Nintendo says working with Tencent to release Switch console in China
JAPANESE games giant Nintendo is working with Chinese internet firm Tencent to roll out its popular Switch console in China, confirming rumours that have dramatically pushed up its share price.
“Nintendo... is announcing that a collaboration is in progress with Tencent Holdings Limited... to release the Nintendo Switch video game system in China,” the firm said in a brief statement.
Sales of Switch hardware are projected to rise six per cent to 18 million units for the current fiscal year with plans to release “Super Mario Maker 2”, “Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield” and “The Legend of Zelda”.
The Switch has become a huge global seller, helped by the release of innovative, family-friendly titles that have wowed critics and gamers alike.
The company’s shares have surged more than 12 per cent since news reports said earlier this month that its games and the Switch would soon be available in China via Tencent.
Nintendo boss Shuntaro Furukawa was quoted as saying earlier this week that they wanted to grow China into a major market like Japan, the US, and Europe.
“But the size of the game console market is small. So it might not be easy,” said Furukawa.
The Switch has “enormous potential” to succeed in China, Yasuda said, partly due to the games’ family-friendly nature.
“Chinese authorities have strict rules when it comes to consumer products... you cannot show running blood and corpses.
“Nintendo’s games in general avoid grotesque depictions. I feel it should face an easier time than others when it applies for permits,” the analyst said. — AFP.