Xbox One is the first gaming console to land in China

The first major gaming console to hit the Chinese market is the Xbox One. The Chinese government lifted the 13 year ban over foreign gaming consoles and it appears Xbox has defeated the Play Station from Sony at least in this category.

The ban over gaming consoles was placed in 2000 with Chinese officials fearing over the harmful potential consoles could have on children and young people. However, China became the biggest PC video game market in the world and the gaming phenomenon is considered a social force.

Xbox was the first to announce it will hit the Chinese market in September. Microsoft will also launch the Xbox One in 42 other countries in the same month including India, Singapore, Japan and Korea. Microsoft claims there are 500 million gamers in China and expect to do well on the ever growing market.

Although the ban was lifted, Chinese officials kept one restriction. All games sold with and for this console must be approved by the Ministry of Culture. Microsoft plans to shorten the gap against its main rival, the Play Station for by selling a vast amount of units before the Japanese console reaches China. Current statistics are all in favor of the PS4. Sony officials reported the console surpassed the 7 million marker, while the Xbox One barely sold 5 million consoles.