Gaming Console Ban May Be Nearing End in China

by Christopher Freeburn | November 7, 2012 12:19 pm

Sony PS3[1]Chinese authorities have certified Sony‘s (NYSE:SNE[2]) PlayStation 3, potentially signaling a shift in Chinese policy regarding home video-game consoles[3].

Gaming consoles were banned by the Chinese Ministry of Culture in 2000 over concerns that the devices could have a deleterious effect on Chinese youth, Reuters noted.

Despite that ban, the China Quality Certification Centre certified the PlayStation 3 back in July. The certification is required before products can be sold in China.

While gaming consoles are banned, online and mobile device gaming is permitted.

Though the certification could be read as a suggestion that China may be reconsidering the ban, an analyst noted that only the Ministry of Culture could rescind the ban. If the ban were to be lifted, it’s likely Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT[4]) and Nintendo (PINK:NTDOY[5]) would also attempt to have their gaming consoles certified for sale in China.

Sony declined to comment on the implications of the PlayStation 3’s certification or whether it would attempt to enter the Chinese market. Japanese products are currently experiencing a boycott by Chinese consumers[6] over a territorial dispute between the two countries regarding a chain of rocky islands in the East China Sea.

Shares of Sony slipped fractionally in Wednesday midday trading in New York.

Endnotes:

  1. [Image]: https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/PS3.jpg
  2. SNE: http://studio-5.financialcontent.com/investplace/quote?Symbol=SNE
  3. shift in Chinese policy regarding home video-game consoles: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-11-07/business/sns-rt-us-sony-ps3-chinabre8a60rh-20121106_1_eedoo-piers-harding-rolls-games-on-mobile-devices
  4. MSFT: http://studio-5.financialcontent.com/investplace/quote?Symbol=MSFT
  5. NTDOY: http://studio-5.financialcontent.com/investplace/quote?Symbol=NTDOY
  6. experiencing a boycott by Chinese consumers: https://investorplace.com/2012/11/gm-ford-sales-jump-in-china/

Source URL: https://investorplace.com/2012/11/gaming-console-ban-may-be-nearing-end-in-china/