The Xbox One will go on sale in the country from September of this year after the lifting of a 14-year ban this past January. Microsoft will launch the console in collaboration with BesTV New Media Co, a subsidiary of Shanghai Media Group.
China banned gaming consoles in 2000, blaming the adverse effects it claimed they had on the mental health of young people. The restriction stayed in place, with a brief exception made for the PlayStation 2 in 2004. Understandably, China's gaming market, which is currently dominated by PC, mobile and online games, is seen as a key growth area for console makers, what with the industry generating revenues of $13 billion in 2013, a 38 percent jump from a year ago.
"Launching Xbox One in China is a significant milestone for us and for the industry," said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice-president at Microsoft.
The firms did not disclose the expected selling price in China.
"Creators and gamers alike have eagerly awaited a new generation of entertainment experiences in China, and their wait will be over with the arrival of Xbox One this year," said Enwei Xie, who will head Xbox China for Microsoft.
