Pokemon Launches in China: New Snap Debut

Nintendo makes history in China with the launch of New Pokémon Snap, marking the first official Pokémon game release in the country. This momentous occasion signifies a significant step for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China, finally bringing the beloved franchise to the Chinese market after years of restrictions.

New Pokémon Snap Launches in China: A Historic Release

Globally released on April 30, 2021, New Pokémon Snap, a first-person photography game, made its Chinese debut on July 16th. This launch breaks new ground, as it's the first official Pokémon game released in China since the country's video game console ban was lifted in 2015 (following an initial ban enacted in 2000 due to concerns about negative impacts on children's development). This marks a significant turning point for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China.

Nintendo's ambition to expand into the lucrative 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 major milestone in their strategy to penetrate one of the world's largest gaming markets. This strategic move comes as Nintendo steadily increases its presence in China, with plans to release several more high-profile titles.

Upcoming Nintendo Releases in China

Following the success of New Pokémon Snap, Nintendo has announced several additional titles for release 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 building a strong gaming portfolio in China, aiming to capture a significant market share with both established franchises and new offerings.

The Unexpected Legacy of Pokémon in China

The surprise among international Pokémon fans regarding the long-standing console ban in China highlights the complex history of the franchise in the region. Despite the ban, Pokémon cultivated a substantial fanbase in China, with players often accessing games through unofficial channels like overseas purchases, counterfeit versions, and smuggling. (For instance, a recent news story detailed a woman smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games in her undergarments in June of this year.)

One notable attempt to circumvent the ban was the iQue Player, a unique console released in the early 2000s. A collaboration between Nintendo and iQue, it aimed to combat rampant piracy by offering a compact Nintendo 64 variant integrated into the controller.

A Reddit user aptly highlighted the impressive feat of Pokémon achieving global popularity without ever officially entering the Chinese market. Nintendo's recent actions signal a strategic shift, aiming to finally connect with this previously untapped market.

The gradual introduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles into China marks a pivotal moment for both the company and its fans. Nintendo's continued navigation of this complex market, coupled with the enthusiastic response to these releases, suggests a promising future for gaming in China and beyond.