Share

Microsoft finally launches Xbox in China

Shanghai - US technology giant Microsoft on Monday launched its Xbox One game console in China, the first foreign company to enter the potentially massive market after the government lifted a 14-year ban.

The launch, which was delayed a week for reasons Microsoft did not reveal, comes as the US company faces a government investigation for alleged "monopoly actions" regarding other products like its flagship Windows operating system, used on the majority of computers in China.

The Xbox has launched in SA. Read about it here.

In January China formally authorised the domestic sale of game consoles made in its first free trade zone (FTZ) in Shanghai, ending a ban in 2000 originally instituted due to worries over content. The FTZ was established exactly a year ago on Monday.

At a branch of Chinese electronics chain store Suning in downtown Shanghai, a salesman said the outlet sold more than 30 limited-edition consoles priced at 4 299 yuan ($699) after staying open past 00:00. A more basic package retails for 3 699 yuan ($602) in China.

Buyers were lured by Kinect, which obeys motion and voice commands, but some expressed disappointment at the lack of available games in China - only 10 for the launch.

Prices

Prices are also far higher than other markets like the US, where the website price is $400 for the basic console and $500 with Kinect.

"The console price is too high, the first batch of games has no attraction, can we buy something more practical?" said Diu Dasu in a micro-blog posting.

Of the 10 games, half are sport or racing titles. Others are aimed at younger players, like Zoo Tycoon and puzzle-solving game Max: The Curse of Brotherhood.

So far absent are first-person shooter games like the popular Call of Duty series, although Microsoft says it has more than 70 titles in the pipeline to bring to China.

Under the rules of the FTZ, games must pass inspection by cultural authorities, who conceivably could censor content they deem to be obscene, violent or politically sensitive.

Microsoft still beats rivals like Japan's Sony, which makes the PlayStation console, and Nintendo's Wii into the Chinese market.

A joint venture of Sony and Chinese tourism and cultural firm Shanghai Oriental Pearl Group is planning to start operations in the FTZ from December.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella last week visited China for the first time since taking the post in February, in what Chinese state media portrayed as an attempt to appease regulators over the investigation.

The head of China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce, which is carrying out the investigation, met Nadella on Thursday and urged Microsoft to "co-operate" in the probe, China Industry and Commerce News reported.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.91
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.43
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.2%
Platinum
910.50
+1.5%
Palladium
1,011.50
+1.0%
Gold
2,221.35
+1.2%
Silver
24.87
+0.9%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders