Xbox 360 already dead in Japan, no Xbox 720?

When the Xbox 360 first released in Japan in November 2005 (concurrent with the U.S. release), you could walk into any given Japanese electronics store and find shelves full of unsold units sitting alongside a few returned units for sale at discounted prices. This was despite the fact that the initial price offering for the system was 39,999 yen brand new, approximately equivalent to over $60 cheaper than the U.S. price at the time.

[THWIP]

A 1/2 million units sold...plus the software that goes with it..., is a helluva a lot better than ZERO...at least in MS's eyes. There's no doubt that # would be higher, if it weren't for the hardware issues. Americans are a lot more forgiving of things like bad quality products/services than most other countries. :o

[ruibing]

Well MS did buy/fund an entire JRPG studio and buy up a bunch of exclusives for this to happen.

[THWIP]

Has Sony not done the EXACT SAME THING??? Yes...yes they have.

[Capt CHAOS]

Xbox 360 already dead in Japan?, no Xbox 720?

Yeah, it's your opinion but did you notice that it's doing alot better than the original xbox?

[decapitator]

Agreed. Is not dead but it is struggling in terms of sales. End.

[mighty_douche]

I'd be interested to see what percentage of 360 sale's in a japan actually are to japanese people, i wouldnt be surprised if most of them are just westerners living there.

[BeaArthur]

Honestly I don't care if it's dead in Japan I just want them to still produce JRPG's for the rest of us. I figure if it dies in Japan than the JRPG's for the 360 might die as well.

[BeaArthur]

You are probably right.

[Lifendz]

and while it may not be as abysmal as the original Xbox, that still doesn't make it a viable endeavor. MS, is it worth the marketing, shipping, etc to do business over there? The Japanese are not jumping in to your system. They want Wiis and PS3s. MS should take that money wasted on trying to sell 360s in Japan and use it to sell a 360 that won't break. And I'm not trying to be mean here, I'm serious.

[NewYork214]

its probably all sales to cheapyd since his keep breaking lol

[godofthunder10]

i said it from the start and i will say it again.an american product will never be succesful in japan,hell even 2 writers for a game mag in japan was asked why the 360 just can't seem to sell in japan and they both responded by saying that the japanese people will support a company from japan first because they were taught to support their country first.then they went on to say that the other reason is that the japanese people just don't like to buy products from other countries especially the U.S.

[JsonHenry]

In other news the sky is blue.

[socomnick]

I don't think that completely removing the Xbox consoles from japan is a good Idea. Even if small there is a fan base in Japan it would not be fair to those few loyal Xbox fans for Microsoft to remove its products from that region. The Xbox 360 is doing better than the first xbox it seems that its only a matter of time that Japan will embrace an American Console.

[mistertwoturbo]

The Original XBOX debuted in japan 2 years after the Playstation 2, and we all know how it ended. The XBOX 360 debuted 1 year before Playstation 3 and Wii, and doesn't look all that much better. If the system debuted the same time as the Playstation 3 and Wii, it wouldn't gain any market share. So even with a year headstart, $60 cheaper than the U.S., and a bigger library of games, it still cant manage to put it's feet on the ground in japan.

Japanese people like reliable products, and are very brand loyal. Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi. You won't see the average japanese family go out and buy a Ford Focus, or Chevy Malibu. Something to think about.

[Dareaver1]

what are you talking about, do you really think that if the 360 was more reliable, that it would have sold better. You really are delusional if you think that. It doesn't matter. The Japanese are extremely brand loyal. That's it, that sums up the whole argument.

When we all were having our horrible hardware problems with the PS2, do you really think that they weren't suffering the same thing. For goodness sake, there was a Class Action Lawsuit. Let's not even forget that the PS1 had to be put on it's side or completely upside down in order to play.

So what does that track record told you. "Japanese people like reliable products". That statement was so full of crap. Sony doesn't even have a squeaky clean track record with their other tech. TV's (and i used to work at Circuit City, so don't try to tell me otherwise). Let's not forget the exploding battery debacle.

The fact is Japanese people are brand loyal, and hold a very huge bias against a foreign company encroaching on their famed territory. If they were to ever loose ground in their own home country, they would loose face. It will never happen, and i feel 100% comfortable saying that. No foreign game console will penetrate the japanese market. Even if some European based company came out with a super console with 100% reliability. Japanese developers would be pressured to stay away. Their country has too much self love to ever let a foreign entity in.

So let's loose the whole reliability excuse. The 360 was doing poorly before the RROD started taking shape.

I love my 360, and it has RROD'd on me ounce, but i'm now confident that it won't again, and i leave it on until the auto shut-off turns it off. So i don't care, plus i still have 2 years of warranty left. And i absolutely believe that the 360 will never do well in Japan. I think the I-Pod has been the only foreign tech to penetrate, and that's because Japan hasn't really come up with a viable competitor.

[Sayai jin]

@mightydouche- I can tell from experience that the where I lived in Japan there were only a handfull of westerners and most of them did not own 360's. It was the Japanese tht brought most of the 360's where I lived. I can not qoute a nation wide number.

As far as the toopic. I find the part about finding them in abundance on store shelves and many returned for discounted sales. I was in Japan and went to a local Toys R' Us for the launch. I saw about 25% of their stock sale that morning, but there was still plenty left. This was the scene at about 5 other electronic stores with some selling a little higher, but there were still plenty there to buy. Over the next year I barely seen any tht were discounted, so I find that part a little akward.

The 360 is struggling in Japan, plain and simple, like it or not. This can be said with any non Japanese product other than the Ipod, right? What really puzzles me is that so many articles are posted about sales, demos, etc based in Japan. The reason why this puzzles me is that there are a few at best Japanese that log onto this site. When articles about the same topic are based on North America and Europe it makes perfect sense. Becuase most of the N4G members are from these locations.

[Vito4434]

I don't think that it is out of bounds to say that Japan generally see americans or american products as inferior. It was an uphill battle the entire time. Maybe if MS put out some hello kitty games it might have had a chance. In the words of Coach Z "Just give me a chance to do a hip hop dance, give me a chance to do a dance."

[wow4u]

Anyone who thinks that is a fool.

MSFT is one of the largest technology firms on the planet, it knows its in for a fight in Japan (as all gaijin products are).

Anyone who thinks that that they arent going to CONTINUE to fight for Japan is a fool.

[MADGameR]

360 STILL has not outsold the original X Box. 24M in 4 years? GOODluck!

[The Wood]

like the unfortunate victims of war

[Lifendz]

I didn't disagree or agree cuz I didn't know what you meant by that statement. Care to clarify?

[The Wood]

that they went to japan and died but get commended for their bravery when they return home

on the serious side

that they were brave enough to go into a tough environment because of the dominance of the local companies. There were many stigmas MS had to overcome in East Asia so it was always going to be an uphill struggle. MS did well to snag some ps2 exclusives like DMC, and all the rest and even Steal Ace combat 6 (im not sure if its coming to ps3) and were smart to try and get quality rpgs into their library. MS always knew the importance of that area called Japan. I consider it the Centre of the gaming industry like Milan to fashion and France for food n wine. So whether they fail or not they should at least be commended for giving it a go.

[Dareaver1]

Finally someone making sense. Great comment The Wood. With competition these console would have never progressed as far as they have come. And people want to dance around like a bunch of neanderthals whenever there is bad news on their (as if they own part of the company) competitors side. Pathetic, childish, and just plain ignorant. Competition is what makes things great. It drives down prices, pushes forth technology, opens up creativity, and it brings the best out of many (won't say all) people.

So let's enjoy our games, and be "Gamers".....

[TheMART]

As long as world wide the 360 is still in the lead, with still 8 mln. in sales ahead of the PS3 and with the new price drop the possibility to reach the mass of people at the 200 Euro/Dollar pricepoint and a Premium for 270 to 299 Euro/Dollar the installed base gets large enough for substantial sales.

A half mln. sold in Japan. It's better then the XBOX 1 but it isn't good. That's for sure. XBOX 360 might become a totally western console, which wouldn't be a bad thing. Wii will dominate Japan anyhow for sure.

[Gaara_724]

here i was thinking it was 6.9/7 mill ahead not 8 u know considering ps3 has passed 11 million 360 still on 17 million odds so thats no 8 million diff is it

[ruibing]

Yeah, not 8 million anymore, you're a couple of month too late. Even 6 million count will be outdated by this summer.

[scoobysnacks]

The 360 is only approx. 7M units lead over the PS3.

The 360 has been on sale for 2 years (actually its about 2.3 years) but lets call it 2 years for simplicity) and its approaching 18M. The PS3 has been on sale for 1 year (yes its been on sale since Nov. 2006 for the USA and Japan, but the rest of the world didn’t get it until end of March 2007, so lets call 1 year), and its approaching 11M.

Now if the PS3 was only keeping pace with the 360 it should be at 50% sales of its direct competitor, but basic mathematics shows, 11 / 18 x 100 = 61%. The PS3 is actually globally out pacing the 360, when comparing 1 year of sales. That’s because even though for most of 2007 in the USA the 360 outsold the PS3, in Europe, Japan, it hasn’t sold so well (especially Japan).

The PS3 is selling reasonably well in all regions now, and the Wii is outselling both MS and Sony globally. MS needed to drop the price in Europe to try and gain on PS3’s strong position their. We need MS in this console race to keep things competitive and give gaming a new age with their excellent and hard to beat xbox live service, its the reliability of the 360 hardware that is letting them down. They really haven’t done well in Japan, so does that mean they wont release a so called “720” 3rd generation xbox in Japan, maybe, maybe not. But, MS really needed to do better in the land of the rising sun.

[LaChance]

They are sellin two times better than the xbox 1 , so because thay are selllin double what they used to and thers a big chance that the 720 sells twice as good as the 360 they are not going to realease the 720 in Japan ? I dont see any logic overhere.

[butterfinger]

what gives you the ability to predict that the 720 will sell double what the 360 sold? You completely spoke out of your a$$ on that one. I guess I'm waiting for the PS3 to sell double what the PS2 did now...

[Kleptic]

some of you guys are unbelievable...the 360 doing 'better' than the original Xbox is beyond funny...while it is true that its selling better...you need to consider the the real picture hovering over all of it...

The original Xbox launched right when the PS2 started to gain speed...and it was pretty much an instant game over worldwide for all competition after that...that was bad EVERYWHERE for the XBox brand, let alone the foreign soil of Japan where it barely had a prayer if it was the only system available...

the 360 launches a year before the PS3 and the Wii this time around...yet only controlled 11% of the market within months of the competition launches...which has since slipped down to 7%...

yeah...thats 7% dude...in the electronics business, a 7% market share usually has terms like 'money pit' or 'waste of everyone's time' attatched to it...you say its 'selling better' than the original Xbox...way to spin it I guess...but it needs to sell exponentially better to even be competitive with the other brands...and things are simply looking worse for the 360 in months/years to come...

HD-DVD had a higher market share than 7%...and look what happened...Not sure why its so hard to grasp...and why people try to say 'well its doing so much better than the first Xbox in Japan'...'so much better' is entirely subjective...It has gone from an absolute failure on every level (Xbox 1)...to an absolute failure on all but one out of 90 levels (360, the one level being it getting out the door first)...

[perseus]

I know quite a few westerners in Japan, and none of them own a 360 or a PS3. Western immigrants are either English teachers without enough money to waste, or professionals without enough time to waste.

Anyway, there are only about 200K westerners in Japan. Even if every one of them bought a 360, it wouldn't make up the numbers sold.

[king0ni]

You forget a VERY large portion of the westerners in Japan. Without doing any research, I would guess to say the source of the majority of westerners in Japan. Members of the U.S. military and yes, a large portion of them do own gaming consoles. Probably not too many of them shop for things like Xbox off base though.

[mighty_douche]

"there are only about 200K westerners in Japan"

You got a source dude? because i find that hard to believe.

[The Closing]

King is correct. I've played online with plenty of US military stationed in Japan.

[perseus]

Yeah, I got a source. Can you read Japanese? If not, look at th wikipedia article. Koreans 1 million, Chinese 500K, Filipinos 500K, Brazilians 250K, Everyone Else = 250K.

@king0ni

I didn't forget the USFJ, but they tend to buy stuff at the RX so they can get English manuals. My original comment included that point, but I decided it was blatantly obvious so I deleted it.

[Frnicatr]

Did you do what I think you just did?
Did you just cite Wikipedia?
You consider that a reliable source of information?

[perseus]

I suggested that if he couldn't read Japanese, he look at the Wikipedia entry on demographics in Japan, which uses the Ministry of Justice figures.

Here: http://www.moj.go.jp/PRESS/...

2005 numbers, but close enough. Filipino numbers have risen drastically in the last three years, and this doesn't seem to include 2nd generation Koreans who haven't taken citizenship. Other than that, the numbers are similar.

[Sayai jin]

king0ni -The US miltary sales (AAFES) does not get acounted into Japanese sales figures. They buy there conosles from a US military store on their base called AAFES BX/PX. This goes toward US sales figures. Your right about many of them not shopping of base for consoles and games, well at least the 360, becuase then you have to worry about region coding.

[Sir Ken Kutaragi 3]

News like this MAKES MY DAY!!! ;-D
Next Europe
Then U.S.A!!! ;-D

[THWIP]

You work for Atari now...time to put the stupid bias aside, and root for ALL consoles. After all, Atari would be out of business, this gen, if it relied on PS3 software sales.

[Sir Ken Kutaragi 3]

Japanese are CLEVER thats why!!! ;-D

[caffman]

because you've just insulted every person who isn't Japanese

[Gaara_724]

hes telling the truth tho there sooo smart compaird to us

[The Closing]

The word is "motivated."

[CaliGamer]

This story goes to show that the American perception is really narrow. The 360 is doing excellent in the US and OK in other regions but very poorly in Japan.

The Japanese have Wii and PS3 from 2 companies that have established their reputation as console manufacturers and industry leaders in gaming, why on Earth would any Japanese person choose a 360 with those alternatives.

The 360 is doing well in the US, but the PS3 is catching up. The overall picture IMO would put the 360 in last place at the end of this year if WORLDWIDE sales are examined.

The 360 has given MS a poor reputation due to their hardware, and I think this is their biggest mistake. They have a solid library, and a flawed but decent machine but their reputation is not that great.
People demand quality around the world but in the US it seems like people are slow to take action when something is broken and are easily appeased (3 year LIMITED extended warranty), that is why MS has not fully taken care of the RROD problem and doesn't even acknowledge the other issues because consumers don't send the right message.

This story does not surprise me, what should be surprising is how popular the 360 is even with the faulty hardware. I hate to say it but I hope the 360 dies all over the world as I don't want MS's idea of a quality console spreading to other companies. MS needs to pay its dues if it wants to become a worldwide contender in the console industry but all I see is them trying to use their money as a substitute for building a good reputation.

[kingme71]

I completely agree with what you said. If MS came out 6 months after release and said, yeah we acknowledge we have issues with our hardware and actually fixed them they would not be in the mess they are in now. Instead they give everyone a 3 year pass on repairs and throw a game or free month of Live at them to keep them quiet, then try not to bring up the fact they have issues or downplay the numbers.

Japanese are fiercly loyal to their homebrands. The culture over there is completely different than in the US and many other nations in the world. A Japanese product means quality and the Japanese are very proud of that. For an American company to try and sell their broken product against homebrands is probably a running joke in Japan and makes the US look rather bad in the manufacturing dept.

[The Closing]

Except if you knew anything about history you would know the US gave them the manufacturing line, as well as built them back up and industrialized their nation. They can laugh all they want, but truth is the rely just as much on the US. It's a two sided blade.

[Dareaver1]

my reasoning you can read above. But just to elaborate on something one of you said. Someone stated that if 360 owned up to their faulty hardware and fixed the problem things would have been better.

You honestly think that? That sounds delusional to me. And it might not have been 6 months, but they have owned up to their faulty hardware, enacted an expensive 3 year warranty, and have been trying to decrease the chip sizes to squash the problem. I don't know where you have been, but in my honest opinions, that sounds like an attempt to do everything you asked. And where has that gotten them in Japan, nowhere.

But let's talk about a console that when launched had massive disc read errors. The company that manufactured that console never admitted to the faulty hardware. Until......, there was a Class Action Lawsuit. And what was this company's name. Oh I remember Sony, so soon we forget. I'm not trying to bash Sony, but some of you come up with this notion that reliability was a major factor in the 360's success (or lack of) in Japan. I can tell you what is the major factor in the 360 not doing well in Japan. The fact that it is not made by a Japanese company. End point. So stop with the excuse about reliability, that might be a major factor in other countries, but not there. They could care less.

Oh and remember the whole reason they didn't like the original XBox, it was too big remember. Well, News Flash, the PS3 is just as big. So what conclusion can you draw from that?

[Sayai jin]

@CaliGamer-Some of what you said was on point. I will tell you this though, the reason why the 360 does not sell well in Japan is for one simple reason. The Japanesease have loyalty to their hoe grown products. The Japanese have the worlds 2nd best economy in the world. The reason why their economy is so good is because so many countries import their cars, electronics, etc. If they started to buy other products at huge margin then their econmy would start to falter. Think of this, how many non Japanese products sell well in Japan? Other Ipod and if you want to consider Windows (not really a physical items). Nothing else comes to mind.

[The Closing]

Agreed. That's absolutely the reason. The Japanese have a little thing called national pride. They know what's good for their own economy, and they actually care about their nations future. Which is something the US needs to take note of, and stop letting the rich in power screw over the country so that it can line their own filthy pockets even more so, and totally screw the nations future.

But I gotta admit the original xbox system/controller was stylistically the worst designed hardware in history. They might as well been mountain dew vending machines in the late oh so EXTREME 90'S!!! The first controller was complete junk.

[Dareaver1]

I agree, the Original XBox controller was massive ( I kinda miss the Duke though), but the major complaint was that the console was too big and heavy. They didn't even give it a chance to say that the console's controller was too big. People just assumed that the japanese hands were too small to use the controller, which might have some validity. But all in all, they didn't give the console a chance.

Remember the Original XBox crushed the PS2 graphically and performance wise, for them to buy into it would have been admitting that their Home grown console was inferior. And in my opinion, they were not going to let that stigma fly in their own country. So regardless, it had no chance, they were just looking for a reason to not like the console.

[The Closing]

There was no reason for anyone to buy the original xbox anywhere since so many had the ps2 with it's superior library, and no one was ready for a change especially such a minor one in the scheme of things. It was just bad timing, but then again it was doomed to fail in Japan even if they launched at the same time or even if it had a superior line up.

[wow4u]

The USA is the largest market in the world. MSFT is dominating in America.

Japan will come around in time.

Why would the company in 1st Place give up? They're moving into the Japanese market by dealing with the Devs/Publishers. They're a global firm, and a relentless competitor.

This article is just foolish. It doesnt cost anything to put a product on a shelf in Japan, and the Gaming Industry is a Global Scale product, no one (Ninty/Sony) would just give up on a major market.

Japan isnt the most important market, the USA *is* the most important producer and consumer (by size/sales). And, the Xbox 360 is DOMINANT in the major market.

If Japanese Publishers/Devs want to sell titles, they're going to have to do business with Microsoft's Xbox 360.

Can we PLEASE start thinking with our heads around here? Its time to take the fanboy-hats off and your head.

[The Closing]

How is M$ in the lead? Oh, that's right they aren't. M$ is behind Nintendo, was beat out in NA from Sony for the past few months, and behind all three systems around all other major Countries. Do some basic research cuz it's you who needs to start thinking with your head.

[InYourMom]

Actually, the 360 has the largest install base with the Wii close if not just recently going over the 360. I believe that is what he is referring too so yes, the 360 is in the lead or neck in neck with the Wii at least.

[t-0_ot-]

Phil Harrison PS3 - Well, I wouldn't say that.. Mr. (Atari) Phil Harrison

[king0ni]

A lot of people are quick to point out that the Xbox 360 is doing better than the original Xbox in Japan. Only problem being overlooked is that the original Xbox launched nearly two years later than the original PlayStation and the Xbox 360 launched one year ahead of the PS3 and Wii. Of course the 360 will have done better than the original! It’s only common sense considering the circumstances under both launches, but I would hardly call a quickly shrinking 7% of market share any measure of success.

I would hypothesize that if the Xbox 360 had not released one full year ahead of its competitors, it would have likely fared no better than the original. Take that as food for thought.

[wiizy]

poor microsoft, xbox is all but dead in japan. they should have been at least able to compete better with sony.. wii has no equal

[Says you]

not a retarded system that keeps breaking alot only a moron would root for such a crappy system oh yeah thats right its the guys that are supporting the companpie considering people around the world (except) for the u.s is actually rooting for that piece of junk!.

[Teabag Sony]

You are such a clever individual using someone else's name and picture. You smarter than everyone, right? Time to let go of your moms apron and experience the real world.

[KYU2130]

no if microsoft were to pull the XBOX brand out of japan then it would show a definite sign of weakness. and while i am not a big fan of microsoft, that just would be stupid. sales all over the asian would stall out and it could affect their numbers in other asian markets. This would also no longer make the XBOX brand a (worldwide) gaming system.

[Doctor Strange]

At least Microsoft tried, getting Mistwalker on board was a good idea even if they didn't sale like they were hoping for.

I don't really see MS picking up in Japan either.

[GrimWarrior]

Microsoft needs some genius Japanese heads in order to change their situation there!!!

I bet Miyamoto is ROFL'ing at them right now!! or maybe a sinister laugh... MUAHAHAHAHA... so desu ka!!!

[HarryEtTubMan]

Just like Sony said when they called out Micrsoft 3 days ago... Xbox 360 is selling ALMOST EAXACTLY Like the FIRST XFLOP.

Xbox 360 is going to lose.

[Varsarus]

They're doing poor in Europe too, except for UK.

[Expy]

The 360 will never succeed in Japan. End of story.

[tordavis]

Dareaver1 gets the N4g poster of the year and bubbles from me every time he posts. He's one of the few dudes here that actually has any sense.

*clap*

[Dareaver1]

I appreciate the sentiments....

[The Wood]

good on ya both

id also add Silellak and Jenzo to the list of good commenter's on the other *cough* 360 side. Bladestar tried to be like these guys but he got consumed by the 'sony boys fault' bug

Enough is said about the obvious fanboys but not enough about the members who are raising the quality of N4G

there are many good commenter's on N4g on both sides I just didn't name them all

[ISA_Scum]

Microsoft has a few exclusive RPGs coming from third-party devs that will more than likely end up just like Trusty Bell (Eternal Sonata) and end up getting ported to PS3 to make up for a lack of sales. The XBOX just doesn't sell in Japan, they lose there more based on the manufactuer's own reputation rather than the product's. What Sony needs to do (for Japanese players and for me) is get some freaking exclusive RPGs out there other than Folklore. I think it's time for them to roll out White Knight Chronicles.

[7h3ultim8p00]

I think MS should pull out of Japan, but take with it all the lessons it has learned from trying to sell in Japan, such as NOT making your console only be about shooters and trying to appeal to a wide variety of people. MS should just stop selling in Japan period. The Japanese will always buy stuff from their own country, and they will especially NOT let an AMERICAN company rule over there. I mean, we only like...I dunno...BOMBED their country with nukes.

I say no 720 in Japan.

[The Lazy One]

Why would M$ pull out of japan? That would look really bad for their business across the globe. More likely they stop trying to focus so much on japan, while still releasing it there. I really wish they took some of the resources they put into Japan into the rest of the world and just accepted that Japan probably won't buy much into any non-Japanese console (especially when there's two competitive Japanese consoles on the market)

[zonetrooper5]

You do know that the 360 actually has alot of different games, its just that people are sterotyping it to be a shooter only console. Hell the PS3 is gonna have 2 major shooters this year. If you look at the upcoming exclusive games for the 360 this year you will see variety:

Banjo Kazooie 3 - Platformer
Fable 2 - RPG/Action
Too Human - action/hack and slash
Halo Wars - RTS
NG2 - Action/ hack and slash
Alan Wake - Horror/survial
Gears of War 2 - TPS

Thats what I can think off the top of my head, while the 360 is doing poorly in Japan its doing better than the original Xbox and the calls for pulling out of Japan is stupid and not wise. Its in MS's best intersts that they build up the fanbase slowly but surely.

[Malacath]

I couldn't care less if the xbox is dead in japan or not.
The games that actually matter are made in North America and Europe anyway and at the moment most of them are being released on the 360.

The 360 still sells well in the US and the UK which means that the american and european developers will keep making games for it.

[Revvin]

There will always be a Japanese Xbox, its unthinkable to ignore that market. With each new release they make a small gain in that territory and even if that gain is just a spoiler to sales for Sony then Microsoft have to be there.

[Niclas]

It dosnt really look like Japan will take the 360.. but heyy .. Amerika isnt really raping the PS3's either..

[Citizen Cook]

Job done. Victory guaranteed.

HA HA HA HA!

[Laexerias]

Honor is nothing what can be bought. Thats why Microsoft losed. Hihi...

[ASSASSYN 36o]

I hope the next xbox is never launched in Japan. I could care less if they don't receive it. Microsoft can spend advertisement and time focusing on regions that actively support purchasing their console. It is a futile attempt to penetrate Japans market as an American product. Japan has no tolleration of gaming technology that does not have the origin of their country in todays market.

[cpt_kaos]

Yes japanese are loyal to there companies and rightly so as the majority of there products are superior.

But then again to claim they are not willing to support foreign products is rubbish.

Ipod , macdonalds , oh yeah and that american console way back in the 70's what was it called again..oh yeah the Atari 2600.

If a reliable product enters the japanese market they will support it.

With ps1 problems on there first console attempt were rectified and fixed quickly and by the way I have one of the original ps1 that I don't need to turn upside down to play and is still going strong like what more than 10 years.

PS2 had some issues which like the ps1 unlike the 360 techs were also rectified quickly and yep you bet got a PS2 that gets more use than the white door stop 360 I hardly turn on because it so damn unreliable and will be flogging it off for a PS3 to sit proudly by that other reliable console the Nintendo WII.

[The Lazy One]

McDonalds isn't even in the same realm as the 360 in terms of product popularity/acceptance. The atari also didn't face any major japanese competition.

[perseus]

That's the point. This whole thing about Japanese people being too biased to support a foreign product is silly, and McDonald's is proof of that. You can find a McDonald's on every street corner, and they outnumber most (if not all) Japanese food chains.

If the Japanese hated foreign products so much, they wouldn't love McD's, right?

The problem isn't nationalism, it's just brand loyalty. If someone has always bought Nintendo, why would they start buying MS? IF someone wants to play FF, why would they buy XBox for it?

The fact that so many people bring up "Japanese bias" in this argument is just proof of Western paranoia and racism. You don't shout about that bias in Europe when people don't buy Chevrolet, why do it about Japan?

[otherZinc]

for gaming!

Look at their #'s compared to the US.

[heavyarms]

Try Japanese are anti-american or anything western. Bunch of bs with all the anti-microsoft articles on this site. The last year this site has gone from being one of my favorite sites to being one of my least favorite because of all the bs that gets called news. Take it from someone that owns both consoles ps3 and 360 they both are great consoles, both have great games and play all kinds of media on it. All the articles about microsoft sucks etc is all from HATERS, bunch of haters and mainly from people that run this site.

[PSWe60]

it has nothing to do with the abysmal sales of the 360 in Japan, the RRoD, 33% failure rate, Bill Gates leaving, HDDVD losing the format war, developers now accepting the PS3, the 1 year head start disapearing in 7 months after the Wii launch, stupid comments by your fellow idiot x-bots, Europe ditching the 360 for the PS3. This whole site and its articles is all BS created just to kill the 360.

you're an f'ing morons man...pathetic moron

[Ureval]

I personally dont care. Ive lost faith in the Japanese market. They arent gamers anymore, they are more into silly peripherals then games, and considering the amount of great games coming out on the 360, if they arent buying it then Im not to concerned with whats popular with them.

[PSWe60]

Japan was never an issue, when Microsh!t loses Europe too then you're going to hear the real cry babies b!tchin' and whinnng from the x-bots.

Great arguement by the way..."A half mln. sold in Japan. It's better then the XBOX 1 but it isn't good"

you are the typical x-bot aren't you? an IDIOT!
you got some M$ pubes in your teeth by the way

[InYourMom]

Why are you insulting him? What he says is the truth, it did sell more than the original Xbox and I'm sure that is something that MS had hoped for and why they will continue the 360 in Japan.

He isn't using that as an excuse for the poor performance more than just stating the reality.

If anyone has pubes in their teeth it's you for trolling an Xbox article calling people "xbots". The only thing your missing is the "jump out, play beyond" on your comment.

[PSWe60]

thank you for proving my point

PWNED!

[sabbath420]

And I currently have 23 games for mine. I have had a total of 63 games I have bought since launch day of the 360. I of course have traded or sold on ebay 40 games. The point is Most people that own a 360 buy a ton of games, and will continue to do the same in the future. Who even cares about japan? Lots of great games are here and have been.

[MRMagoo123]

what are you on about if it wasnt for japan you wouldnt have alot of things you have right now.You definalty wouldnt have ur oh so special xbox so go eat crap you idiot.

[Trick Nolte]

Becuase i dont think so. The 360 base only need the support of Japanese Devs, not the support of Japanese gamers. Nuff Said

[poopface1]

and they will most definalty still show love for the 360 simply cause the rate it sells games, here in the US and somewhat in europe too. Its not like the ps3 is doing super there(Japan) either. I see them mostly buying the wii and handhelds. Hopefully the 360 and ps3 still get some serious forign game love(over here), cause if they dont then who will the awsome developers start making games for, the wii? Well IM ready to show the japanese developers that americans will totaly but therir games if they make them kick some serious A (cant wait for june 3rd, ninja gaiden time woot)

[poopface1]

saying sony will kill 360 in Japan by the end of 2008. Then we were all like "sh@ts been dead for a while" and now the propper article is being shown. LOL. Can we actually have some NEWS that isn't as old as the original xbox.

[psnDevistator356]

Everyone already has known that the 360 was dead in japan as soon as it was introduced.

[RINGOFDEATH]

Japan dont want to buy poor systems like the 360 (aka RROD) that keeps on breaking,they got smart and stop buying,unlike the US,they keeping buying their 360's even when it breaks over and over again,how lame,plus MS dont even treat their customers good,they give them the run arounds but still the US still buy's it.

[poopface1]

I bought a 360 7 months ago and it hasnt broken yet(its been on for at least half a day before). It wouldve been far more stupid for me to by a blue ray player with only one 10 hour game that I actually wanted to play. Japan wouldent buy the 360 if it was 100% reliable. If my 360 broke I can get it replaced at best buy, or use 350 credit I have to buy a ps3, and I wouldent even dream of trading my 360 for a ps3 even if it breaks 5 times. Ill get a ps3 to supplement my gaming needs but I really dont think it could fill the shoes of my 360, EVER.

[Gish]

Curious... Are there so many typos since people from all over the world use this site and English may not be their native language? Is there an abundance of young people still taking English class? Or is this a sign of our gaming community? The unfortunate part is that the spell check won't catch words that are spelled correctly but aren't properly used (ounce/once). Just had to speak up since it's just something interesting I recognized.

[Gish]

Woohoo! Just realized I have 6 bubbles now. Still have no clue how you gain them but hey I will take what I can get.

[Dannagar]

When the Xbox 360 is no longer supported by Microsoft or third parties, then it's a dead system (in Japan). Though the Japanese market is bias toward foreign products, that's not enough to bill the Xbox 360 as dead.

[wow4u]

You know who wishes the Xbox 360 were "dead" in Japan? Sony and Nintendo.

And the wishful thinkers here.

[BubblesDAVERAGE]

Just look at all the console trends from each generation...japan is still important

[Rocko]

Let them keep their casual garbage.

[bluegoblin]

you're funny

[Rocko]

Indeed I am.

[sumfood4u]

XBOX original was hella huge only BigFoot or McDonald's Grimus could wield it! As for being dead in Japan you mine as well make it a collectors item! It is a shame that the Japanese would rather buy a bag full of Marbles or play Kinco Balls over going to Xbox System!

[Obama]

Maybe because marbles and kinco balls are more realiable? XD

[Boomer]

If the japanese want to play games other than ps3 or wii they'll do it on a pc. they dont need xbox, to them its redundant and retarded.

[DFresh]

Since when has the 360 ever had any effect over Japan none.
Since when did the 360 have any effect on Europe only 1 England.
360 never really had a chance.
MS blew it's load in 2007 and even then the PS3 outsold the 360 world wide by 2 million even though Halo 3 and Bioshock was released.
I'm not making things up.
If you ask me I think Halo 3 was rushed too fast.
Graphics could of been better.
640P WTF?
Just accept it the 360 lost already.
Sorry but Gears of War 2 isn't enough of a line up to sell units.
Alan Wake, Halo Wars, Too Human, etc. can all be played on the PC and using the Linux Program we Sony Gamers can be play all those games.
-I'm tired of arguing about the 360's fate the numbers and software technology speak for itself in 2008.

[Rocko]

"all 360 games can be placed on PC"?

[level 360]

Only because it's only now the PS3 is starting to pick-up with most of their games coming-out, also a few new paraphernalia to be release worldwide like DualShock3 and their new Driving Force wheel.
XBox 360 will be coming back once their new killer games are out like Halo Wars and Gears 2 plus a host of others.

[ShutButton]

well i won't say the 360 is dead yet. It's just going through a rough time now in japan. Only time will tell us!

[Fux4Bux]

Yeah I really don't know why they bother. The only ones that are even selling are probably just to rich gamers who want all systems and all top games.
Exclusive RPGs aren't even helping. Should just sell Mistwalker to Sony so people will actually play their games.

[dzg4ever]

... just LOL
Nothing new, only USA is X territory!

[Kareshi_X]

This is Obvious, The 360 isnt making well in japan because japanese compagnies stick with they stuff , Have you ever heard of A outside compagnies selling well in japan? eccept for High Lingerie and stuff..
People Cant Deny That the 360 got a good game library right Now,with alot more Valuable titles then the Ps3. Maybe this Will change in 08 But The Freaking Games For PS3 Needs 2 Be On The Market Before Making Allegations. Because Right Now All I See Sony Do is Promise That The PS3 is the best console out With Alot Of Exclusive(that Never seem to reach the market).
The 360 was Doomed in japan WAYYYYY BE4 RROD was Made Public.So This isnt about Hardware or about how many RPG'S there is on the console.This is about The Country's way of thinking , If Japanese People Think 360 isnt a good console its not because of the Games its Because They where tought that american marchandise is inferior.

[supremacy]

@zonetrooper5
3 -
You do know that the 360 actually has alot of different games, its just that people are sterotyping it to be a shooter only console. Hell the PS3 is gonna have 2 major shooters this year. If you look at the upcoming exclusive games for the 360 this year you will see variety:

Banjo Kazooie 3 - Platformer
Fable 2 - RPG/Action
Too Human - action/hack and slash
Halo Wars - RTS
NG2 - Action/ hack and slash
Alan Wake - Horror/survial
Gears of War 2 - TPS

Thats what I can think off the top of my head, while the 360 is doing poorly in Japan its doing better than the original Xbox and the calls for pulling out of Japan is stupid and not wise. Its in MS's best intersts that they build up the fanbase slowly but surely.

you make a good point i guess, but i think youre overlooking at the ps3 exclusive line up a little bit. for instance let me give you an example.

Aion: tower of eternity, MMORG
White knight chronicles, rpg
metal gear solid 4/also MGO, action/stealth
wipeout HD, racing
Valkyria,rpg
Socom:confrontation, shooter like gears and GRAW.
Tekken 6, fighting
hot shots golf 3, sports golf
MLB 08 the show, sports baseball
The agency, action shooter MMORG
The eye of judgment, card base game.
untold legends dark warrior, hack and slash rpg
folklore, hack and slash rpg
genji 2 days of the blade, hack and slash action
heavenly sword, hack and slash action
Ratchet n clank, action platformer
Uncharted drake's fortune, action adventure
Singstar online, music
Haze- fps
motorstorm 2, racing
Resistance 2, fps
Infamous, sandbox type ala GTA and crackdown
8 days, action shooter

so yeah you see ps3 owners do already have a wide selection games, and more coming within the coming months as well. thats not to say the 36o doesn't and isn't, its just to say that we too have a wide variety of games as well.