Pokemon Officially Releases in China, Starting with New Pokemon Snap

Nintendo makes history with the official China launch of New Pokémon Snap, marking a significant entry into a previously untapped market. This article explores the implications of this release and Nintendo's broader strategy in China.

New Pokémon Snap Launches in China

A Historic First for Pokémon in China

The July 16th release of New Pokémon Snap in China is a landmark event. It's the first officially released Pokémon game in the country, overcoming years of restrictions stemming from a video game console ban enacted and later lifted between 2000 and 2015. This ban, initially implemented due to concerns about the impact of video games on children's development, has significantly limited the presence of major gaming franchises like Pokémon in China. This launch signals a major shift for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China.

Nintendo's strategic partnership with Tencent in 2019, bringing the Nintendo Switch to China, paved the way for this momentous release. The launch of New Pokémon Snap represents a key step in Nintendo's ambitious plan to penetrate one of the world's largest and most profitable gaming markets. This expansion into China is part of a broader strategy, with more major titles slated for release in the coming months.

Upcoming Nintendo Titles in China

Following the success of New Pokémon Snap, Nintendo has announced several additional titles 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 diverse lineup demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to establishing a strong presence in China, leveraging popular franchises and new releases to capture a substantial market share.

Pokémon's Unexpected Chinese Legacy

The surprise among international fans regarding the long-standing console ban highlights the unusual history of Pokémon in China. Despite the official ban, a substantial fanbase emerged, with players often resorting to unofficial imports and counterfeit games. The prevalence of smuggling is also noteworthy; a recent incident involved a woman attempting to smuggle 350 Nintendo Switch games.

The iQue Player, a unique console released in the early 2000s, represents a past attempt to circumvent the ban. A collaboration between Nintendo and iQue, it aimed to combat piracy by offering a compact, officially licensed Nintendo 64 alternative.

The remarkable global success of Pokémon, achieved without official access to the Chinese market, is a testament to its enduring appeal. Nintendo's current strategy aims to capitalize on this existing popularity and fully integrate into the Chinese gaming landscape.

The gradual introduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles marks a pivotal moment. The enthusiasm surrounding these releases suggests a bright future for both Nintendo and Chinese gaming enthusiasts.