New Pokemon Snap Launches in China
Historic Release Marks Pokemon's Return to China
On July 16, New Pokemon Snap, a captivating first-person photography game initially released globally on April 30, 2021, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first officially released Pokemon game in China. This landmark event comes after the lifting of China's video game console ban, which had been in place from 2000 to 2015. The ban was originally enacted due to concerns over the potential negative impact on children's mental and physical development. Now, with the launch of New Pokemon Snap, Nintendo and Pokemon fans in China can celebrate the franchise's long-awaited debut in this vast market.
Nintendo has been eager to expand into the lucrative Chinese gaming market. In 2019, they partnered with Tencent to bring the Nintendo Switch to China, marking a significant step in this direction. The release of New Pokemon Snap is a pivotal part of Nintendo's strategy to engage with one of the world's largest gaming communities. As Nintendo ramps up its presence in China, fans can look forward to several more high-profile titles in the coming months.
Upcoming Nintendo Releases in China
Following the successful launch of New Pokemon Snap, Nintendo has an exciting lineup of games slated for release in China, including:
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Pokemon Let’s Go Eevee and Pikachu
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Immortals Fenyx Rising
- Above Qimen
- Samurai Shodown
These upcoming titles reflect Nintendo's commitment to building a comprehensive gaming portfolio in China, aiming to capture a larger market share with its cherished franchises and new additions.
The Unexpected Legacy of Pokemon in China
The long-standing console ban in China surprised many international Pokemon fans, highlighting the intricate history of the franchise's relationship with the region. Despite the ban, Pokemon maintained a dedicated fanbase in China, with enthusiasts sourcing games through overseas purchases and encountering counterfeit versions and smuggled goods. Notably, just in June of this year, a woman was caught smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games in her undergarments.
An earlier attempt to circumvent the ban was the iQue Player, a unique console developed through a collaboration between Nintendo and iQue in the early 2000s. Designed to combat piracy, the iQue Player was a compact version of the Nintendo 64, with all hardware integrated into the controller.
A Reddit user emphasized that Pokemon's global success without officially entering the Chinese market is remarkable. Nintendo's recent strategic shift aims to bridge this gap, tapping into the previously untapped Chinese market.
The gradual reintroduction of Pokemon and other Nintendo titles into China signifies a turning point for both the company and its fans. As Nintendo navigates this complex market, the enthusiasm surrounding these releases promises a bright future for gaming enthusiasts in China and beyond.
