for those of you who were aware video game consoles are banned in China (I’m guessing most of you in China, are) this might comes as surprising news. The recent announcement of a new video game console availabe in chinese retail markets apparently sidesteps the console ban that has been in place since 2000.
Despite the fact the majority of consoles are MANUFACTURED in the Pearl River Delta region of southern china, The Chinese government has refused to allow the SALE of video game consoles to its own people, stating it would be:
“The best way to protect Chinese youth from wasting their minds on video games…”
In 2004, the Ministry of Culture set up a committee to screen imported online video games before they entered the Chinese market based on a number of factors ranging from “Violating the constitution” to “threatening national security” and “damaging the nation’s glory.”
The new console doesn’t seem to represent a change of heart by the Chinese government, rather more or less the evolution of what it means for something to BE a “console.” The new console is called the CT 510 and run about 3800 yuan ($600) and as mentioned, one of the main reasons why the CT 510 might have been able to side-step the ban is the fact that, like the Kinect, it doesn’t resemble most consoles. The CT 510 is “controller free” and also offer multimedia experiences beyond just gaming (again similar to the Xbox/PS3/wii).
According to China Daily:
The console will be pre-installed with eight games, such as Kongfu, dancing and gym exercises. It offers dozens of applications for family entertainment, such as watching high-definition movies and reading e-magazines.
Will this lighten the load on censorship in China, or just appease casual gamers who want to fill in the space on their entertainment stands? Chinese gamers are probably too busy hammering away in the arcades or raiding at an internet cafe to answer that question.
Paul Nyhart – who has written 891 posts on The Jace Hall Show.
Paul Nyhart is the Head Editor and Writer of JaceHallShow.com covering everything from game reviews and previews to the cultural impact of video games.

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