The Xbox One will go on sale in China in September, Microsoft announced Wednesday. It will be the first gaming console to enter the once-closed Chinese market.
Microsoft is partnering with Shanghai company BesTV in order to get the device into the Chinese market. China lifted its 14-year ban on gaming consoles in January.
Although China is full of passionate gamers -- Microsoft said the country's gaming market generated more than $13 billion in 2013, an increase of 38% over 2012 -- they have mostly played on PCs and mobile phones. The Chinese market has been one gaming console makers have long wanted to penetrate.
"Launching Xbox One in China is a significant milestone for us and for the industry, and it’s a step forward in our vision to deliver the best games and entertainment experiences to more fans around the world," said Xbox Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer Yusef Mehdi.
BesTV is a subsidiary of Shanghai Media Group. Microsoft partnered with BesTV last September to form E-Home Entertainment.