Nintendo makes history in China with the release of New Pokémon Snap, marking the franchise's official debut in the country. This article explores the significance of this launch and the future of Pokémon in China.
New Pokémon Snap Launches in China
A Historic Pokémon Debut
The July 16th release of New Pokémon Snap—a title initially launched globally on April 30, 2021—represents a pivotal moment. It's the first official Pokémon game released in China since the country's video game console ban was lifted in 2015 (following its initial implementation in 2000). This ban, stemming from concerns about the potential negative impact of consoles on children's development, had previously prevented official Pokémon releases. This landmark event signifies a major expansion for Nintendo and Pokémon into a significant new market.
Nintendo's strategic partnership with Tencent in 2019, bringing the Nintendo Switch to China, paved the way for this launch. New Pokémon Snap's arrival marks a key step in Nintendo's broader strategy to penetrate the vast and lucrative Chinese gaming market. This is just the beginning, with more titles planned for release.
Future Nintendo Releases in China
Following the success of New Pokémon Snap, Nintendo has announced several upcoming releases for the Chinese market, including:
⚫︎ Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury ⚫︎ Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee and Pikachu ⚫︎ The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ⚫︎ Immortals Fenyx Rising ⚫︎ Above Qimen ⚫︎ Samurai Shodown
This ambitious release schedule demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to establishing a strong presence in China, leveraging its popular franchises and introducing new titles to Chinese gamers.
Pokémon's Unexpected Chinese Legacy
The surprise among international fans regarding the long-standing console ban highlights the unique history of Pokémon in China. Despite the lack of official distribution, a substantial fanbase thrived, with players sourcing games through unofficial channels, including overseas purchases and counterfeit versions. The prevalence of game smuggling was also notable, as evidenced by a recent incident involving a woman smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games.
The iQue Player, a unique console released in the early 2000s, represents a past attempt to navigate the Chinese market. This collaboration between Nintendo and iQue aimed to combat piracy, offering a compact Nintendo 64 variant.
The fact that Pokémon achieved global dominance without official presence in China is remarkable. Nintendo's current strategy aims to capitalize on this untapped potential, bridging the gap between international success and the Chinese market.
The introduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles into China marks a significant turning point. The enthusiasm surrounding these releases suggests a bright future for both Nintendo and Chinese gamers.
