Microsoft has partnered with China Telecom to distribute the US-based company’s next-generation Xbox One game console in China, starting this September.
“China Telecom announced that Xbox One will be available for purchase through China Telecom as part of its broadband Internet data plan packages'” said Microsoft in a statement. “The company selected Xbox One to be the exclusive console of choice for their Smart Home initiative, making it available to its 30 million China Telecom broadband customers. When Xbox One launches in September, in addition to the China Telecom consumer offer, it will be available to the general public for purchase at retail and online.”
In May Microsoft and Chinese partner BesTV New Media revealed plans to launch the Microsoft Xbox One in China, following last year’s announcement of plans to jointly develop a game console and streaming platform for the Chinese market in anticipation of the government’s lifting of a ban on the manufacture and sale of game consoles in China. The ban was officially revoked last April.
Microsoft Xbox One debuted in thirteen territories on 21 November last year, including the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and will roll-out in 26 countries including Korea, Japan and Singapore on 4 September.
