SHANGHAI - Microsoft launched the Chinese version of its Xbox One gaming console across 37 cities in China on Monday.

Consumers are able to buy the console and accessories in over 4,000 outlets. The new model, launched in partnership with Chinese Internet television company BesTV, costs 3,699 yuan (601 US dollars) without the Kinect motion detection system and 4,299 yuan with Kinect, according to Microsoft.

The debut of the console coincides with the anniversary of the launch of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), and that of a joint venture in the FTZ between Microsoft and BesTV.

With the joint venture, Microsoft has been allowed to manufacture and sell the Xbox in China along with its Chinese partner, marking China's repeal of a ban for foreign firms manufacturing consoles for sale in the country.

In 2000, China's Ministry of Culture together with seven other ministries banned the manufacture and sale of all game consoles in China.

Xbox One is the first game console legally available in China.

Gaming console giant Sony Playstation is also eyeing the China market. The Shanghai Oriental Pearl Group announced this May that it will join hands with Sony to set up two joint ventures in Shanghai for production and sale of PlayStation gaming consoles.

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