca360 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 6:11PM bongoes said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 3:48PM Problem Medic said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 3:49PM mlg rules said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 4:01PM RasenganFury said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 4:01PM KillaPat said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 6:05PM BobTheElephant said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 4:36PM Helghast102 said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 6:12PM Kougeru said

Posted: Sep 21st 2010 6:13PM bongoes said

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