PS5 Slim Officially Launches in Mainland China
Unprecedented Timing for a Modern Gaming Console in the Country, and Other Insights
The PS5 Slim officially launched in Mainland China on December 1st, just two days after the UK launch of the console, and in close proximity with other main markets for Sony.
Several SKUs have been made available (with different amounts of controllers), but the two main ones are as follows:
.Digital-only SKU: 2.999CNY (US$423)
.Disc-Drive SKU: 3.599CNY (US$508)
This version of the PS5 Slim is region-locked, as is the case with the standard PS5 model as well. However, making both models region-free is extremely easy even for less tech-savvy users, making it substantially more appealing to more consumers who would otherwise automatically turn to the widely available imported models of the console.
The big takeaway with this launch, in my opinion, is that consoles are now officially launching in China in tandem with international release dates! Well, at least this model of the PS5.
This is a positive departure from what we witnessed in previous generations, and even in this one with the launch of the PS5.
We'll see how it goes whenever Nintendo and Microsoft launch new hardware in the country…
The Slim model is being heavily promoted online on social media and e-commerce platforms, but very little offline - from what I observe. Generally speaking, both Sony and Microsoft have been relatively shy when promoting their gaming consoles in China. Nintendo has been a recent exception, being far more present with outdoor commercials and other initiatives, generally.
It’s worth keeping in perspective that imported machines (mostly from Japan and Hong Kong), still remain the main source of consoles sold in China, and a continuous challenge for the official national models to gain ground. The difference in prices between imported models and official national ones is usually small, making it a no-brainer for region-free imports to be preferred by consumers. At least by informed ones.
Overall, the console market in China continues to grow, even if it is still very far from reaching its full potential (even with all restrictions and regulations being considered).
If you’re interested in learning more about the console market dynamics in China, what’s going on with imports, games published and regulations, and why I make the distinction between “Mainland China” and simply China in this context, you can try to read some of the articles I wrote before for Gamesindustry.biz. Thank you.