Nintendo makes history in China with the debut of New Pokémon Snap. This article explores the significance of this landmark release and why it's the first official Pokémon game in the Chinese market.
Pokémon's Arrival in China
A Historic Launch
On July 16th, New Pokémon Snap, a first-person photography game initially launched globally on April 30th, 2021, became the first officially released Pokémon game in China. This follows the country's lifting of its video game console ban, initially imposed in 2000 due to concerns about children's development. This marks a significant turning point for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China, finally bringing the franchise to the market after years of restrictions.
Nintendo's strategic partnership with Tencent in 2019, bringing the Nintendo Switch to China, paved the way for this momentous release. New Pokémon Snap's launch represents a key step in Nintendo's expansion into one of the world's largest and most profitable gaming markets, a strategy that includes several more high-profile game releases in the coming months.
Upcoming Nintendo Titles for China
Following New Pokémon Snap, Nintendo has confirmed several additional titles for release 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 diverse lineup demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to establishing a strong presence in the Chinese gaming market, leveraging its popular franchises and new releases.
Pokémon's Unofficial Chinese Legacy
The surprise among global Pokémon fans regarding China's long-standing console ban highlights the franchise's unique history in the region. Despite the ban, Pokémon cultivated a substantial fanbase in China, with players often resorting to overseas purchases or counterfeit games. Smuggling was also prevalent; in June 2024, a woman was apprehended for smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games.
The iQue Player, a collaboration between Nintendo and iQue in the early 2000s, attempted to circumvent piracy by offering a compact Nintendo 64-like console.
A Reddit user aptly noted the impressive global success of Pokémon despite its absence from the Chinese market. Nintendo's recent actions signal a strategic shift, aiming to capitalize on the previously untapped potential of the Chinese market.
The gradual introduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles into China marks a significant moment for the company and its fans. Nintendo's continued navigation of this complex market suggests a promising future for gamers in China and beyond.
