Late last year, China finally decided to end the ban on video game consoles in Shanghai and the areas surrounding the city. There were still regulations and strict rules to follow, but both Microsoft and Sony have since launched their newest consoles over there, although with underwhelming results.
Now China has decided to finally lift all these restrictions and starting yesterday (Sunday), it is legal to buy a video console throughout the country. The ban has been in place for fifteen years, which has led to distinct gaming habits amongst the population, with smartphone games and free-to-play PC offerings proving hugely popular.
It remains to be seen whether consoles will be able to build an audience in China after all those years away, or if the hardware will remain a novelty - albeit now a legal one.
Thanks, Wall Street Journal