Sony’s next-gen gaming console, Playstation 4, has a release date in China. Again. The console, which was originally slated for release in the Middle Kingdom in early January, saw its launch postponed indefinitely for reasons that were not disclosed. Now, the device has a new China launch date: March 20.
The console will retail in China for RMB 2899 (US$462), making it nearly RMB 500 cheaper than the competing Xbox One, which launched in China last September. March 20 will also see the launch of Sony’s handheld PS Vita gaming device, which will cost RMB 1299 (US$207).
As expected, the PS4’s full launch lineup of games will be extremely limited, with the highlights being a couple of Final Fantasy titles, Knack, and Rayman Legends.
What remains unclear is whether the Sony console will be region-free, as originally announced, or region-locked like the Chinese Xbox One. Many believed the reason for the PS4’s sudden delay of its planned January launch was due to a disagreement with the government over region-locking. Additionally, an anonymous insider at the Shanghai Media Group told Asian gaming site Haogamers that it was indeed region-locking that caused the delay, and that “the delayed launch will not be resolved until Sony agrees to the CPC’s terms.”
Sony does not appear to have addressed region-locking directly in its announcement of the March 20 release date, but a region-free console still seems quite unlikely. China’s Ministry of Culture keeps a tight lid on what foreign games can be legally released in the country, and if the Chinese PS4 isn’t region-locked, gamers will be able to easily circumvent that system by importing unapproved, uncensored games from Hong Kong or Taiwan. It is thus highly unlikely that Chinese authorities would permit the PS4 to launch without some kind of region lock to ensure it can only play Ministry-approved games.
We have contacted Sony for clarification on whether the China console will be region-locked, and will update if we hear back.
(Source: Sina Tech)
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