Nintendo is pressing the brakes on the release of its next-generation console, the Switch 2, in mainland China — at least for now.

According to a report by Nikkei, the gaming giant is opting for a cautious strategy as it assesses the challenges of China’s gaming market.

Console gaming in China has long been hampered by strict regulatory controls, while mobile gaming continues to dominate the country’s massive entertainment landscape.

Historically, Nintendo has been patient when it comes to China: the original Switch didn’t launch there until two years after its initial release in Japan.

It seems the Switch 2 could experience a similarly delayed arrival.

For the Chinese launch of the original Switch, Nintendo partnered with Tencent, one of China’s biggest tech companies.

However, Tencent has not commented on whether it will be involved with the Switch 2 release.

Adding to the uncertainty, Nintendo plans to end online services and eShop access for the current Chinese version of the Switch by 2026.

Given these moves, it’s clear the company isn’t rushing to bring its new console to Chinese gamers just yet.