After the recently announced lifting of a thirteen-year ban on the manufacture and sale of overseas game consoles in China, the major console manufacturers are already exploring the potential of the Chinese market.
Sony is reportedly looking at China with renewed interest. “The Chinese market has been recognised as promising, so we’ll continue to explore the possibilities,” said a Sony spokesperson. Microsoft Greater China Region CEO Ralph Haupter has also noted the company’s existing US$237 million investment in a partnership with Chinese IPTV firm BesTV in light of recent developments. Nintendo spokesman Yasuhiro Minagawa has said that the company is studying options for the console manufacturer and game publisher in the Shanghai Trial Free Trade Zone.
As reported earlier, the Chinese government will now permit foreign-funded enterprises with production and sales operations in the Shanghai Trial Free Trade Zone to sell game consoles across the entire country, ending the previous ban.
