Tokyo, Japan – Nintendo will release its highly anticipated console, the Switch 2, in most major markets on June 5, 2025. However, one notable absence from the launch will be in China.
The decision to hold off on the release in China does not come as a surprise, given the strict government regulations on video games in the region. Nintendo is reportedly waiting to gauge the demand for the new console in China, as well as navigate the regulatory landscape shaped by the government.
Nintendo’s partner in China, Tencent, has not confirmed its involvement with the Switch 2 release. Additionally, Nintendo plans to discontinue the Switch Online service in China by 2026, starting with the suspension of eShop purchases by March 31, 2026.
The challenging regulatory environment and the dominance of mobile games in China may have influenced Nintendo’s decision not to prioritize the region for the Switch 2 launch. Existing Switch owners in China have the opportunity to redeem up to four free games from the eShop before the service shuts down, including popular titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Ultimately, the absence of the Switch 2 launch in China highlights the complex dynamics at play in the global gaming industry, where regulatory factors and market trends can significantly impact a company’s strategy. Nintendo’s cautious approach to the Chinese market reflects the challenges and uncertainties that come with operating in a heavily regulated industry.