Nintendo's entry into the Chinese market reaches a significant milestone with the launch of New Pokémon Snap. This article explores the historical context and the implications of this first official Pokémon game release in China.
Pokémon's Arrival in China
A Historic Launch: Pokémon's Chinese Debut
On July 16th, New Pokémon Snap, a first-person photography game initially released globally on April 30th, 2021, made history. It became the first officially released Pokémon game in China since the country's video game console ban was implemented and later lifted (2000 and 2015 respectively). The initial ban stemmed from concerns about the potential negative impact of video game consoles on children's development. This launch signifies a major breakthrough for Nintendo and Pokémon fans in China, marking the franchise's long-awaited entry into the Chinese market.
Nintendo's strategic partnership with Tencent in 2019, bringing the Nintendo Switch to China, paved the way for this momentous occasion. New Pokémon Snap's release represents a critical step in Nintendo's broader strategy to penetrate one of the world's most significant and lucrative gaming markets. This move is part of Nintendo's expanding presence in China, with further high-profile game releases planned.
