Nintendo makes history in China with the debut of New Pokémon Snap, marking the franchise's official entry into the Chinese market. This article explores the significance of this launch and the path leading to it.
New Pokémon Snap Launches in China
A Historic Debut for Pokémon in China
The July 16th release of New Pokémon Snap—a first-person photography game initially launched globally on April 30, 2021—ushers in a new era for Pokémon in China. This is the first official Pokémon game release in China since the country's video game console ban, imposed in 2000 and lifted in 2015, due to concerns about the potential negative impact on children's development. This landmark event signifies Nintendo's successful expansion into a major gaming market.
Nintendo's partnership with Tencent in 2019, bringing the Nintendo Switch to China, paved the way for this launch. New Pokémon Snap's release represents a key milestone in Nintendo's strategy to penetrate one of the world's largest and most profitable gaming markets. Further high-profile title releases are planned for the coming months.
Future Nintendo Releases in China
Following New Pokémon Snap, Nintendo plans to release several more titles in China, 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 the Chinese gaming market.
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 ban, a substantial fanbase thrived, with players accessing games through unofficial channels, including overseas purchases and counterfeit versions. The prevalence of smuggling is also noteworthy; a recent incident saw a woman attempting to smuggle 350 Nintendo Switch games.
The iQue Player, a collaboration between Nintendo and iQue released in the early 2000s, represents a notable attempt to circumvent piracy. This device, essentially a compact Nintendo 64 integrated into the controller, aimed to combat the rampant illegal distribution of Nintendo games.
A Reddit user aptly noted the impressive global success of Pokémon without official access to the Chinese market. Nintendo's recent moves signal a strategic shift, aiming to capitalize on this previously untapped potential.
The gradual introduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles into China marks a significant turning point. The enthusiasm surrounding these releases suggests a bright future for gaming in China and beyond.
