According to reports from Reuters, the Xbox 360 has bombed in its Japanese debut. Only about 62,000 of the 159,000 Xbox 360 units available were purchased on Saturday and Sunday, according to an independent study by Enterbrain, which publishes leading Japanese game magazine Famitsu. That was also less than half the 123,000 units Microsoft sold of its previous generation Xbox in the first three days of sales in February 2002.
Microsoft has been struggling to gain ground in Japan against home-grown rivals Nintendo and Sony, whose PlayStation 2 console is the global best seller. The world's biggest software maker sold fewer than 500,000 of its original Xbox consoles in Japan, where Sony is estimated to have 80 percent share. "There is still plenty of opportunity for Xbox 360 to increase market share in Japan," said Munetatsu Matsui of Famitsu Xbox 360. Aside from the dismal sales figures, the console has also reportedly seen a steep price cut from $350 to $150 with Xbox Live service. Update: That last line is incorrect, [READ]
Comments
damn, that is one nice price cut! So basically, all of Americans need to boycott the next xbox at launch and wait like 4 days... they will cut the price in half!
Reply
I have a feeling the price cut comment was in reference to the Xbox, not the Xbox 360. If it isnt though... I might be importing a 360 just have around!
Reply
The price cut exsisted from day one. Its when you sign up for 12 months of ISP service you get to buy the 360 for $150. Its pretty much the same as you getting an xbox 360 for $150 if you pay for a full year of aol internet service.
Ps2, Dreamcast, N64 & other systems have had the same deal happen.
Don't twist the facts !!
Reply
While i bust my ass trying to find one, 360s gather dust on japanese shelves....perfect.
Reply
It wasn't the best marketing strategy to release the 360 with such a pathetic lineup that doesn't cater to the type of audience. I'm guessing once more games come out (Blue Dragon, EnCArm, DoA4, etc.) they will see a steady increase in sales. It's sad really, MS was bladdering about how the games will sell the system and that they will change what they did wih the orginal Xbox, and give games that the Japanese population wants.
Reply
Ha. They dont have many games that ANY audience wants. Im hoping their next releases are better.
Reply
Good for them, they have enough sense not to buy that piece of overpriced junk. I just wish people would do the same here in the U.S., cause at $150 even someone like me who doesnt think the console has much to offer, couldnt go wrong with buying it!
Reply
Wow that must suck for the people that bought it at full price. I'm guessing they're not gonna be too happy. Which is pretty bad considering what I mean by "they" is the entire Japanese Xbox 360 install base.
Reply
mr.anon 1049
i guess the ps3...isn't an "over priced piece of junk" am i right to assume that of you?
Reply
I love that about you Vecha. He didnt even affiliate himself with a console, and you presumed it was PS3. Or has everyone forgotten about Nintendo?
Reply
Nentindo fanboys seem to be alot quiter but not the Sony, Xbox boys
Reply
Yea...i have not had any problems with a Nitendo lover...i've never seen any ****s claim to be with Nitendo(or even say nitendo is better)
Reply
lol cuz they cant
Reply