Nintendo is hitting pause on releasing its next-generation console, the Switch 2, in mainland China.
According to a report by Nikkei, the gaming giant is adopting a cautious approach as it navigates the complexities and regulatory challenges within China’s gaming market.
Console gaming in China faces significant hurdles due to strict government regulations. In contrast, the Chinese gaming landscape is overwhelmingly dominated by mobile gaming. Historically, Nintendo has shown patience with the Chinese market; notably, the original Switch console launched in China two years after its debut in Japan.
Nintendo has postponed the release of the Switch 2 in China indefinitely pic.twitter.com/YoWVdcvsDy
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) April 10, 2025Switch 2 could follow a similar timeline, experiencing delays before reaching Chinese consumers.
For the Chinese launch of the original Switch, Nintendo partnered with Tencent, one of China’s leading tech firms. However, Tencent has not yet confirmed its involvement with the release of the Switch 2, contributing to further uncertainty around the console’s future in the region.
Nintendo’s Planned Phase-Out of Current Switch Services
Further complicating matters, Nintendo announced it will discontinue online services and eShop access for the current Chinese version of the Switch by 2026. This decision indicates the company’s careful and strategic approach to releasing its next-generation console in China.
Read: Nintendo Switch 2 Launches June 5 with New Features
Overall, Nintendo isn’t rushing its new console to Chinese gamers, choosing to cautiously evaluate market conditions before making definitive moves.
