Microsoft and BesTV today confirmed that the Xbox One console will launch in China on September 23rd. The companies also announced that Xbox One will be priced starting at ¥3,699 RMB ($600).
The Xbox One will be the first gaming console to be launched in China in last 12 years. The local authority recently lifted a ban on gaming consoles, which they earlier thought had an adverse effect on mental health.
Yusuf Mehdi, head of marketing and strategy for Microsoft’s Xbox group, announced the official pricing of the console. The Xbox One without the Kinect will cost 3,699 RMB ($600) whereas the bundle including the motion detection system (Kinect) will be made available for 4,299 RMB ($700).
The Xbox launch has been approved by China’s government, said senior vice president at Shanghai Media Group, Zhang Dazhong. Microsoft is expected to launch the device despite the ongoing anti-monopoly investigations.
Microsoft also announced the exclusive day one launch titles for the Xbox One. The company will launch Forza Motorsport 5 Racing Game of the Year – the highest-rated racing franchise of this console generation, Kinect Sports Rivals, Powerstar Golf, Zoo Tycoon, and Max: The Curse of Brotherhood, among others.
Furthermore, game developers Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and 2K are working to bring several titles to China. In addition, thirteen of China’s best game developers will also bring some titles, including Neverwinter Online. Several more games are under development right now.
That’s not all. BesTV has promised to bring hundreds of thousands of hours of HD movies, sports, and documentaries to the console. Gamers in China will get access to the said content on top of their two free movies per month quota. BesTV has also said that it will bring English Premiere League (EPL) for free for the first year.
In addition, all gamers will get Xbox Live Gold subscription for free through March 2015. Both the companies have committed on providing two-year warranty on the console. There will also be localized apps and ways to complete the transactions.
Could you have asked for more? Do you think Microsoft has gone with the right strategy to make its way into one of the biggest consumer markets? Share with us in the comments.
