China-based JD.com has confirmed that it will start taking pre-orders for the Microsoft Xbox One gaming console in China from July 28 this year.
Microsoft released its next-generation gaming-console, the Xbox One, in Nov. 2013. The console has officially made its way to some select countries and Microsoft has confirmed that the much-awaited Xbox One will also be available in China starting Sept. 2014.
On Sunday, July 27, JD.com, one of the largest e-commerce company in China, announced that it has "exclusive right to accept pre-orders" for the Microsoft gaming console in the country, which begins July 28.
"Launching Xbox One sales in China through JD.com 's Weixin and Mobile QQ entry points underscores the strength of these platforms with young and sophisticated Chinese consumers," says Ms. Shuang Du, Vice President of JD.com in charge of the IT and Digital Business Unit. "Through our partnership with Tencent, Chinese consumers are increasingly able to enjoy the JD.com shopping experience directly on China's most popular mobile communications platforms. We will continue to focus on providing the most convenient channels for Chinese consumers to purchase authentic products through their mobile devices."
China is one of the biggest economies of the world and many international companies are entering into partnership with Chinese companies in anticipation of grabbing a major chunk of the market share. A previous report suggested that Microsoft has partnered with China Telecom, one of the biggest mobile communications company in the country and also the largest fixed line service provider. China Telecom has millions of customers, which will enable Microsoft to sell more Xbox One gaming consoles and give a stiff competition to the Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4).
JD.com did not disclose the price tag of the Xbox One in China. The Microsoft gaming console costs around $500 in the U.S. However, a previous report also suggests that Xbox One may have a steeper price tag of around $800 in China. The country's tax system is believed to be one of the reasons for the increased price tag of Xbox One in China.
In 2000, the government placed a ban on the sales of gaming consoles in China citing its negative effects on the mental health of a gamer. Since 2000, Xbox One will be the first to be sold via authorized channels in China and may witness a big demand in the country. However, rumors also suggest that Sony will also join the bandwagon and launch its PS4 in China soon.
