Microsoft is far from beating Sony in the new gaming console war, but the company is reportedly ready to attack a huge market in the coming months. The Wall Street Journal has learned that the Xbox One maker will partner with China Telecom, the country’s most important fixed-line operator, to launch its latest console.
Starting in September, China Telecom will become the exclusive Xbox One retailer in the country. The company revealed that potential buyers looking “to enjoy the games an entertainment experience at home,” will have to sign up for a broadband subscription when buying the new console.
Neither China Telecom nor Microsoft mentioned the price of the Xbox One for China, or an actual release date. The console is available in two versions, one without a Kinect ($399) and one with Kinect ($499) in the U.S. and other markets.
The move into China will give Microsoft access to up to 104 million potential buyers, which is certainly good news for a market where the Xbox and other video game consoles were banned for more than 10 years. The ban was lifted last September and console makers, including Microsoft, surely want to officially cash in on that decision.
