Pokemon Officially Releases in China, Starting with New Pokemon Snap

New Pokemon Snap Launches in China

Historic Release Marks Pokemon's Return to China

On July 16, the eagerly awaited New Pokemon Snap made its historic debut in China, marking a significant milestone as the first official Pokemon game to be released in the country since the lifting of the video game console ban in 2015. Originally launched globally on April 30, 2021, this first-person photography game's arrival in China signifies a new era for Nintendo and Pokemon enthusiasts. The console ban, which was initially imposed in 2000 due to concerns over the impact on children's development, had long restricted the availability of such games in China.

Nintendo's ambition to tap into the Chinese gaming market has been evident for years, culminating in a partnership with Tencent in 2019 to introduce the Nintendo Switch to the region. The release of New Pokemon Snap is a pivotal step in this strategy, aimed at capturing a segment of the world's largest and most lucrative gaming market. This move is part of Nintendo's broader plan to increase its presence in China, with several high-profile titles slated for release in the coming months.

Upcoming Nintendo Releases in China

Following the successful launch of New Pokemon Snap, Nintendo has announced an exciting lineup of games scheduled 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 releases underscore Nintendo's commitment to expanding its gaming portfolio in China, leveraging both its iconic franchises and new titles to attract a larger audience.

The Unexpected Legacy of Pokemon in China

The console ban in China meant that Pokemon was never officially available in the country, yet it cultivated a dedicated fanbase through overseas purchases and even counterfeit versions. The demand for Pokemon games was so high that instances of smuggling were reported, including a recent case where a woman attempted to smuggle 350 Nintendo Switch games in her undergarments.

Nintendo's efforts to navigate the Chinese market included the introduction of the iQue, a unique console developed in collaboration with iQue to combat piracy. Launched in the early 2000s, the iQue Player was a compact version of the Nintendo 64, with all hardware integrated into the controller.

A Reddit user highlighted the remarkable global success of Pokemon, which thrived without officially entering the Chinese market until now. Nintendo's recent strategic moves indicate a focused effort to bridge this gap, promising a bright future for gaming in China.

The gradual introduction of Pokemon and other Nintendo titles into China is a momentous occasion for both the company and its fans. As Nintendo continues to explore this dynamic market, the anticipation surrounding these releases heralds an exciting new chapter for gamers in China and around the world.