450°

Sony, Microsoft Could Make Billions if Chinese Ban is Lifted

While Apple, Samsung and Google are free to ship their devices nearly anywhere, Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo have been prevented from selling their most successful hardware items — video game consoles — in China. That could change in the near future.

According to China Daily USA, Chinese authorities are reconsidering their decision to ban game consoles in 2000.

The ban, which has prevented the legal sales of PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Xbox 360 and other game consoles, was implemented after seven Chinese ministries concluded that video games could potentially harm the physical and mental development of children.

flankhim4113d ago

Nah. They will just re-manufacture counterfeit systems with worse quality.

PirateThom4113d ago

This isn't like the NES where they can mess about with a lock out chip.

4113d ago
flankhim4113d ago

@lorettajason3

Another chinese post!

blackbeld4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

Nice!

Finally they lift that crazy ban.

Chinese folks also deserve some entertainment not only hard labor. They work to much more then 10hours a day. Chill out please.

Daoshai4113d ago

@blackbled

Actually China only allows a maximum of 48hrs a week. The average is 44 hours I believe. I'm from Nippon where a lot of workers end up with many more hours, but I believe that is changing now.

The ban is more about keeping the public sheltered than depriving them of entertainment.

Bereaver4113d ago

Well, I live in Shanghai and I've said it many times before.

You can already buy 360's and PS3 anywhere you want pretty much. Just because it's "Illegal" doesn't mean you can't buy it. They don't really enforce the law. Take a look here.....

http://s.taobao.com/search?...

Or here

http://s.taobao.com/search?...

SolidStoner4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

the fun part is that 50 % of world consoles and equipment comes from China! Yup just checked.... everything about consoles in my house is made in China!!! :)

jony_dols4112d ago

I'd say that both Sony & Microsoft are waiting till they their next-gen consoles are better secured against piracy, before officially releasing in China.

Kurt Russell4112d ago

SOWWY YOR PWINSESS IS IN NUVA CARSHOLE!

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 4112d ago
Knight_Crawler4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

Actually no they wont as I am pretty sure Chine will be in 100% control on which games will be allowed in China.

So No Halo, Killzone or Call Duty in China just good old fashion family game rated E for everyone.

Edit: at blackbeard - true plus the Asian community is not crazy over shooter like the west is and they enjoy RPG's more.

Would be interesting to see what Chinese people are into, Japan loves JRPG's and Korea loves dancing and strategic games like StarCraft so I wonder what Chinese people are into.

Edit#2: Also how will PSN and Xbox Live work in China? I know the government likes to keep tab on everything that goes through the internet so they would want full access to PSN and XBL and I do not see MS or Sony agreeing to this...Google has had a hard time in China and are thinking about pulling out since the Chinese Gov wants to control every thing that comes in and out of China through the web.

blackbeld4113d ago

No shooters, but they can life with that.

They still can enjoy Fighting games, RPG's, racing games, sports games, etc.

Wenis4113d ago

They aren't allowed to make/let games in their country that 'dishonor' the Chinese military as well, or games that dispute China's 'territorial integrity'. But I guess that probably goes for all forms of media/speech in China at the moment..

Oschino19074113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

They have a F2P PC version of COD in china that's basically a mash up of Modern Warfare games.
http://m.pcgamer.com/2012/0...

Also you can get PS3s and such in China, they openly sell them in backstreet stores and local shops. I even have a few online British friends who live in China (Beijing area) and anyone playing COD can see most major Chinese cities have some lit up areas on the world map.

I think the deal with Chinese Government is they don't want other countries making money off of their people without getting a nice slice of the pie for themselves.

Bereaver4113d ago

Most people will just use the Hong Kong servers. Yes, even though Hong Kong is in China, it's still kind of different. And they do have Hong Kong servers. (well at least ps3 does, not sure about xbox)

_-EDMIX-_4113d ago

Favorite comment "they openly sell them in backstreet stores" LOL

HappyGaming4113d ago

@_-EDMIX-_ I remember in the PS2 era they openly sold copied PS2 games and chipped PS2s in Greece :P

kevnb4112d ago

"They aren't allowed to make/let games in their country that 'dishonor' the Chinese military as well, or games that dispute China's 'territorial integrity'. But I guess that probably goes for all forms of media/speech in China at the moment.."

What do you think would happen if there was a game that disrespected the US army?

slaton244112d ago

chinese = karata= fighting games

BISHOP-BRASIL4112d ago (Edited 4112d ago )

@Kevnb

I understand what you are saying, I agreed, but as much as US government would protest and try to ban it, they don't actually have the laws to do so. Even more, they have the laws protecting the creative force rather than the government... Yes it can still be banned, but at the very least, a legal struggle would take place before it happening, they would have to go around the freedon of speech law and try to put it in a light that makes such content look harmfull to the country, it's easier said than done.

In China it's already illegal, so if the government want to enforce a ban, they'll just do it. They don't need to go around and developers couldn't appeal to anyone.

But we know all countries have laws that don't actually get enforced. I don't know of anyone that tried to make a game that would offend the Chinese army (also we had to read the law to see if it specifies what is considered offensive and/or how far offensive to be considered a "dishonor"), so I think we don't know if they would actually ban anything...

The way I see, for all governments, it has little to do with honor and a lot to do with money and public support... If something will burn a hole in the pockets of the Estate or if it will turn the population against the government I would bet at least some politicians would try and (eventually) get such material banned. They always do.

EDIT: Bad grammar... Still not perfect, sorry.

violents4112d ago

@kevnb

If i remember correctly we already had a COD game where russia invaded the US after a failed espionage attempt on a terroist group made the american take the fall(ie contraversial scene called the russian, i belive) and then we had a game called homefront, where the US was being invaded and you are a normal citizen trying to defend your country.

In the middle east they ban games like these all the time because it shows US forces invading thier countries, The US has never banned a game for making us look bad and dont try and act like they do. They dont have the laws to ban things like that because no matter how much you dont like it, by our constitution we are allowed to say what ever we want about our government, good or bad.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 4112d ago
yeahokchief4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

remember when sony's stock was at $9? this could change that.

wow. it already jumped up to $15.

that son of a bitch parappa the rappa was right. you gotta believe.

Mutant-Spud4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

@ bereaver,
Interesting, the prices in that link convert to roughly what we pay at retail for a PS3 in Australia, so I'm guessing game consoles aren't exactly "black market" items in China?

4113d ago Replies(2)
MysticStrummer4113d ago

"They will just re-manufacture counterfeit systems with worse quality."

If they copy one of the original 360s with even worse quality, there might be an international incident.

kevnb4113d ago

queue more ignorant posts...

lfclee4112d ago

I agree they will copy everything including consoles and there is absolutely nothing the console manufactures can do because of the Chinese laws , crazy or what !

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 4112d ago
GribbleGrunger4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

I've been thinking about this since the first mention of China opening it's doors to consoles. They closed that door because of violence in games and it would stand to reason that IF they did open those doors, it would likely be the consoles with a more 'casual' appearance that makes the most from it. Kinect seems the perfect fit, but Sony and Nintendo being Japanese isn't going to help their cause. I might be wrong but I would be very surprised if Sony made more from this than Microsoft. If, of course, it happens. I'm willing to consider any counterpoints though.

ChronoJoe4113d ago

Doesn't make much sense. Sony's products are made in China and typically sell pretty well in China.

Furthermore, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery - they currently have xbox 360 / ps3 knock offs because Japanese consumers desire ps3s / 360 systems.

With that said not much of the 360 lineup will appeal to a chinese market. 360 exclusives are very westernised and the PS3 offers many more games that're popular in the rest of Asia (Korea / Japan etc). So if anything I imagine it'll be the other way around to what you expect. I don't see this benefiting Microsoft all that much unless they want to come up with new content to back a Chinese launch.

Daoshai4113d ago

Chinese boycott Japanese products all the time. We do not have a very good relationship with the Chinese and at the moment its pretty harsh.

I believe China will come out of its shell sometime soon though. I'm sick and tired of my family (parents and grandparents) with their unnatural hatred towards the Chuugoku.

hellvaguy4113d ago

"Doesn't make much sens

It makes perfect sense when you think of it this way. The Chinese have an oppressive communist government that is opposed to any form of freedom of speech. You cant use the regular internet there. It's a heavily government censored internet.

NateCole4112d ago

Well they are not that much more friendlier to the US.

EddieNX 4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

Sony , Microsoft and Nintendo could make billions*

@shut up and take money - Indeed , just seemed like a bit of an ignorant headline lol.

Nintendo and Sony would probably shaft China.

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

fixed.. We both know MS will still have USA and sony wiiU the rest of the world.

Belking4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

We don't know nothing because nothing has been lifted.

adorie4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

China's game industry will make the US look like Japan's, once fully established. they are pushing it too, fast tracking it even. China is nothing to joke with.

Daoshai4113d ago

@adorie

You are giving china way too much credit for its economy. The US dwarfs it, the average person in the US makes 10x that of a China.

solid_warlord4113d ago

Don'f forget the UK...UK is Xbox territory.

Ezz20134112d ago

@solid_warlord

you do know UK is in europe right ?!

europe is ps3/wii land

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4112d ago
DA_SHREDDER4113d ago

I hope i meet the most sexy and beautiful Chinese woman in my nerd life online some day.

PopRocks3594113d ago

Hey, as long as they can all make better products and give us more content, power to all of them.

Show all comments (90)
300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest3d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN3d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan3d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor2d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic2d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv722d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts2d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares3d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv723d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka3d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion3d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer3d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow13d ago (Edited 3d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer3d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
bionicstar3d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn3d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18813d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast3d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

3d ago
Lightning773d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole2d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

3d ago
3d ago
3d ago
3d ago Replies(1)
Lightning773d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

3d ago
anast3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning773d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast3d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning773d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast2d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2d ago
darthv723d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes3d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

Show all comments (44)
290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv728d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle7d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18817d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio7d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning777d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga7d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv727d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19927d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21837d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga7d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan7d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit7d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus237d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv727d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier7d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan6d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 6d ago
purple1017d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos7d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-7d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac7d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1017d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic7d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead7d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 7d ago
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