Nintendo makes history with the official China launch of New Pokémon Snap, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. This article explores the implications of this release and the unique journey of Pokémon in China.
New Pokémon Snap Launches in China: A Historic First
Pokémon's Official Debut in China
The July 16th release of New Pokémon Snap—a game initially launched globally on April 30, 2021—represents the first official Pokémon game in China. This is a landmark achievement, considering China's history with video game console bans (imposed in 2000 and lifted in 2015 due to concerns about children's development). This marks a pivotal moment for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China, finally opening the door to a vast, untapped market.
Nintendo's strategic partnership with Tencent in 2019, bringing the Nintendo Switch to China, paved the way for this release. New Pokémon Snap's arrival signifies a major step in Nintendo's broader strategy to penetrate one of the world's largest and most lucrative gaming markets. Further releases are planned, solidifying their growing presence in China.
Upcoming Nintendo Titles for China
Following New Pokémon Snap, Nintendo has confirmed several upcoming releases 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
These releases demonstrate Nintendo's commitment to establishing a strong gaming presence in China, leveraging popular franchises and new titles to capture market share.
Pokémon's Unofficial Chinese Legacy
The surprise among international fans about the long-standing console ban highlights the complex history of Pokémon in China. Despite the ban, a substantial fanbase existed, with many accessing games through unofficial channels like overseas purchases and counterfeit versions. The prevalence of smuggling is also noteworthy; a recent case involved a woman smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games.
The iQue Player, a unique collaboration between Nintendo and iQue from the early 2000s, attempted to address rampant piracy by offering a compact Nintendo 64 variant.
A Reddit user highlighted the remarkable global success of Pokémon despite its absence from the Chinese market. Nintendo's recent actions represent a strategic shift, aiming to capitalize on this previously untapped potential.
The introduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles into China marks a significant turning point. Nintendo's continued expansion into this complex market suggests a promising future for gaming in China and beyond.
