Game console reportedly in the works
Microsoft and BesTV plan to start a joint venture in China that will develop games and related services called E-Home Entertainment Development, reports Xinhua. The news originated from the Shanghai Stock Exchange, where BesTV stated that it would hold a 51 percent share in the venture with Microsoft taking the remaining 49 percent.
An interesting initiative, given the country’s ban on videogame consoles. Microsoft and BesTV’s new entity is expected to be registered in Shanghai’s free-trade zone. The two companies have invested a combined $237 million in the venture.
It’s believed that, more specifically, a console which leverages the Xbox tech — dubbed “Bestpad” — is planned for China. I’m picturing one of those ridiculous knockoff products based on that name; the kind that almost look legit if you squint but have a few too many buttons.
Microsoft to set up Chinese joint venture [Xinhua via Polygon]
