China's Internet population tops 123M

Filed under: Culture, PC, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Online, Business

According to the China Internet Network Information Center, the country's online population surpassed 123 million users through the end of June -- 63% of whom use broadband access. There are over 20 million Chinese online gamers and Internet shopping is also up 50% from last year.

In a country where game consoles have had a limited impact, these statistical trends could eventually mean good news for Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, as each company is banking on downloadable content and online marketplaces in their next-gen systems. However, there's still the issue of perceived educational value of consoles in the Chinese market. So until Brain Age-style games take off in the living room, parents of Chinese gamers will still be saying, "bu yao!"

See also:

• More chaperones in China's Internet Cafes
• BestBuy to open Shanghai store
• China, Intel, and the WiMAX agenda
  

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