Microsoft's XBox One to be sold in China

Microsoft announced Wednesday it will start selling its Xbox One video game console in China in September.

Microsoft Corp. says it is launching the system through a partnership with BesTV New Media Co., a subsidiary of Shanghai Media Group. It is the first system of its kind to be released in China.

• ANALYSIS| XBox One: A closer look

In January, the Chinese government announced it would be lifting a 14-year-old ban on all game consoles. As part of the new arrangement, consoles can be sold in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone. Game titles, however, will remain subject to government censorship.

Microsoft's joint video game venture with BesTV, E-Home Entertainment, was the first company to register in the Shanghai free trade zone. BesTV is majority-owned by the Chinese government.

Microsoft says the Xbox One Chinese launch is a "significant milestone" for the company and the industry.