PlayStation 5 officially launches in China to fears of low supplies and games censorship

The PlayStation 5 is available for pre-order and launches in mainland China on May 15, six months after its global release. The launch follows Chinese authorities’ crackdown on smuggled video games and consoles to comply with the government’s strict content regulations. — SCMP

Sony Corp announced the much-anticipated mainland China launch of the PlayStation 5 video game console on April 29, weeks after the country’s latest crackdown on smuggled consoles that allowed gamers to play titles not officially available in the country.

The two versions of the PS5, with and without an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc drive, retail for 3,899 yuan (RM2,471) and 3,099 yuan (RM1,964), respectively, according to the company. Pre-orders started on Thursday and the console will be available from May 15, six months behind its launch in other parts of the world, including the US, Japan and Hong Kong, where it officially sells for nearly US$100 (RM410) less but low stock has kept resale prices much higher.