Nintendo Switch launches in China on December 10
Launch window games include three Mario titles
Nintendo will launch its flagship Switch console in China on December 10, with Switch Lite to be introduced to the market at a later date.
The platform holder confirmed the launch date on Wednesday during a joint press conference with local partner Tencent.
With a suggested retail price of 2099 yuan ($297), the console will come pre-installed with a demo of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Edition, the system’s only launch title.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Edition and Super Mario Odyssey will be released in the “next few weeks” and the games will have a suggested retail price of 299 yuan (£43).
Nintendo and Tencent are working to localise many more games but said that some titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild require more time as the process is more complicated.
The companies said that well-known overseas developers, as well as Chinese game developers and publishers, will also support the system in the future.
A range of accessories including the Switch Pro Controller and Switch Joy-Con Wheel, plus Wedding Outfit amiibos, were also confirmed for release.
Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto spoke in Chinese during a video message played at the conference.
“Nintendo has long hoped to provide Chinese consumers with Nintendo’s gaming and entertainment, and now this dream has come true,” he said. “I am really happy and thank you very much.”
During another joint press conference in August, Tencent confirmed it was assisting Nintendo in setting up a localised network service through Tencent Cloud.
The Chinese Nintendo eShop will support Tencent’s WeChat payment service, “lowering the threshold for purchase and reducing cross-border procedures”, the companies said.
Providing an update on Chinese launch plans for Switch in October, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa said he didn’t expect the system’s release to have a significant impact on the company’s business results for the current fiscal year ending in March 2020.
It was reported earlier this month that Tencent wants to develop console games using Nintendo characters in a bid to grow its business in the US and Europe.
