Xbox One Will Be First Gaming Console to Enter China

The Xbox One will go on sale in China in September, Microsoft announced Wednesday. It will be the first gaming console to enter the once-closed Chinese market.

Microsoft is partnering with Shanghai company BesTV in order to get the device into the Chinese market. China lifted its 14-year ban on gaming consoles in January.

Although China is full of passionate gamers — Microsoft said the country's gaming market generated more than $13 billion in 2013, an increase of 38% over 2012 — they have mostly played on PCs and mobile phones. The Chinese market has been one gaming console makers have long wanted to penetrate.

"Launching Xbox One in China is a significant milestone for us and for the industry, and it’s a step forward in our vision to deliver the best games and entertainment experiences to more fans around the world," said Xbox Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer Yusef Mehdi.

BesTV is a subsidiary of Shanghai Media Group. Microsoft partnered with BesTV last September to form E-Home Entertainment.