Pokémon Snaps into China

Nintendo makes history in China with the official release of New Pokémon Snap, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. This article explores the implications of this launch and its impact on the Chinese gaming market.

New Pokémon Snap Launches in Mainland China

A Historic Debut for Pokémon in China

The July 16th release of New Pokémon Snap represents a landmark achievement. It's the first officially released Pokémon game in China since the country's video game console ban was implemented and subsequently lifted. This ban, initially imposed due to concerns about children's development, had previously prevented official Pokémon releases. This launch signifies a significant step for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China, opening a new chapter after years of restricted access.

Nintendo's strategic expansion into the Chinese market, initiated with their 2019 partnership with Tencent to bring the Nintendo Switch to China, is further solidified by this release. New Pokémon Snap represents a key milestone in their plan to penetrate one of the world's largest and most lucrative gaming markets. This move is part of a broader strategy, with more high-profile titles slated for release in the coming months.

Future Nintendo Releases in China

Following the success of New Pokémon Snap, Nintendo has announced several upcoming releases 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

These releases demonstrate Nintendo's commitment to establishing a strong presence in China, leveraging its popular franchises and new titles to expand its market share.

Pokémon's Unexpected Chinese Following

The surprise among international Pokémon fans about the long-standing console ban highlights the unique history of Pokémon in China. Despite the ban, a substantial fanbase emerged, with players often resorting to overseas purchases or encountering counterfeit games and smuggling. A recent example includes a woman apprehended for smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games.

The iQue Player, a collaboration between Nintendo and iQue in the early 2000s, represents a notable attempt to circumvent piracy. This device, essentially a compact Nintendo 64, helped address the rampant illegal distribution of Nintendo games.

The remarkable global success of Pokémon, even without official access to the Chinese market, is a testament to its appeal. Nintendo's recent actions show a strategic shift, aiming to capitalize on this untapped market potential.

The gradual introduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles into China marks a significant turning point. Nintendo's continued efforts in this complex market suggest a promising future for gamers in China and globally.