Game Pulse Me

New Pokémon Snap Breaks a 24-Year Drought in China: A Landmark Release for the Franchise

In a historic milestone for the Pokémon franchise, New Pokémon Snap has become the first Pokémon game officially released in China since the year 2000. This significant release marks a new chapter in China's gaming history, following the lifting of a stringent ban on video game consoles that had been in place for over a decade.

A Return After Decades

China's ban on video game consoles, enforced from 2000 to 2015, was rooted in concerns about gaming addiction and its perceived impact on the youth. Despite this, some consoles, like Sony’s PlayStation 2 and various Nintendo consoles, made their way into the market through limited and often region-specific releases. The iQue Player, a console developed through a partnership between Nintendo and Chinese firm Wei Yen, was one such workaround, enabling the release of several Nintendo games under the radar of the ban.

The lifting of the ban in 2015 paved the way for the official entry of modern consoles into the Chinese market, including the Nintendo Switch, which launched in China in 2019 through a collaboration with Tencent. However, the Switch and its game library have been significantly curated to comply with local regulations, continuing a cautious approach to gaming content in the region.

New Pokémon Snap - A New Dawn

New Pokémon Snap, released on July 16, 2024, is the first Pokémon game to officially reach Chinese gamers since the ban was lifted. This move not only reintroduces the beloved franchise to a new generation of Chinese players but also signifies a broader opening for more Nintendo titles in the market. Upcoming releases include Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, alongside other popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury.

To comply with Chinese regulations, the Chinese version of New Pokémon Snap features some modifications, particularly in its iconography. Notably, sun symbols within the game have been altered from triangular rays to dots or rectangles, a change likely made to avoid any unintended resemblance to political symbols associated with Taiwan or the Kuomintang.

A Unique Pokémon Experience

New Pokémon Snap offers players a unique way to engage with the Pokémon universe, focusing on photographing Pokémon in their natural habitats rather than the traditional capture and battle mechanics. Players can explore a variety of biomes, from lush forests to volcanic landscapes, capturing over 200 Pokémon in their environment. This immersive experience allows players to appreciate the world of Pokémon in a new light, emphasizing observation and interaction over competition.

Looking Ahead

The release of New Pokémon Snap in China is a promising sign for the future of Nintendo and other international game developers in the region. With China’s gaming industry growing rapidly, the introduction of popular franchises like Pokémon is likely to meet enthusiastic reception and pave the way for more global game releases in the country. As the market opens further, it could lead to a more diverse and enriched gaming landscape for Chinese players.

Conclusion

The official release of New Pokémon Snap in China is a landmark event for both the Pokémon franchise and the Chinese gaming industry. It not only breaks a 24-year hiatus for Pokémon games in the country but also signals a potential shift in China's approach to video game content. As more games become available, Chinese players can look forward to a broader range of gaming experiences, marking an exciting new era in the region's gaming history.