Pokemon Officially Releases in China, Starting with New Pokemon Snap

Nintendo marks a historic milestone in China with the launch of New Pokémon Snap. Read on to understand its significance and why it is the first official Pokémon game to be released in China.

New Pokémon Snap Launches in ChinaHistoric Release Marks Pokémon's Return to China

On July 16, New Super Pokemon Snap, a first-person photography game that was released on April 30, 2021 globally, made history by becoming the first Pokemon game to be officially released in China since the country’s video game console ban was enacted and lifted in 2000 and 2015. The console ban in China was initially imposed due to fears that the devices had a detrimental effect on the mental and physical development of children. This landmark event signifies a new era for Nintendo and Pokemon fans in China, as the franchise finally makes its debut on the Chinese market after years of restrictions.

Nintendo has long expressed its ambition to expand into the Chinese gaming market, and in 2019, Nintendo partnered up with Tencent to bring Switch to the country. With New Pokemon Snap's release, Nintendo achieves a notable milestone in their strategy to penetrate one of the world’s largest and most lucrative gaming markets. This move comes at a time when Nintendo is gradually increasing its presence in China, with plans to release several more high-profile titles in the coming months.

Upcoming Nintendo Releases in China

Following the launch of New Pokemon Snap, Nintendo has announced a slate of anticipated titles 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 releases reflect Nintendo's continued efforts to build a strong gaming portfolio in China, aiming to capture a larger share of the market with its cherished franchises and new offerings.

The Enduring Legacy of Pokemon in China

The surprise among international Pokémon fans regarding the long-standing console ban in China highlights the complex history of the franchise’s relationship with the region. This restriction meant that Pokémon was never officially sold in China, yet it maintained a significant fanbase, with many players finding ways to access the games through overseas purchases. Additionally, there were counterfeit versions of Nintendo and Pokémon games, as well as instances of smuggling. Just in June of this year, a woman was caught smuggling three hundred and fifty Nintendo Switch games in her undergarments.

One notable attempt to bring Nintendo hardware into China without branding it explicitly as Nintendo was the iQue. Released in the early two thousand’s, the iQue Player was a unique console developed in collaboration between Nintendo and iQue to combat the rampant piracy of Nintendo games in China. The device was essentially a compact version of the Nintendo sixty-four, with all the hardware integrated into the controller.

A Reddit user underscored that Pokémon, achieving immense global popularity without ever officially tapping into China’s market, is particularly impressive. Nintendo’s recent moves indicate a shift in tactics, aiming to bridge the gap between international success and the previously untapped Chinese market.

The gradual reintroduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles into China marks a pivotal moment for both the company and its fans. As Nintendo continues to navigate this complex market, the excitement around these releases suggests a promising future for gaming enthusiasts in China and beyond.