China to Relinquish Video Game Ban

China have allowed plans to end a decade-long ban on the selling of foreign video game consoles in the country.

Foreign companies operating within the trade zone will be able to apply to sell within a new free-trade zone in Shanghai. Approval by the Ministry of Culture is required, however, to begin trading within the area. Games could still been obtained through unofficial channels, local companies and simply by playing online titles and MMORPGS and Internet Cafés in the region.

Nintendo themselves had gotten around the strict gaming rules in China by producing a local brand iQue within the region, with an N64 player, iQue DS and Game Boy Advance. More recently, Nintendo released the iQue DSi and iQue 3DS XL in the country, maintaining the iQue brand.

The new rules are expected to be implemented within the next three years or so.