Pokemon Officially Releases in China, Starting with New Pokemon Snap

Nintendo makes history in China with the debut of New Pokémon Snap. This article explores the significance of this landmark release and its implications for the Pokémon franchise in China.

New Pokémon Snap Launches in Mainland China

A Historic First: Pokémon's Official Chinese Debut

On July 16th, New Pokémon Snap, initially released globally on April 30th, 2021, became the first officially released Pokémon game in China. This marks a significant turning point, considering China's past video game console ban (imposed in 2000 and lifted in 2015). The ban, rooted in concerns about the potential negative impact on children's development, had previously prevented official Pokémon releases. This launch signifies a new chapter for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China, finally opening the doors to a vast new market.

Nintendo's strategic partnership with Tencent in 2019, bringing the Nintendo Switch to China, paved the way for this milestone. New Pokémon Snap's release represents a key step in Nintendo's broader plan to penetrate the lucrative Chinese gaming market. This expansion is part of a larger strategy, with more high-profile titles slated for release in the near future.

Future 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 showcases Nintendo's commitment to establishing a strong presence in China, leveraging its popular franchises and introducing new titles to appeal to a wider audience.

Pokémon's Unofficial Chinese Legacy

The surprise among many international fans regarding China's long-standing console ban highlights the unique history of Pokémon in the region. Despite the lack of official distribution, Pokémon cultivated a substantial fanbase in China. Players often accessed games through unofficial channels, including overseas purchases, counterfeit versions, and even smuggling (as evidenced by a recent incident involving a woman smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games).

The iQue Player, a collaboration between Nintendo and iQue released in the early 2000s, represents a notable attempt to circumvent piracy and introduce Nintendo hardware to China without explicit Nintendo branding. This compact Nintendo 64 variant, with hardware integrated into the controller, was a unique response to the challenges of the market.

The remarkable global success of Pokémon, even without official access to the Chinese market, is a testament to its enduring appeal. Nintendo's recent strategic moves signal a significant shift, aiming to capitalize on its international success and finally tap into the vast potential of the Chinese market.

The gradual introduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles into China marks a pivotal moment. The enthusiastic anticipation surrounding these releases suggests a bright future for gaming in China and beyond, as Nintendo continues to navigate this complex and dynamic market.