China lifts ban on foreign consoles

Huge news in that China has temporarily lifted a near 14-year ban on the sale of foreign game consoles,  according to Reuters reports.

The suspension of the ban will let foreign companies such as the big trio Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo to manufacture game consoles within Shanghai's free trade zone and sell the consoles across the country.

Other Individual companies hoping to do the same must get governmental approval first, according to a statement posted on the website of the nation's highest decision-making body, the State Council.

Government ministries originally decided to ban consoles in 2000 due to fears about the impact games were having on young people, leading to an increase in popularity of PC gaming in internet cafes.

It was reported in January 2013 that the Chinese were considering lifting the ban. However, the seven ministries which originally enacted the ban needed to agree to ending it before the market could be opened up to foreign console sales again.

Despite this ban however, consoles have remained available in China through unofficial channels, although most game players currently enjoy the pastime on PCs and smartphones.