Xbox One coming to China in September

Just a few months after the lifting of a console ban, Microsoft is bringing an Xbox system to mainland China for the very first time.

Xbox One is apparently headed to China in September, alongside its previously confirmed Japanese launch.

The news first surfaced via Re/code, which cited sources familiar with the matter, but was later confirmed by Microsoft via the video below.

It seems somebody pulled the trigger on this too early, as the video was posted, made private, and later made available again.

"For the first time ever, Xbox One is coming to China with a full games and entertainment system," Xbox Studios marketing and strategies office Yusuf Mehdi said in the video.

"In China there are over half a billion gamers, so the opportunity to create global and locally created content to delight millions and millions of gaming families everywhere is something that we’re really passionate about."

Microsoft plans to localise western games and produce original titles for the Chinese market.

The regional launch appears to be going ahead as a continuation of Microsoft's BesTV deal, with SMG senior vice president Zhang Dazhong commenting on the partnership.

"Microsoft has created the most amazing family friendly entertainment product in the world: Xbox One," he said.

"We believe that this product will achieve great success in China and our long-term partnership with Microsoft, in my view, is an absolute must. Let’s go Xbox. China’s door is open for you."

China's ban on consoles went into effect in 2009 and was lifted in September 2013. The Chinese government recently detailed its content guidelines for video games.

Thanks, Gematsu.