[Bu-aeri's Game Dictionary] 'Nintendo' Craze... Controversy Over Selective Boycott Movement

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) prolongs and the number of 'homebodies' increases, Nintendo's console game device, the 'Nintendo Switch,' is gaining popularity.

'Animal Crossing: New Horizons,' released on the 20th of last month, fueled the Nintendo craze. The price of the Switch, which was 360,000 KRW, rose to 600,000?700,000 KRW, and the special edition wrapped in Animal Crossing characters jumped to 800,000?900,000 KRW. When news spread that the game console had arrived at a major supermarket, hundreds lined up, creating a rare spectacle.

'Animal Crossing' is a long-standing popular game by Nintendo. It features simple content such as decorating a house on an uninhabited island, talking with forest animals, and fishing while freely customizing the island. There are no stimulating scenes like killing or hitting anyone, nor is there competition requiring leveling up. Players simply enjoy the changing seasons on the deserted island, picking fruit, fishing, and maintaining their rooms and village. Users cite this simplicity and calmness as its charm.

Thanks to 'Animal Crossing,' Nintendo, which had been struggling against mobile games, made a spectacular comeback. Its stock price rose nearly 20% in a month. Daewon Media, which distributes Nintendo in Korea, also saw its stock price jump up to 67%.

The shortage of Nintendo products was greatly influenced by COVID-19. It was not only due to the increase in 'homebodies' but also because production was disrupted. Nintendo Korea announced, "It is unavoidable that shipments of Nintendo Switch consoles and Joy-Con controllers produced in China for the Korean market are delayed." Currently, Nintendo has stated that additional supplies will be provided around early April.

As the Nintendo craze swept Korea, some criticism arose. It was seen as behavior that deviated from the boycott movement that began last year in the second half due to Japan's export restrictions on semiconductor materials.

Professor Seokyung Deok of Sungshin Women's University wrote on his Facebook on the 8th, "Last year, photos of people lining up in front of Uniqlo stores were also revealed in Japan, and Japanese netizens gave a lot of criticism and ridicule." He added, "This time as well, the Nintendo sold-out situation was highlighted by Japanese media, and Japanese netizens are heavily criticizing it as 'a country that boycotts according to its own convenience' and 'a uniquely Korean convenience-oriented approach.'" Professor Seo said, "Of course, the boycott movement cannot be absolutely forced. I also respect individual choices. But I hope we can think about it once more."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.