What to Expect for Xbox One in China

Half a year after China lifted its console ban - allowing gaming consoles to be legally sold within the country for the first time in over a decade - China's console gamers are yet to get their hands on anything. But the launch of China's first official console is drawing ever closer.

At the recent ChinaJoy game conference, Microsoft announced the device's official price (RMB 3699, or about $600) and its official release date (September 23). The Xbox One is coming, and it's coming soon.

Microsoft begun taking Xbox One orders on Monday through retailers JD.com and Tencent.
 

Microsoft's Xbox One's debut pricing RMB 3699, or about $600, was $200 more than in the U.S. This has made some Chinese gamers resent purchasing the console. Some customers made their displeasure known online.

"I can't afford this price", "Bye bye Xbox" and "I'll buy a PS4" were among some of the comments posted online.

One reason for the high price is China's 17 percent value-added tax on imported goods, Microsoft explained in an email.

But the bright side is that the company will also be offering cheaper games, with the costs ranging from RMB 99 (US$16) to RMB 249 per title.

In addition, the company is including "hundreds of thousands of hours" of entertainment content by bringing hit movies, TV programs and other locally developed applications to the system. "We're confident gamers will respond well to this launch," Microsoft added.

But despite the high price, there are still signs that the Xbox One will sell well, according to local sellers and experts. 

 

XBOX One vs. PS4 - the ultimate showdown 

Winning the favor and wallets of gamers in China is not easy.

During the country's video game console ban, many sellers in China provided convenient ways to purchase various kinds of consoles. Gray market in China imports both PlayStation 4s and Xbox Ones, as well as other video game consoles.

Microsoft and Sony both launched their next-generation video game consoles ahead of the holidays last year, and both boxes have gotten off to a phenomenal start. The PlayStation 4 has clearly pulled ahead in terms of sales, while the Xbox One's game selection still has an early edge.

Here we compare some of the technical specifications of the two consoles for your reference.                           [File photo of Xbox One and PS4]

Source: wikipedia [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

If you were torn on which one to get, have a laugh on the console war before you decide.

Check CBS's sitcom The Big Bang Theory, episode "The Indecision Amalgamation".

Snapshot of The Big Bang Theory [Photo: baidu]

Which console will Sheldon choose? And what will you choose? XBOX One or PS4, it's your call.