After a long delay, Microsoft has finally launched its next-gen Xbox One gaming console in China in 4,000 retail stores across 37 cities.
Microsoft, the world's largest software developing company, has finally released its coveted Xbox One gaming console in China to win the title of the first foreign company to legally sell a gaming device in the country in 14 years. The sale of the console began Monday in 4,000 retail stores across 37 cities in China. Microsoft partnered with Chinese partner BesTV for the Xbox One launch, which was supposed to happen last week before the software giant postponed the dates.
Despite the delay, Microsoft is the industry's first to begin production in China before rivals Nintendo and Sony. As a first day sale, Microsoft is selling a limited edition "China Day One" version of the Xbox One bundled with Kinect and several free games. Due to restrictions from the Chinese government, best-selling titles like Call Of Duty, Destiny, Halo and Grand Theft Auto are left out, Bloomberg reported.
The games that have passed inspection by cultural authorities include Forza 5, Sport, Star Golf, Zoo Tycoon, Max: The Curse of Brotherhood, Dancing Body: eye-catching focal point, Neverwinter OL, Lehman Legend, Stunt Moto: Fusion and Battle meow Star. Half of these are sports or racing titles while others are targeted toward younger players. All future games are subject to abide the rules of the Free Trade Zone set in China, which censors content deemed obscene, violent or politically sensitive.
Microsoft is said to be working with 25 Chinese developers to release 70 new games. The prices of the titles will be at discounted rates. The Xbox One with motion-sensing Kinect sells for 4,299 yuan, which is around $700 compared to the $499.99 price tag in the U.S. The Kinectless version of the Xbox One is selling for 3,699 yuan ($600).
The Chinese version of the Xbox One console features interface and its content in the local language with local payment methods, local customer support, two year warranty and free Xbox Live Gold membership until March 2015, WPDang reported.
