SHANGHAI: United States technology giant Microsoft yesterday 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.
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 yesterday.
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 (RM2,285) after staying open past midnight. A more basic package retails for 3,699 yuan in China. AFP