Microsoft’s Xbox One will be the first console in more than a decade to launch in China, and we’ve known since July that it’s going to cost a pretty penny. But how many copies of the device do Microsoft and its local partner BesTV expect to sell in China’s PC-focused gaming market?
According to Sina Games, they are planning to sell as many as 5 million. That’s the number the companies have reportedly ordered for the console’s September launch, according to BesTV’s latest financial filings.
But BesTV and Microsoft apparently has even higher hopes for the console. BesTV reportedly believes that the device has the potential to sell 50 million units in China within the next five years and become a major part of the Xbox One’s global sales.
(See: Consoles may no longer be banned in China, but there are still troubles ahead)
Both numbers seem fairly aspirational for an untested market and a console that, as of now, is being outsold by Sony’s rival PS4 in most other regions. But Microsoft does have the advantage of having the first console to launch in China, which may help it get out ahead of the competition. It also features a launch lineup that should hold some appeal to China’s PC MMO gaming fans.
We’ve contacted Microsoft for comment, and will update this post if we hear back.
UPDATE 2014-8-21: A Microsoft spokesperson commented:
While we look forward to bringing Xbox to China, we will not comment on rumors or speculations regarding sales figures.
(via Sina Games)
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