Sony and Nintendo shares rise on report claiming country may lift 12-year ban on game consoles.

China's 12-year console ban could be lifted. The state-run China Daily (via Bloomberg) reports that the country's Ministry of Culture is holding discussions to consider ending the ban on game consoles it enacted in 2000.

The country originally decided to ban consoles over concerns about potential harm to the physical and mental development of children.

According to the report, the seven Chinese ministries that originally introduced the console ban in 2000 would need to agree to end it.

The news sat well with investors, as Sony and Nintendo shares rose in Tokyo 9.1 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively. Microsoft is not listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

A Microsoft representative told GameSpot, "We are always evaluating how and where to expand Xbox availability to other parts of the world, but have no additional comment at this time." Representatives from Sony and Nintendo were not available to comment.

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