JD.com announced Monday that it will begin accepting pre-orders for Microsoft's Xbox One in China.
The pre-orders will be accepted from Monday to Wednesday through the Chinese e-commerce company's Mobile QQ and Weixin official accounts, according to The Next Web.
While the full pricing of the Xbox One has not been revealed, fans of the console can reserve one by placing a deposit of CNY499 ($80).
The Xbox One is scheduled to be available in China in September, following the country's ban on gaming consoles due to the claim that the devices caused children mental harm, CNET reported. The ban lasted for the past 13 years and was officially lifted in January. The move now opens up millions of potential customers for Microsoft. Through its deal with China Telecom, the Redmond, Washington-based company has access to 104 million broadband subscribers.
The Xbox One will be the first gaming console to be sold in China since the country's ban on all consoles, International Business Times reported. The console currently costs close to $500 in the U.S.
"Launching Xbox One sales in China through JD.com's Weixin and Mobile QQ entry points underscores the strength of these platforms with young and sophisticated Chinese consumers," said Shuang Du, vice president of JD.com.
China Telecomm, the third largest mobile communications provider, announced Friday that it will start selling the Xbox One in September, adding that it would be the exclusive carrier partner of the console in China. The carrier also said consumers who sign up for its broadband subscription contract will be able to "enjoy the games and entertainment experience at home."
Microsoft will manufacture the Xbox Ones in a partnership with BesTV, an Internet TV set-top box maker in China, CNET reported. The consoles will be built in China's Free Trade Zone in Shanghai.
