Nintendo makes history in China with the launch of New Pokémon Snap, marking the first official Pokémon game release in the country. This article explores the significance of this event and the path leading to it.

New Pokémon Snap Launches in Mainland China

A Historic Debut After Years of Restriction

On July 16th, New Pokémon Snap, initially released globally on April 30th, 2021, became the first officially released Pokémon game in China. This follows the country's video game console ban, enacted in 2000 and lifted in 2015. The ban, stemming from concerns about the impact on children's development, has long prevented the official sale of many gaming consoles and titles. This release signals a significant shift for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China.

Nintendo's strategic partnership with Tencent in 2019, bringing the Nintendo Switch to China, paved the way for this milestone. The launch of New Pokémon Snap represents a crucial step in Nintendo's expansion into one of the world's largest and most lucrative gaming markets. Further high-profile releases are planned in the coming months.

More Nintendo Games Coming to China

Following New Pokémon Snap, Nintendo plans to release several more 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 expanding portfolio underscores Nintendo's commitment to building a strong presence in the Chinese market, leveraging popular franchises and new offerings.

Pokémon's Unofficial Chinese Legacy

The surprise among many international fans regarding the previous console ban highlights the unique history of Pokémon in China. Despite the ban, a substantial fanbase existed, with players accessing games through unofficial channels, including overseas purchases and counterfeit copies. Smuggling also played a role, as evidenced by a recent incident involving a woman smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games.

The iQue Player, a collaborative effort between Nintendo and iQue in the early 2000s, attempted to address rampant piracy. This device, essentially a compact Nintendo 64 integrated into the controller, offered a branded alternative.

A Reddit user aptly noted the impressive global success of Pokémon despite its absence from the Chinese market. Nintendo's recent actions signify a strategic shift, aiming to capitalize on this previously untapped potential.

The official arrival of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles in China marks a pivotal moment. The enthusiasm surrounding these releases suggests a bright future for gaming in China and beyond, as Nintendo continues its expansion into this complex but significant market.