Western Video Game Consoles Allowed in China

SEPT. 30, 2013 • China’s CPC Central Committee, State Council has formalized a new and experimental free trade zone in Shanghai. As a result, Western video game consoles can now be officially marketed and sold within the zone as long as hardware and software are approved by the Ministry of Culture first. The move is the first lifting of the nationwide ban on console sales instituted in 2000. The change is a by-product of larger goals of the free trade zone.....

Wii Fit U Digital Plans

SEPT. 19, 2013 • Nintendo Co. Ltd. is using two of its most important Wii franchises as platforms to further jump into digital distribution. Wii Fit U will benefit from a one-month free digital trial that becomes available for download on November 1. Wii U owners who already have a Balance Board can download the free version of HD Wii Fit U from the eShop any time between November 1 and January 31. To continue playing the title after 30 days, users will have to .....

PlayStation 4 Japan Launch Date Set

SEPT. 9, 2013 • The PlayStation 4 Japan launch date is now set for February 22nd. When Sony Computer Ent. announced North America would receive the new console on November 15 and November 29 in Europe, no mention was made on when the home market in Japan would receive shipments. The PS4 will be marketed in two SKUs: ¥39,980 ($400) for the console with Dualshock 4 controller, and a ¥43,980 ($441) package that includes the PlayStation camera accessory. Consumers.....

Microsoft Grabs Nokia Hardware Biz

SEPT. 3, 2013 • With its 2011 partnership deal coming up for recommitment next year, Microsoft Corp. is paying €5.44 billion ($7.2 billion) to purchase Nokia Corp.’s phone business outright. The transaction amount is about one-quarter of Nokia’s 2012 sales. Of the total, €3.79 billion is devoted to purchasing Nokia’s devices business and 8,500 key patents, with €1.65 bill.....

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