Pokémon Invades China with Latest Release

Nintendo makes history in China with the launch of New Pokémon Snap, marking the franchise's official debut in the country. This article explores the significance of this release and the path leading to it.

New Pokémon Snap Launches in Mainland China

A Historic Pokémon Debut

On July 16th, New Pokémon Snap, initially released globally on April 30th, 2021, became the first officially released Pokémon game in China. This event is monumental, considering China's history with video game console bans, initially implemented in 2000 and later lifted in 2015 due to concerns about children's development. This marks a significant step for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China, finally granting access to the beloved franchise after years of limitations.

Nintendo's strategic expansion into the Chinese gaming market is well-documented. Their 2019 partnership with Tencent to bring the Nintendo Switch to China paved the way for this release. New Pokémon Snap's launch represents a significant milestone in their ambitious plan to penetrate one of the world's largest and most profitable gaming markets. This release is part of a broader strategy, with more high-profile titles planned for the near future.

Future Nintendo Releases in China

Following 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 showcases Nintendo's commitment to establishing a strong presence in China, leveraging popular franchises alongside newer releases.

The Unexpected Popularity of Pokémon in China

The surprise among international fans regarding the long-standing console ban highlights the unique history of Pokémon in China. Despite the ban, a substantial fanbase emerged, with players accessing games through unofficial channels, including overseas purchases and counterfeit versions. The challenges faced are further illustrated by recent events, such as a woman caught smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games earlier this year.

The iQue Player, a collaboration between Nintendo and iQue released in the early 2000s, represents a notable attempt to circumvent piracy issues. This modified Nintendo 64 console helped address the rampant counterfeiting of Nintendo games within the country.

A Reddit user aptly noted the remarkable global success of Pokémon despite its absence from the Chinese market. Nintendo's recent actions signal a strategic shift, aiming to fully integrate this previously untapped market into its global reach.

The introduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles into China marks a pivotal moment. The enthusiasm surrounding these releases suggests a bright future for gaming in China and globally, as Nintendo continues to navigate this significant market.