The 14-year ban on game consoles in China ended on Monday with the launch of Microsoft Corp's Xbox One, which was also the first anniversary of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

Approval for the production and sales of game consoles has been one of the high-profile developments in the zone.

Zhang Dazhong, chairman of E-Home Entertainment Development Co Ltd - a joint venture between BesTV New Media Co Ltd and Microsoft in the FTZ - said the introduction of game consoles to the Chinese market is "the best gift" to mark the FTZ's first birthday.