Tencent Holdings Ltd. and Nintendo Co. announced the launch of Nintendo’s signature Switch game console in China. The Nintendo Switch was on the market in China last month for 2,099 yuan ($297), about the same as elsewhere around the world. Consumers now can preorder the device on JD.com and Alibaba Group’s Tmall.
The game console pre-installed a trial-version game of Super Mario Bros., and more games from the popular series went on sale at a retail price of 299 yuan each.
Tencent said Nintendo is also preparing to introduce Switch Lite ― a cheaper version of the console ― to China at a future date.
As the partner in the Chinese version of the device, Tencent will provide localisation services. For example, players will be able to use Tencent’s WeChat Pay to buy games on Nintendo’s e-store.