Sony Computer Entertainment will launch the PlayStation business in the People's Republic of China on January 11, 2015, with the release of PlayStation 4 (CUH-1000 series) for 2,899 RMB ($468) and PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) (PCH-2000 series) for 1,299 RMB ($210). "We are delighted that we are able to fully launch our business in China, which is a market with great potential. We look forward to delivering exciting software, convenient services and entertainment experiences only possible on PlayStation to the many gamers in China," said Andrew House, President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

China may be a tough market to crack with strict censorship blocking many popular games. All software needs official approval before it can be sold. For instance, some of the best-selling PlayStation games, such as "Grand Theft Auto" which features gruesome killings and scantily clad women, are unlikely to be approved.

However, SCE says that along its own studios (SCE Worldwide Studios,) 70 third party software developers and publishers are planned to deliver software titles to gamers in China. Additionally, a variety of titles such as King of Wushu (Suzhou Snail Digital Technology CO., Ltd), Mr. Pumpkin Adventure (Shanghai Youju Information Technology Co., Ltd) and One Tap Hero (Shanghai Kena Information Technology Co., Ltd) created by Chinese game developers will be available on PlayStation.

Furthermore, in cooperation with Modian.com and business partner Shanghai Oriental Pearl SUOLE Culture Development Ltd., SCE will provide support to Chinese game developers to bring their content to PlayStation platforms.

This marks PlayStation's official entry into China, the world's third-largest gaming market, after Beijing lifted a 14-year ban on foreign gaming consoles earlier this year. Microsoft launched its Xbox in China in September.