MS Cosies Up to Japanese Gamers

Despite less than half a million Japanese picking up the original Xbox, Microsoft isn't ready to give up on the country just yet.

For the last few months, Microsoft has talked about its determination to bring Japanese gamers on board with Xbox 360. Today, the company showed its commitment, announcing an aggressive launch strategy for the region.

Ridge Racer 6 will be one of seven Xbox 360
launch titles in Japan

Japanese gamers will be able to pick up the Xbox 360 on 10 December for ¥37,900 (£190) - a hefty discount relative to both Europe and North America. All Xbox 360s sold in Japan will also come with the hard drive.

The wallet-pleasing price comes as Microsoft seeks to eke out a better market share in Japan, where only half a million Xboxes have been sold since it launched in 2002.

The apparent change of heart regarding the hard drive stems from, according to Microsoft's Yoshiro Maruyama, the better broadband infrastructure in Japan and the expected high uptake of massively multiplayer online games such as Final Fantasy XI.

Xbox 360 will launch with just seven titles, but this is promised to bulge to nearly 20 by the end of the year. Maruyama mentioned that there are about 100 titles in development for the console in Japan.

As part of the strategy to win over Japanese gamers, Microsoft is planning to open a demonstration area in Tokyo's Aoyama district. At the Xbox 360 Lounge, potential owners will be able to see console in its natural, living room environment.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games