A New Sword Art Online Illustration Celebrates 10 Million Games Sold
Sword Art Online just recently hit another big milestone: 10 million video game units sold!
News of this announcement hit the internet alongside additional info about the upcoming Echoes of Aincrad game, and prompted the release of this never-before-seen original illustration by SAO artist and legend, abec, to commemorate the milestone.
Original SAO illustration by abec to celebrate 10 million home video game console copies sold.
The new illustration portrays Kirito and Asuna in their outfits from the original Aincrad days, while memorable characters (portrayed in chibi style) can be spotted filling the background. These characters will be recognizable not only from the anime but from the many SAO games released over the years.
The 10 million milestone
Sword Art Online continues to prove that it has massive staying power over a decade after it aired its first anime season. A recent broadcast via Dengeki Online’s YouTube channel celebrated the major 10 million SAO Home Console Game Series milestone while also sharing an exclusive look at gameplay from the upcoming Echoes of Aincrad video game (releasing on July 10, 2026).
But it wasn’t just actual gameplay footage that was shared during the broadcast – we also got a first look at a brand new story trailer for the game (which you can see below).
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: with a huge new SAO RPG coming out in 2026, a brand new anime called Unanswered//butterfly, and plenty of new material in the form of manga additions and the highly anticipated Sword Art Online Vol. 29 Light Novel, it really does feel like things are heating up for the franchise once again.
