Sony was set to expand the PlayStation 4 into another market this weekend with the Chinese launch set for January 11, but have announced delays on the release.
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As reported by Reuters, Sony cited "various factors" in its statement announcing the delay of PS4's launch in China, and that a new sale date has not yet been determined. The report cites a source who claims Sony is in ongoing negotiations with Chinese authorities over some aspect of the launch.
Once the release does occur, it will mark Sony's first gaming console foray into the nation. China only lifted its ban of foreign game consoles in September last year, and Microsoft has already launched the Xbox One there. Sony is currently experiencing financial struggles through the company, with the well-performing PlayStation 4 one of few highlights. An additional market (especially one as potentially large as China) will be a boon to their numbers. The sale of certain titles in China may prove difficult due to strict censorship, and PC gaming has become king in a country where consoles were banned--but the potential is there.
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Reuters goes on to state that Sony was (and may still currently be) in the process of applying for licenses for 30 different games, seeking to work with the government to avoid censorship issues. The PS4 will cost 2,899 yuan ($467). The Xbox One sells for 3,699 yuan, and Microsoft has not yet reported how the console is performing in China.
