For the first time in 14 years, gamers in China have a chance to (legally) buy a gaming console, as Microsoft launched the Xbox One in the country today. China banned game consoles in 2000, citing potential harm to the physical and mental development of children. This ban was lifted in September 2013.
The Xbox One was originally expected to go on sale in China on September 23, but a last-minute delaypushed the console’s release to September 29.
With more gamers in China than the total United States population, China is a potentially lucrative market for Microsoft. The company also has a first-mover advantage, as neither Sony nor Nintendo consoles are officially sold yet in the country.
