Nintendo to officially launch Switch gaming console in China

Japan’s Nintendo Co will officially launch its Switch gaming console in mainland China for the price of 2,099 yuan or $298. The launch is set on Dec. 10 in partnership with Tencent Holdings Ltd., a Chinese internet-based platform company and the world’s biggest gaming company.

A few days ahead of the launch, pre-orders have begun for the gaming console. The launch opens a major opportunity for Nintendo as it strives to expand beyond its core fanbase and as the year-end shopping season approaches.

The retail price for the launch includes a one-year warranty for the console and the New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe game. This measure by Nintendo is intended to control China’s grey market from getting a hold of the gaming console. The $298 cost is closely in line with pricing in the United States and in Japan.

In the next few weeks succeeding the launch, Nintendo plans to release popular hits Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in China. The hit release will coincide with the China launch of Nintendo Switch Lite, the handheld-only version of Switch. Switch Lite went on sale worldwide in September.