The console‑sales ban was different from internet restrictions. Game content review and public social opinion were more important factors. Looking back, the policies made some sense for their time yet were far from perfect.

Back then there were two main ways people played pirated games: compatible all‑in‑one devices and hardware modifications.

The most famous compatible devices were the Subor learning machine and Xintianli VCD. The Subor, endorsed by Jackie Chan, was originally designed for basic computer learning, with gaming as an extra feature. Near the end of the FC product lifecycle, Nintendo calculated that cross‑border legal battles would be economically impractical, so they did not aggressively go after these products.

The Xintianli VCD had partial Sega licensing, but later moved into piracy. Its gameplay experience could not compare with genuine MD cartridges.

For hardware modification, people fitted mod‑chips into PS2 disc drives, and performed RGH pulse hacks on the Xbox 360. I don’t know much about how these work. Before the mainland‑release PS4, there were no official legitimate consoles sold here. Even players who could afford them did not exactly have decent purchasing options.