Sony and Microsoft are tripping over each other... racing to be first in China, trying to get a foundation in one of gaming's largest potential markets.
But things aren't as simple as being first or setting an early foundation.
China is a very conservative country. The authorities are very vigilant of what content comes in and and how it comes in. Violent games and frugal use of online services are a big no no. This is why the Xbox One and PS4 both launched in China with very few games and limited online services/content.
Over here in the west, our love for violent games and online gaming caused us to criticise Nintendo's development choices as well as the engineering decisions behind the Wii U. But when it comes to China the script is flipped completely.
Nintendo has some serious advantages if they decide to head into China and here they are:
1. Nearly all of Nintendo's first party games are high quality, family friendly games
2. Nintendo has been very conservative/restrictive in the way they have implemented online features on their consoles/handhelds
3. Nintendo has an impeccable track record when is comes to showing concern about/protecting the gamers who use their devices.
These are some seriously strong pluses for Nintendo when it comes to expanding into China.
If Nintendo decides to head into China (and I see no reason from a business perspective why they wont), it will be a force to be reckoned with.
Feel free to share your thoughts.