TECH NEWS – The Japanese company has announced that the Nintendo Switch Store and servers are closed early in the market of 670 million players, before the launch of the successor…
We have come to the end of the Nintendo Switch era. Launched in 2017, the Japanese hybrid console sold millions of copies and had an incredible impact on the company. However, even if the rumored successor, the Nintendo Switch 2, is already on the horizon, the Japanese do not want to give up the current handheld console, especially not when it comes to an organic generation change. Big N fans did not expect this move, at least not in a market like this: the console’s digital store and online services are being closed in China.
Although the news was announced by Nintendo itself, we are talking about a market where, according to Statista, there are no less than 673 million registered players, and more than a million consoles were sold between 2020 and 2021 alone ! However, the conclusion seems clear and unexpected.
The Asian giant will be without a digital store and all related online services from March 31, 2026.
After this date, Chinese players will not be able to purchase games or access other content on Nintendo’s digital store. Also, starting on May 15, 2026, players will not be able to download titles or redeem download codes, marking the end of the platform in the Asian country. This shutdown affects both paid and free-to-play games and downloadable content.
After just six years, the Nintendo Switch servers in China ceased to exist
The Chinese market for Nintendo Switch was run in cooperation with Tencent. The Chinese tech giant was a local partner in the distribution of the console. The Nintendo Switch was released in China in 2020, but initially only Super Smash Bros. Endgame included. Over the years, the Japanese company has been working on adapting and adapting other titles for the Chinese market. Therefore, the console gained more and more space in this important market.
The closing of Nintendo’s eShop in China marks the end of an era for the console. In addition, in this market, due to international restrictions and state registration of games imported from abroad, it has never achieved the popularity seen in other sectors . However, the Switch’s career in China seems to be very short. Nintendo 3DS services have been discontinued in the country this year – no less than 12 years after its release…
2024-11-27 06:21:00
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* Given the burgeoning Chinese gaming market, and the potential of alternative platforms to fill the void left by the Switch, what strategic analysis do you think Nintendo conducted before deciding to close the online store and servers, and what could this indicate about their future plans in China?
## Nintendo Switch: A Premature Farewell to the Chinese Market?
**Welcome to World Today News!**
Today, we’re discussing the surprising news of Nintendo’s decision to close the Switch’s online store and servers in China, effective March 31, 2026. We’re joined by two distinguished guests to Unpack the implications of this move.
**Our guests are:**
* **Dr. Anya Lin:** A renowned video game industry analyst specializing in the Asian market.
* **Mark Nguyen:** A tech journalist with extensive experience covering Nintendo and its products.
**Let’s begin!**
**Section 1: Context and Background**
**(To both guests):**
* The article mentions that the Nintendo Switch enjoyed remarkable success in China, with over a million consoles sold between 2020 and 2021. What factors contributed to this success despite the relatively late launch in 2020?
* Nintendo partnered with Tencent for the distribution of the Switch in China. How did this partnership impact the console’s performance in the region?
* The article highlights the closure of the Nintendo 3DS services in China this year, only 12 years after its release. Does this suggest a larger trend within Nintendo’s strategy for the Chinese market?
**Section 2: The Closure’s Implications**
**(To Dr. Lin):**
* Many analysts are surprised by this decision, especially considering the large and growing gamer population in China. Could you elaborate on the potential reasons behind Nintendo’s choice?
**(To Mark Nguyen):**
* The closure will impact both paid and free-to-play games. How do you anticipate this will affect Chinese gamers, and will it potentially lead them to alternative platforms?
* Nintendo has often been praised for its commitment to maintaining accessibility to its older titles. Does this move contradict that image, and could it have a lasting negative impact on Nintendo’s reputation in China?
**Section 3: Looking Ahead**
**(To Both Guests):**
* Speculation is rife about the potential launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. How might this decision influence the reception and potential success of the Switch 2 in China, if Nintendo decides to release it there?
* What lessons can other gaming companies learn from this situation regarding navigating the complexities of the Chinese gaming market?
**Closing Remarks:**
We thank Dr. Lin and Mr. Nguyen for their insightful perspectives. The closure of the Nintendo Switch store and servers in China is a significant development that raises many questions about the future of gaming in the region.
**Stay tuned to World Today News for further coverage of this developing story.**
