360 Gets Price Cut in Japan

From play.tm:

"You can't fault Microsoft for trying, but at this point it is reasonable to believe that the Xbox 360 should throw in the towel when it comes to Japan. Microsoft just can't seem to gain any substantial foothold when going against the heavyweight home country of Nintendo and Sony.

In its latest attempt to draw in some of the Japanese crowd, Microsoft has lowered the price of the Arcade version of the Xbox 360..."

[cloud360-13th_acount]

No comment. there is nothing to say about this other than

Xbox/US in Japan= FAILURE

GTA sells 7 Mil on PS2 in US and 50,000 in Japan

[CRIMS0N_W0LF]

*points at ipod*

you fail.

[aggh im on fire]

The reason they won't throw in the towel even though the sales are awful in japan is simple.
The original xbox was selling like 150-250 a week, this one is doing a few thousand, the next one may do more. Every one sold is a tiny little dent in Sonys marketshare and familiarity with the brand encourages more japanese developers to get on board.
Just look how many japanese developers are making games for the 360, a lot more than the original xbox. Who could envisioned DMC and Ace combat on a xbox console. Chances are microsoft will never gain the sales associated with Sony and Nintendo products but they know that. Its the fact that they have carried on relentlessy that has allowed Japanese developers to take an interest. And there games are selling.
Also the 360 software has done ok in japan considering the poor sales of the console.
Sony and Ninty will aways rule Japan but Microsoft are not going anywhere.

[fenderputty]

They shouldn't give up. They're penetrating that market better then last gen. Even though it isn't much, it's still market share gains for them. Push the console as much as they can this gen too and the next gen will be more warmly welcomed.

[Exhaust]

You said nothing negative about anyones console of choice all you did was state your opinion which makes sense.

All the fanboys care about is whos winning, numbers and more numbers. MS knows they aren't going to do very well in Japan this generation and probably not the next. They are trying to establish a enduring brand and like aggh pointed out they are making some progress although very small its still progress.

Sony and Nintendo are the giant brands in the industry. I think MS knows its going to take awhile and I bet they're willing to invest billions more to reach their goal.

More competition is good for all gamers even the douchy blind zealots that stake their life on the console that owns their soul.

Sure glad I can enjoy the good points of all three.

[LaChance]

I t would be the MOST STUPID business move for MSFT to give up on japan now.The 360is doing WAY WAY better than the first on soWHY stop ????
MSFT are aiming at the long run?The 720 might b able to compete with Sony and Nintendos next consoles.
Anyways the PS3 is first WW ONLY thanks to Japan , if MSFT sell say 2 times more thanks to the price cut they will be first WW.
Good move from MSFT

[paracardium]

Does the Arcade even have a HDD I thought it had 320mb in it or something like that.

[ruibing]

It was a flash card or something right?

[ThaGeNeCySt]

memory card + 5 Arcade titles/Wireless Controller/HDMI

[aggh im on fire]

Yeah it has about 300mb back up. The lack of Hdrive is a pain, don't know how people get by without one these days.

[MAsTeR_STrInGER]

YES YES.....YES.

THE MASTER IS HERE. YOU MAY SAVE YUR APPLAUDE FOR LATER! we have serious bussiness AT HAND! we all know it, the XBOX 360 is the only true platform for the japanes and world wide market, and this price drop will confirm a solid and perminent lead for XBOX in japan. japanes gamers will neel before the might and overwhellming destructive force of the BIG POWERFUL STRONG AMAY-WII-CON SEXBOX-360.

[Kaz Hirai]

The true Lord Stringer will not be happy with your PIGGISH impersination!

As for the PIGbox 360 price cut- HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!! Watching Nazisoft's pathetic attempts at success is like watching a PIG trying to rollerskate!

MWAH-HA-HA-HA!!!

[BrianC6234]

You're right. What are Japanese gamers thinking? They deserve their RROD too. Come on Japanese gamers, be smart. You too can have a brick in your livingroom. Don't you want one?

[f7ss1]

i tihnk this might be too little to late for microsoft in japan

[wageslave]

Nah, they'll press on, and come in 3rd. They'll make relationships with the customers and even better relationships with the Developers and Publishers.

Its a global business, and MS is in this to win.

Luckily for MS, they have a more than commanding share of the largest and most influential market: THE USA. And, being that the USA is the largest producer of videogames, this means that they are in a commanding position to project their position into Japan.

America taking the USA is far more of a problem for Sony than Sony taking Japan.

Its all in the numbers.

[Tyrael]

If the RROD wasnt such a problem, 360 might have had a chance. A very small chance.

[i Shank u]

about a year went by before the RRoD became known on a wide scale, and long before it the Japanese were still not buying 360. maybe they're psychic? lol

but yea they seem to have a strong preference for japanese-asian styled games, and their buying habits show this

[Dareaver1]

That's it, they would rather stay loyal to their countries console than accept a foreign console. No matter what M$ does, their penetration of that market is going to be slow and expensive. They can get all the Japanese developers on board, but it'll still be a slow and arduous process. Sorry to sound pessimistic, but japan is just that hard.

There have been statements made by Japanese developers that say that Western developers are starting to move ahead of them in game development technologies, but do you think they would widely admit that and try to incorporate some of the new techniques and tools.

Not trying to generalize too much, but Japanese culture is a stubborn culture. Not saying western culture is better or anything, but when it comes to brand loyalty, the Japanese got us beat.

[kingme71]

Yup, Dareaver1 hit the nail on the head. Japan is fiercly loyal to their own brand. There really is nothing MS can do to beat out Nintendo and Sony in Japan. Plus, with the RROD of death fiasco it could backfire in their face and just confirm to the Japanese that American products are inferior.

[-EvoAnubis-]

Like this matters. They hate the 360. They could cut the price in half and package it with a ham sandwich and a bottle of sake, and it STILL won't sell, because they hate the 360.

---

Edit: I don't see how I got a disagree. I thought the fact that it's been two years and less than 600,000 people in JPN own a 360 was kind of a hint.

[davez82]

ones mgs4 and ff13 come out 360 will cease to exist in japan.

[Exhaust]

all the 360's in Japan will vaporize.

You know... Ones upon a time people thought davez82 was just a fanboy but ones he started making valid points like that everyone changed their mind.

Seriously, when did the 360 ever really exist in Japan? MS is just trying to get its foot in the door.Its a really tough market for American companies especially when the software tastes between the western markets and Japan are SOOOOO much different. Very few American companies have had great success in Japan. Apple is the only technology company I can think of off the top of my head. The rest are food companies like McDonalds and KFC and I bet they didn't have success overnight either.

[Dareaver1]

But what i don't understand, is why do people (fanboys) seem to think that it would be better if the 360 was never released. Statements like Daze are just immature fanboy rhetoric. The competition between these 3 companies is what is giving us the greatest gamer experiences of our lives. Instead you should be thanking your opponents for raising the bar.

Supposedly Sony is releasing an in-game XMB for the PS3, ummm without the 360's innovation, that idea would have been moot. Not only that Nintendo's re-innovation of motion sensing, i've heard many fanboys spouting how great a feature it is. Well, without competition, do you really think that it would have been re-incorporated into these consoles. Really, act more mature. Competition is what drives technology, without it gaming would suck, and be way too expensive.

What do you think brought down the price of the PS3, The 360 and The Wii. Otherwise, you would have had to listen to Sony when they said to go and get a second job so that you can afford one. Man....! Fanboys are stupid....!

[kewlkat007]

If true, thats ridonculous...does Japanese gamers anything in the Gaming Industry that is not japanese?

I support the Xbox 360 because of the games I have now played but nobody said it was going to be easy when you have Nintendo and Sony with over 30 years of domination in their back yard.

At least Westerners play many Japanese games, it's just not the other way around...

Regardless how you cut it, it's a matter of taste..and something with Japanese gaming culture. Still MS should not relinquish..it is what it is. Do what you must!!!

[Chris_GTR1]

price cut in japan means price cut in europe and NA. :) hopefully

[BloodySinner]

Microsoft can drop the price all they want. It's not going to help them at all. The Xbox 360 system needs more quality Japanese titles like Blue Dragon or Lost Odyssey to draw in more attention.

[wageslave]

There is plenty of Japan specific Games. Katamari Damacy, Culdcept Saga, Eteranal Sonata, Lost Odyssey, Blue Dragon, Sakaguchi-san's coming MMO, triAce / Square Enix's exclusive Xbox 360 game Infinite Undiscovery, Naruto: Rise of a Ninja, Ninja Gaiden 2, Tales of Vesperia by NamcoBandai & Team Symphonia, The Last Remnant from Square Enix and...?

Shane Kim just recently said, and is accurate, that MSFT has unprecedented support from developers in Japan.

They arent going anywhere.

I have a feeling that Japan not buying Xbox 360 is a symptom of their well known xenophobia and nationalism. Japan is weary of outsiders and especially of outsiders attempts to supplant the homegrown brands and products that they derive pride-from.

But, in time, the Xbox the locals will become more comfortable with it. And, if we know anything, we know that MS is super competitive and more than able to take on any of the world's technology firms. Sooner or later, Japan will just stop looking at it as a gaijin product and see it for its features and benefits.

[BloodySinner]

But those aren't enough, however. Microsoft really needs a "Square-Enix-like" game for the Xbox 360.

Personally, I don't really care about Japan... As long as the developers there are creating games that cater to the western audience (Ninja Gaiden 2!!), I'm cool with that. =)

[wageslave]

Microsoft isnt going anywhere. Anyone who thinks that MS is going to stop in Asia is silly.

MS has, in a few short years, become a massive force in the console market. They are pressing the industry forward with new features and innovation... and, the industry is a global one.

This idiot saying "oh, MS should give up on Japan" is just fcuking trolling.

[MAsTeR_STrInGER]

JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE KAZ!!! YOU DIDN'T WIPE YOU SHOES BEFORE YOU CAME INTO MY HOUSE?? THE PUNISHMENT SHALL BEGIN! i don't think you know the whole story, let me fill you IN!! i was a SECRET undercover microsoft BULLDOESER agent working for sony trying to corrupt the lie driven and based orginazation you like to call the PLAYSTATION BRAND! THEY WERE ON TO ME!! i had to get out to save my life, but my undercover HOMOSEXUAL REALATIONSHIP with KEN KUTERAGI had gone to far!! i sent in one of my clones the year of 2005 once they announced the playstation 3. EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO PLAN!! but my clone..... how should we say, got EMOTIONALY ATTACHED to the insane and passionate love making of KEN KUTERAGI! i've been trying to destory that clone TRADER but he's overridden the access codes to his mainframe SO I CAN'T BLOW HIM UP!! rest assured KAZ when i do get back within your orginazation IT WILL BE THE END OF ALL THINGS PLAYSTATION!!!

JUMP IN

[Mr PS3]

You stupid old fart!! Turn up your hearing aid so you can hear us !!
The PS3 is the dominant brand in the universe and don't forget it you dumb OAP
And the price cut aint gonna help the old grey noisey crapbox anywere in the world now believe that old man !!
And if you carry on with your dumb dribble the Xbox price cut aint the only thing that's gonna get cut !!
I'll report you to social security and they'll cut you pension,take away your bus pass and your stana stairlift
Now do yourself a favour dig your self a hole and jump in you silly old decrepid fool

[Maddens Raiders]

Japan doesn't care about it's system obviously; no matter what they do. Maybe they won't rush out the next system and the world will take them a little more seriously.

[LaChance]

"and the world will take them more seriously" ?????
the WORLD will take them more seriously ???
which planet do you live on...
the 360 is ok ine Europe and great in the USA.
By the way the lead the 360 has in the USA is FAR bigger than than in Europe.
So what the heck are you talking about ?????
YOU are the one who's funny lol
Outside of japan (usa and EU) the 360 is first in sales when you add the usa and europe markets.

[XBOX 360]

Sigh ... I cannot let this go on. "MAsTeR_STrInGER" is just a Microsoft employee pretending to be Lord Stringer ...

Stop spreading FUD, I want to try to win legit, M$ - you know I can! Give me a chance! :(

[MAsTeR_STrInGER]

i'll have no more of your disrespect!! you will show appreciation for one of the foundational creators of your self being. I AM THE TRUE STRINGER YOU'VE ALL BEEN TRICKED INTO WORSHIPING MY CLONE DAMN YOU!!

[Ric Flair]

.

[hotshot127]

anybody remember whats happening for sony march 6? yea that right...................the satin silver ps3 is coming out.

so we all know, microsoft is trying to counter that. funny how just a COLOR CHANGE will get more people to buy a ps3.

EDIT: how did somebody dissagree with me. i didnt even really say anything negative but i just thought of something thats most likely true.

the people on this site are ridiculous sometimes.lol

[MaximusPrime]

surprise... surprise **yawns**

[heyheyhey]

did they only cut the price of the arcade?

why didn't they just cut the price of all SKU's- would have made more sense since the arcade is pathetic (no HDD) and will only dampen developers ability to incorporate HDD use into their games

360 is doing better than the Xbox, but without strong brand recognition and Square Enix support it really can't do that well

plus most developers in Japan that make Japan-only games make them on the PS3, PSP, PS2, Wii and DS

see us westerners might think that the 360 has the best exclusive games around at the moment, but it's a different story in Japan as they get PS3 exclusives such as Railfan (which they love) and Imabikisou

lets face it- M$ have been concentrating on America from the start with all the yank-pleasing shooters

[LaChance]

I didnt bash any console just said facts.

[slpknt6sic6]

no you didn't the wii sells more than the 360 in the us and eu and japan... worldwide... i hate the wii i'm a ps3 guy and i disagree with what you said in your other comment but i didn't give you a disagree if that makes sense. oh and ps3 outsells the 360 also so maybe you didn't stat nothing but bs.

[OC Shock Value]

Never Give Up.. Never Surrender.. THAT.. Is Spartan Law

[Bladestar]

Microsoft should give up in Japan as much as Sony should give up in the US... before the price drop american wouldn't even look at the PS3... after the price drop it started to sell better though it's still on 3rd place in the US. Just because Americans prefer the xbox 360 over the PS3... does that mean Sony should quit and concentrate in Japan? The xbox 360 is doing like 30 times beter in Japan than the original xbox... if existing numbers can double due to price drop... hell.. even if sells increase by 10% than they are going in the right direction. ohh and yeah... be thankful this price drop is not for the US and Europe... specially in the US... though I don't think that will stay that way for long... microsoft dropping the price in Japan can very well mean... they are also dropping the price in other regions...

also, don't dismiss the prosibility that this may be microsoft attempt to introduce another SKU and discontinue the arcade SKU.

[hotshot127]

sony should give up in america?

only reason you say that is because you needed something to even out the fact that you said microsoft should give up in japan.

ps3 is selling GOOD in america just not as good as the 360. the 360 isnt selling good at all in japan. so with that being said, why would sony give up in japan. you my friend are an idiot. back in 2007, you made some pretty logical points, now thier just ignorant thoughtless statements.

EDIT: my fault bladestar. i obviously didnt read your comment throughly. i see what you mean. yea neither one should give up in either region.

goes to show i need to read peoples comments before jumping down thier throat so quickly

[Bladestar]

is ok.... I do that sometimes... by the way I didn't give you a disagree... I gave you an agree to even it out.

[heyheyhey]

no-one is going to give up anywhere

everyone is making money everywhere- so why give up?

[mugoldeneagle03]

This isn't a "great decision" or a "business strategy" this is a cry for help from Microsoft, and, if you ask me one of their last in the Japanese market.

The reason for this isn't because the 360 has had dismal sales until this point, or to gain momentum going further into 2008, it's to compete WITH Sony and the Playstation 3. Why? Because Sony games, cross-platform or exclusive sell better than 360 games in Japan.

Devil May Cry 4 (PS3) outsold the 360 version 5-1, and continues to do so. Just imagine what will happen when MGS4, Gran Turismo 5, and FFXII (Pending release date) all make it out. You add that along with Home, Sony's new Music/Movie download service, and PSP sales which continue to skyrocket across seas and Microsoft has ALOT to deal with.

And you know Sony is planning at least one more price cut between now and then end of 2008.

I don't necessarily agree that it's the best Microsoft can do, but for now it works. Maybe if they plan to heavily commercialize GTA across seas they'll see a strong response. Remember, after 2+ years in the Japanese market the 360 has yet to sell 1 million consoles. That's not a good statistic.

[heavyarms]

NO blue ray = you fail. They should just focus here in the states and lower the price here.

[Salvadore]

Microsoft could have thrown in the towel ages ago, but they haven't because their efforts to penetrate the market has given them a lot; The 360 is selling better than the XBOX and they have a bigger Japanese 3rd party support.

[zonetrooper5]

Japan is another area to gain marketshare, meaning more cash. MS just has to bring out more Japanese themed games tbh. I mean different sorts of games, not just RPG's. Gears of War was actually in the top 10 chart in Japan for a while when it was released.

[nismo]

We need to stop buying these things (PS3,Wii,x360) to get a price cut. Lets do it.

[Aleusia]

Why do I sense the majority of these posts being Pro-360

Bash the hell out of that piece of crap. Insult it and it's users, make them feel worthless, destroy them. They do not deserve a place on the same board as the rest of us, I'm including you Nintendo fans as real gamers.

SEGA
SONY
NINTENDO

The only console brands I will ever respect.

[Bleucrunch]

M$ is gonna have to give all the Japanese $50 million to get them to buy a 360. The Japanese dont buy broken products...sony and nintendo has never released a borken product and this company shoves it down our necks and expect the Japanese to be as gullable as us Americans.....lol yea right give me a break.

[zonetrooper5]

Not true, alot of PS2's did break btw and many consoles have problems. Yes I know not on the scale that the 360 had but each console has some form of flaw to it.