PlayStation 4 and Vita finally arrive in China on January 11th
"Sorry we're late!" Sony's Playstation 4 and Vita will enter China's marketplace on January 11th, 2015, over three months after the Xbox One arrived there. The consoles will cost 2,899 and 1,299 yuan respectively (about $470 and $210), considerably less than the Xbox One's 3,699 yuan sticker ($600 sans Kinect). Sony also revealed upcoming titles specifically for the Chinese market, in line with its commitment to provide "healthy games that are suitable to China's national conditions... as according to the relevant government policies." It's also working with a Chinese partner called OPCD and likely had to comply with government standards to smooth the way for Playstation devices. For nearly 12 years, consoles have been banned in the nation, though they're relatively easy to obtain on the gray market.
There had been speculation that imported games may be censored or completely incompatible with Chinese Playstation consoles. However, Sony said that certain titles like Final Fantasy X and Lehman Legend would arrive, provided the government approves them. Sony will offer black and white versions of the Playstation 4 and Vita to start with, and will launch a limited "Dragon Edition" (below) later on.
As for Sony's business prospects in China, early Xbox One sales in the nation were weak, despite a seemingly enthusiastic reception from fans at launch. It remains to be seen if Sony will continue the trend of eating the Xbox's lunch in China as well.
