Microsoft recently launched its latest generation of gaming console, the Xbox Series X. While the console is available in most regions across the globe, analysts believe that the new Xbox will only arrive in China next year.
According to a SCMP report, the Xbox Series X will only arrive in China by 2021 due to a recent decision by mainland regulators to grant the company a certification for an unnamed gaming console, as per the analysts. At the moment, Microsoft has already received China Compulsory, or 3C, from the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China. For those unaware, 3C is the official safety authorization for products that are imported, sold or used on the mainland.
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Analysts believe that these certifications are also indicative of an imminent launch of the Xbox Series X within the country. This would likely also include the arrival of the lower variant within the series, dubbed the Xbox Series S. China is the world’s largest video game market in the world, so the US tech giant would focus on the region despite it not being among the first launch countries.
Daniel Ahmad, senior analyst at game consultancy Niko Partners stated that “We currently expect the Xbox Series X to launch in the first half of 2021.” Although, Microsoft still needs to secure a separate certification from the Ministry of Culture before its flagship console is released in China. The market would also be a point of tension between the company and Sony, who also recently launched its latest game console, the PlayStation 5.
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