Chinese gamers accuse Xbox One of false advertising, attempt returns

Oh dear. Earlier this year, Microsoft managed to be the first company to officially launch a game console in China in nearly a decade, but—to put it mildly—things have not gone smoothly. First there was the crazy-high price, then there was the region locking. Then came news of the restrictions that would make the sale of used games impossible. Then there was the last-second launch delay. Now, the console is finally out there, but some people are trying to return it.

The issue, according to Sina Tech, is that the Chinese Xbox One was advertised as including BesTV video streaming services. An official Microsoft weibo post from just before the console’s September release, for example, said that the console would include HD video streaming which would have “domestic and international blockbusters, with two movies free to watch each month.” But nearly two months after the Xbox One’s China launch, that streaming video service has yet to materialize.

Customers were further agitated when, on trying to return the consoles, retailers told them that returns would not be accepted after seven days unless there was a hardware malfunction. The feeling is that without the streaming service, retailers sold the consoles to consumers under false pretenses.

Following the reporting of this issue in the Chinese press, Microsoft and BesTV have announced that they’re working to intensify preparations for releasing the BesTV streaming service. BesTV will also be compensating Xbox One owners with six free months of its diamond membership for anyone who bought the console before October 10, and three free months for anyone who bought it after.

The video streaming service still doesn’t have a release date though, and it will be interesting to see whether the free diamond BesTV membership will pacify angry customers. It will also be interesting to see whether Microsoft and BesTV can get their streaming service out before their chief rival, Sony, launches the PS4 in China.

See: Game consoles in China: the tortoise or the hare?

(Source: Sina Tech via Techweb)

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Chinese gamers accuse Xbox One of false advertising, attempt returns