September is going to be a huge month for Xbox One, and I'm not just talking in terms of game releases. This month alone, Microsoft's all-in-one entertainment machine will launch in 29 additional markets including Japan, Belgium, Russia and, perhaps the most noteworthy, China.
The Xbox One's release in China will mark the first time a foreign video game console was sold in the country in 14 years. China lifted its ban on the sale of foreign game machines back in January.
"I have said many times before that it has never been a better time to be an Xbox One gamer. And with the upcoming launches of highly-anticipated games like Destiny, Forza Horizon 2, and FIFA 15 this month, gamers around the world will be able to play a few of the first titles from the incredible holiday lineup coming to Xbox One," said head of Xbox, Phil Spencer.
"Gamers in new Xbox One markets can expect to enjoy our award-winning line-up including some of the most anticipated games. Groundbreaking exclusives like Forza Motorsport 5,Dead Rising 3, and Ryse: Son of Rome, will be joined by Sunset Overdrive and Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the coming months. The roster also includes blockbuster franchises like Call of Duty: Ghosts and Battlefield 4 and the upcoming Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Assassin’s Creed Unity, Grand Theft Auto V, Minecraft…and more. Rounding out the incredible portfolio includes a diverse set of ID@Xbox titles from the some of the world’s most creative independent developers."
Microsoft notes that some game titles and availability may vary by market. It's unclear what games will be available in China at launch, but the company does expect day one offerings to include Forza Motorsport 5, Kinect Sports Rivals, Powerstar Golf, Zoo Tycoon, and Max: The Curse of Brotherhood, "among others." Xbox One games in China will have a suggested retail price ranging from 99 RMB to ¥249 RMB, while the actual system will be priced at ¥3,699 RMB, which equates to about $599.
Below are the scheduled dates the Xbox One will hit each of the new markets:
9/2: Chile and Colombia
9/4: Japan
9/5: Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
9/15: Israel
9/23: Hong Kong, India, Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan
9/23: China
9/26: Russia
