Sapa-AFP Shanghai
MICROSOFT, which was due to launch the Xbox One in China today, has said it would put off the “historic” event to later this year, delaying what was billed as the first game console to enter the market after a 14-year ban.
The firm gave no precise reason for the delay in a statement at the weekend, saying only that it needed more time. It said the release would come before the end of the year.
The announcement comes as it faces a government probe for alleged “monopoly actions” related to its flagship Windows operating system and Office suite of software.
“Despite strong and steady progress, we are going to need a bit more time to deliver the best experiences possible for our fans in China,” it said.
“We look forward to launching in China by the end of this year. The launch of Xbox One will be a historic moment for gamers and families when Microsoft and BesTV bring the first console of its kind to China.” BesTV New Media, a subsidiary of Shanghai Media Group, is the Chinese partner.
The Xbox One was hailed in July as the first gaming console available for purchase in China through authorised sales channels since 2000, after the government allowed foreign firms to manufacture them in the Shanghai free trade zone for sale in the domestic market.
A joint venture of Japan’s Sony, which makes the rival PlayStation console, and a local Chinese firm is planning to start operations in the zone from December, according to a document previously posted on the zone’s website.
An official at the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, one of the bodies that enforces anti-monopoly law, said last month authorities were looking into “issues” with Microsoft’s media player and browser.