China is reportedly close to lifting a ban on video game consoles, the China Daily newspaper reported on Monday. "We are reviewing the policy and have conducted some surveys and held discussions with other ministries on the possibility of opening up the game console market," the China Daily quoted an unnamed source from the Ministry of Culture as saying. The source added that the ban was issued by seven ministries more than a decade ago sand that an approval from all parties would be required in order to lift the ban.

However, an official at the ministry's cultural market department denied the report.

Earlier moves suggest Chinese authorities are ready to take a softer line on game consoles.

In November, Sony's PlayStation 3 received a quality certification from a Chinese safety standards body, prompting speculation that Beijing would lift the console ban.