Pokémon Arrives in China with "New Pokémon Snap" Debut

Pokémon's Official China Debut: New Snap Leads the Charge

Nintendo makes history with the official release of New Pokémon Snap in China, marking a significant milestone for the franchise and the company's expansion into the Chinese market. This is the first officially released Pokémon game in China, a landmark achievement considering the country's past video game console restrictions.

New Pokémon Snap’s China Launch

A Historic Entry for Pokémon in China

The release of New Pokémon Snap on July 16th, 2024, signifies a new chapter for Pokémon in China. Following a console ban enacted and later lifted between 2000 and 2015, the game’s launch signals Nintendo's successful entry into a previously inaccessible market. This follows Nintendo's 2019 partnership with Tencent to bring the Switch console to China.

Nintendo's strategic move to release New Pokémon Snap represents a significant step in their broader plan to penetrate the substantial Chinese gaming market. This launch is just the beginning, with several more high-profile titles planned for release in the near future.

More Nintendo Games Coming to China

Following the success of New Pokémon Snap, Nintendo has announced a pipeline of additional games 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

This diverse selection demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to establishing a strong presence in China, leveraging popular franchises and new releases to capture market share.

Pokémon's Unexpected Chinese Following

The surprise among international fans regarding the previous console ban highlights the unique history of Pokémon in China. Despite the ban, a dedicated fanbase emerged, accessing games through unofficial channels, including overseas purchases and counterfeit versions. The prevalence of game smuggling was also notable, as evidenced by a recent incident involving the smuggling of 350 Nintendo Switch games.

The iQue Player, a collaborative effort between Nintendo and iQue released in the early 2000s, represented an earlier attempt to navigate the Chinese market and combat piracy. This compact Nintendo 64 variant aimed to provide a legitimate alternative to the rampant illegal copies.

A Reddit user aptly noted the remarkable global success of Pokémon without official access to the Chinese market. Nintendo's recent actions mark a strategic shift, aiming to capitalize on this previously untapped potential.

The gradual introduction of Pokémon and other Nintendo titles into China represents a pivotal moment for both the company and its fans. The enthusiastic reception suggests a bright future for gaming in China and beyond.