Chinese console ban to be lifted for good

The temporary lifting of the ban on video games console sales in China is to be made permanent.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the temporary easing of restrictions introduced last year is also to be eased, allowing foreign companies to manufacture and sell games and hardware anywhere in the country. Until now manufacture was limited to the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.

China’s famously strict Ministry of Culture has said the venture has so far proved successful”.

A Sony spokesperson said that the further easing of restrictions was great news”, adding that the company remains fully committed to the region.

Both PS4 and Xbox One were released in the country last year, although sales have been a disappointment. Estimates suggest both machines will between them shift just half a million units by the end of 2015.

Nintendo, meanwhile, has opted against expending into the region.