Nintendo makes history in China with the debut of New Pokémon Snap. This article explores the significance of this landmark release and why it's the first official Pokémon game in China.

New Pokémon Snap Launches in Mainland China

A Historic Debut: Pokémon's Arrival in China

On July 16th, New Pokémon Snap, a first-person photography game globally released on April 30th, 2021, became the first officially released Pokémon game in China. This marks a significant turning point, overcoming the effects of China's video game console ban (enacted in 2000 and lifted in 2015). The ban, initially implemented due to concerns about the negative impact on children's development, is now a thing of the past for this beloved franchise. This signifies a new era for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China.

Nintendo's ambition to expand into the lucrative Chinese gaming market is well-documented. Their 2019 partnership with Tencent to bring the Nintendo Switch to China laid the groundwork for this success. New Pokémon Snap's release represents a major step in their strategy to penetrate one of the world's largest gaming markets. This strategic move coincides with Nintendo's growing presence in China, with more high-profile game releases planned.

Upcoming Nintendo Game Releases in China

Following New Pokémon Snap, Nintendo has announced several upcoming releases for the Chinese market, 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

These releases demonstrate Nintendo's commitment to establishing a strong gaming presence in China, aiming to capture a larger market share with its popular franchises and new titles.

Pokémon's Unexpected Chinese Legacy

The surprise among international Pokémon fans regarding the long-standing console ban highlights the complex history of the franchise in China. Despite the ban, a substantial fanbase existed, with players accessing games through various means, including overseas purchases and unfortunately, counterfeit versions and smuggling. A recent example involved a woman caught smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch games.

A noteworthy attempt to circumvent the ban was the iQue Player, a collaboration between Nintendo and iQue released in the early 2000s. This compact Nintendo 64 variant aimed to combat rampant piracy.

The fact that Pokémon achieved global popularity without official access to the Chinese market is remarkable. Nintendo's recent actions show a strategic shift, aiming to capitalize on this previously untapped market.

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