Pokemon Officially Launches in China, Starting with New Pokemon Snap
Nintendo makes history with the official China release of New Pokémon Snap, marking a significant turning point for the franchise in the region. This article explores the implications of this landmark event and explains why it's the first official Pokémon game in China.
New Pokémon Snap's Chinese Debut
On July 16th, New Pokémon Snap, a first-person photography game initially launched globally on April 30th, 2021, became the first officially released Pokémon title in China. This follows the country's console game ban, imposed in 2000 and lifted in 2015 due to concerns about the impact on children's development. The launch signifies a major step for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China, finally bringing the franchise to a market previously inaccessible.
Nintendo's strategic partnership with Tencent in 2019, bringing the Nintendo Switch to China, paved the way for this release. New Pokémon Snap represents a key achievement in Nintendo's strategy to penetrate this significant gaming market. This move is part of a broader expansion into China, with more major titles planned for release.
Upcoming Nintendo Games in China
Following New Pokémon Snap's success, Nintendo has confirmed additional game launches 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 diverse lineup demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to establishing a strong presence in China, leveraging popular franchises and new releases to capture market share.
Pokémon's Unconventional Chinese History
The surprise among international fans regarding the long-standing console ban underscores the unique relationship between Pokémon and China. Despite the ban, a dedicated fanbase thrived, utilizing various methods to access the games, including overseas purchases and unfortunately, counterfeit copies. The prevalence of smuggling is highlighted by a recent incident where a woman was caught smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games.
An early attempt to legally introduce Nintendo hardware to China was the iQue Player, a collaboration between Nintendo and iQue launched in the early 2000s. Designed to combat piracy, it was a compact version of the Nintendo 64, with all hardware integrated into the controller.
The remarkable global success of Pokémon, achieved without official presence in China, is noteworthy. Nintendo's recent actions signal a strategic shift, aiming to tap into this previously inaccessible market.
The gradual introduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles represents a pivotal moment for the company and its fans. Nintendo's continued expansion into China suggests a promising future for gamers in China and beyond.
