xbox one.jpg (Photo : Reuters)
Microsoft recently went to China with an attempt to boost the sales of Xbox One, which started competing with Sony's PS4 in Nov. 2013.
On Sept. 29, the Xbox One debuted in China, making it the first foreign console to legally enter the country, Bloomberg Businessweek reported.
While Sony bragged about its 10 millionth PS4 sold in August, Microsoft has been mum about Xbox One sales figures after reaching the five million sales in March.
"We know there are millions of gamers there and lots of pent-up demand," Microsoft Xbox head Phil Spencer said.
In January, the China removed its ban on console games, but the restrictions were not totally eliminated. Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are still required to alter their supply chains in China or create entirely new ones to compete in the country. This market landscape is existent because of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone policy, which requires all gaming hardware pieces to be manufactured in China.
In order to sell in China, the three global gaming companies have to partner with related Chinese businesses approved by the government. Microsoft is working with BesTV New Media, while Sony is partnered with Shanghai Oriental Pearl Group.
Sony Computer Entertainment President Andrew House said that the plan to sell PS4 in China is "well on track." He did not disclose any release date, though.
Nintendo is also not giving details, although President Satoru Iwata has announced the plans of expanding with new devices in developing markets in 2015. Nintendo spokesman Yasuhiro Minagawa said that they are still "studying the Chinese market."
Meanwhile, Xbox Live users previously complained about errors with their friends list and profile after signing in to their Xbox One or Xbox 360.
"Having difficulties managing your Friends or Profiles? Us too, but we're already working hard to address this issue," Microsoft said in a statement upon learning the problem.
Microsoft has already fixed these friends and messaging problems with Xbox Live, Game Informer confirmed recently.
