China Reconsidering Nationwide Gaming Console Ban

Did you know that consoles are illegal to sell in China? Despite having most of their manufacturing base within the region, neither Microsoft, Sony, nor Nintendo have the rights to sell and distribute console hardware in China.

This may soon be about to change according to a landmark reassessment of the ban on game consoles, which was enacted over a decade ago.

According to GamesIndustry.biz, a government source has brought word to Reuters that the seven ministries which imposed the ban on the sale and import of consoles may be evaluating their decision due to the relatively negative impact it has had on the economy—not to mention the infringement on personal freedoms. The source stated that the policy is being reviewed, but that lifting the ban would require approval from all the involved ministries.

While not illegal for individuals to own and bring into the country (as tourists, or from Hong Kong, for example), the sale of game consoles has been a black market enterprise in China.

Sony is a major player in the Chinese electronics market, and sees the lifting of the ban as a way for them to penetrate the market. Should the ban be lifted any time soon, Sony will be far ahead of Microsoft in taking a grab at the gigantic base of customers.