China's ban on video game consoles was temporarily lifted today, making them available to consumers living in the region after 14 years.

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We revealed the plans to lift the ban in October last year, but the actual timing was vague. Today, China opened its doors to Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, allowing them to have a crack at the world's third largest video game market in terms of revenue. In fact, Bloomberg has reported that Nintendo's shares have already risen 5 percent in Tokyo trading to 15,020 yen as of 10:15 am.Consoles were banned in China under a 2000 rule to protect the mental well-being of children against perceived corruption.

Lucy O'Brien is Entertainment Editor at IGN AU. Follow her ramblings on IGN or Twitter.