Nintendo's momentous entry into the Chinese market begins with New Pokémon Snap. This article explores the significance of this first official Pokémon game release in China and what it means for Nintendo's future in the region.
A Historic Pokémon Debut in China
The July 16th launch of New Pokémon Snap marks a pivotal moment. Released globally on April 30th, 2021, this is the first officially released Pokémon game in China since the country's video game console ban was lifted in 2015 (following its initial imposition in 2000 due to concerns about children's development). This signifies a major step for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China, finally opening the market after years of restrictions.
Nintendo's 2019 partnership with Tencent to bring the Switch to China paved the way for this. The release of New Pokémon Snap is a key element of their strategy to penetrate one of the world's largest gaming markets. This launch is part of a broader push by Nintendo to increase its presence in China, with more titles planned.
Upcoming Nintendo Games in China
Following New Pokémon Snap, Nintendo plans to release several other 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 robust lineup showcases Nintendo's commitment to building a significant presence in the Chinese market.
Pokémon's Unexpected Chinese Legacy
The surprise among international fans about the long-standing console ban highlights the unique history of Pokémon in China. Despite the ban, a substantial fanbase existed, with players accessing games through various means, including overseas purchases and counterfeit versions. The prevalence of smuggling is also noteworthy; a recent incident involved a woman smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games.
The iQue Player, a collaboration between Nintendo and iQue in the early 2000s, attempted to address rampant piracy by offering a modified Nintendo 64.
A Reddit user aptly pointed out the impressive global success of Pokémon without the Chinese market. Nintendo's current strategy aims to capitalize on this 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 both Nintendo and Chinese gamers.
