Pokemon Officially Releases in China, Starting with New Pokemon Snap

Nintendo's momentous entry into the Chinese market begins with New Pokémon Snap. This article explores the historical significance of this launch and Nintendo's broader strategy in China.

A Historic Pokémon Debut in China

The July 16th release of New Pokémon Snap marks a pivotal moment. It's the first officially released Pokémon game in China since the country's video game console ban, initially imposed in 2000 due to concerns about children's development, was lifted in 2015. This signifies a significant expansion for Nintendo and Pokémon into a vast, previously inaccessible market. The partnership between Nintendo and Tencent, established in 2019 to bring the Switch to China, paved the way for this landmark event.

Nintendo's strategic move into China aims to capitalize on one of the world's largest and most profitable gaming markets. This release is part of a larger plan to gradually increase Nintendo's presence, with more titles slated for release in the near future.

Upcoming Nintendo Releases in China

Following New Pokémon Snap, Nintendo plans to release several other popular titles 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 the Chinese market.

Pokémon's Unexpected Chinese Legacy

The long-standing console ban in China created a unique situation for Pokémon. Despite the lack of official releases, a substantial fanbase emerged, with players sourcing games through unofficial channels, including overseas purchases and counterfeit versions. The prevalence of smuggling is also noteworthy; a recent incident involved a woman smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games.

The iQue Player, a collaborative project between Nintendo and iQue released in the early 2000s, attempted to address the rampant piracy of Nintendo games in China. This compact Nintendo 64 variant aimed to provide a legitimate alternative.

The remarkable global success of Pokémon, achieved without official access to the Chinese market, is a testament to its appeal. Nintendo's recent actions represent a strategic shift, aiming to finally tap into this significant market.

The gradual introduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles into China marks a significant turning point for both the company and its fans. The enthusiastic reception suggests a bright future for gaming in China and beyond.