Tencent Debuts Nintendo Switch in China

On December 10, Chinese technology and gaming giant Tencent introduced the Nintendo Switch portable console in China. The first game titles available on Nintendo’s latest console will include New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Edition, Mario Kart 8 and Super Mario Odyssey, at a price of 299 yuan (~$42).

The Nintendo Switch offers dual functionality, allowing the device to be connected to TVs for an immersive at home gameplay experience, or can be used as a handheld device, enabling portability, a feature that will appeal to Chinese gamers who like to play games in social environments. Tencent will also introduce multiple accessories for the Switch, including grips, steering wheels for Mario Kart 8, wristbands and more.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch May Soon Enter the Chinese Market

Tencent has introduced the Nintendo Switch with many localized features to cater to the Chinese audience, including payments via WeChat within the online store. The console retailing at 2099 yuan (~$300) will also come with a one-year warranty.

It is reported that 105,000 people have already pre-ordered the Nintendo Switch on e-commerce site JD.com. Coinciding with the Switch’s introduction in China, shares of Nintendo were up over 2.5% on Tuesday on the Tokyo stock exchange, hitting their highest intraday level since May 18, 2018.

If you want to explore China’s tech ecosystem but don’t know where to start, check out DecodeChina, a one-week immersion program organized by insiders from Pandaily. The latest installment will take place in Beijing and Shenzhen on January 13-19, 2020. Visit decode.pandaily.com to apply and secure a spot!