Xbox: Due to Game Pass, a Japanese chain has stopped selling consoles

aroged.com writes: "Surprising news came from the Rising Sun this morning. Geo, a well-known Japanese retailer chain, stopped selling Xbox consoles in its stores. The fault, apparently, would be Game Pass, since it is no longer necessary to own an Xbox to play the house titles, which would be a major disincentive to purchase."

[XiNatsuDragnel]

Hopefully gamepass helps Xbox here

[Sonic-and-Crash]

Japan audience are far more critical in these BS marketing tactics ..MS transformed XSX as a useless gimmick with their rent service strategy that plays everywhere ...

Xbox was already weak in Japan and now goes for sure death

[SullysCigar]

I can understand why. MS removed the need for their new consoles to a large degree.

[Zeref]

How is being able to play your games anywhere you want a gimmick? If you love gaming and not brands this is what you should be supporting. Not games tied to a single system.

[NeoGamer232]

I don't know how this means certain death in Japan for XB.

If rumors are correct there is about 30 mln subscribers on GamePass. Not sure how you call that a useless gimmick. Microsoft just found a really good model to supply games to its customers. That does not make it a gimmick.

As for gaming only retailers. The writing is on the wall as gamers shift more and more to digital purchasing. In 10 years gaming only retailers are going the same route as literally millions of other retailers have gone. Extinct. Talking about gimmicks. I walked into a Gamestop about 6 months ago. Now, there's a bunch of gimmicks. From the inventory of clutter junk to the buy a game, sell a game mentality. Ever since GamePass I pay less to game on a yearly basis and play more good quality games. Gamestop and other gaming only retailers that sell used games are the gimmick. Their money only flows back to the developer/publisher on the original purchase. There is no way you can say prove that model helps developers/publishers make more or better games. That gaming industry has found a way around stupid gaming only retailers that use the used market to make money. Honestly, the only disappointment I have about those retailers is the number of people that will lose their jobs.

[GamerRN]

So does this mean they are getting rid of PS5 since they have PlayStation Now streaming service that makes buying games just as pointless as GamePass makes Xbox?

[Teflon02]

Difference is, Sonys focus isn't now. It's just a next service. MS is selling Xbox as a bundle with the service making shelved games useless. They don't sell already and now they have no reason to buy the games since gamepass. So it's pointless in the Japanese market to put the console into the market. Sucks, but it's what happens why you cut out the stores from making profit. They'd be wasting space at that point.

[Lore]

@Neogamer232

You may want to do research prior to making such statements. What you called “gimmicks” that gamestop is selling is bringing in “Billions” in revenue. Check their balance sheet.

[LordoftheCritics]

Lol

''The fault, apparently, would be Game Pass, since it is no'' WOW THE ASSUMPTION IS UNREAL.

Game pass provides more value to Xbox than ever before.

And those who cant afford a console/pc can cloud it as well.

This article is utter BS.

[RedDevils]

Xbox console is a liability for retailer, if no one buying it as you don't require the Xbox to have access to it games.

[wiz7191]

@Sully how did they remove the need ??? I think most of you gamers be confused. Nothing beats having the actual hardware no matter how many choices you have to access Xbox services. Microsoft has to support PC, before PC gamers use to complain they didn’t support them. Now they do suddenly you don’t need a Xbox anymore ??? Some ppl don’t want to hassle with a PC, you can’t just pack up a PC and take it with you everywhere. Lol call gamepass a rent service strategy, do you feel the same about PSnow? Because they’re trying to do the exact same thing with the service. I love the fact regardless what hardware I’m on I can play my games, I can cloud play on my phone when I don’t feel like playing my switch. There’s nothing wrong with giving consumers choices

[nirwanda]

Japan for Microsoft at the min is the fastest growing market for them, and the series S is outselling the ps5 on amazon Japan at the min, early this week (for a day or so) it outsold the switch.
It's already outsold the lifetime sales of the Xbox one.

[gravedigger]

@NeoGamer

Quote :
"If rumors are correct there is about 30 mln subscribers on GamePass. Not sure how you call that a useless gimmick. Microsoft just found a really good model to supply games to its customers. That does not make it a gimmick."

Those numbers were pure guess by T2 CEO. Otherwise MS would shout out loud if GPU subs are 30 mil.

[gravedigger]

@nirwanda

Quote :

"Japan for Microsoft at the min is the fastest growing market for them, and the series S is outselling the ps5 on amazon Japan at the min, early this week (for a day or so) it outsold the switch.
It's already outsold the lifetime sales of the Xbox one."

I don't know what Phil Spencer said to you in Xbox fantasy land, but neither XSS outsold PS5 EVER ( Amazon isn't the only retailer in Japan, LOL) and neither XSeries surpassed Xbone LTD ( not yet). You should check Famitsu sales every week

Hardware Sales (followed by lifetime sales)

Switch – 36,294 (17,133,268)
PlayStation 5 – 22,545 (898,102)
Switch Lite – 10,003 (4,071,757)
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition – 3,936 (174,094)
PlayStation 4 – 1,641 (7,811,573)
Xbox Series S – 1,601 (32,624)
Xbox Series X – 1,042 (62,385)
New 2DS LL (including 2DS) – 588 (1,174,071)
Source: Famitsu Sales: 9/20/21 – 9/26/21 - Gematsu

So, sit down, Xbox fan and take a deep breath

[The Wood]

Neo

That 30 million you speak of isn't factual. Spencer himself said what the last recoded numbers were so that kinda debunks that without saying that or namingan actual number. When Microsoft hit milestones they shout from the top of the mountain and say very little when they deem numbers aren't stellar. Spencer basically told the person who inferred that 30M number to chill.

[bouzebbal]

A Japanese chain stopped along consoles.. Xbox consoles I can imagine.. Nice spin and lie as always

[TheHan]

@Sonic-and-crash You’re exactly what’s wrong with the community. All about Brand instead of being about for the average consumer. Goes for everyone who agrees with you to. Clearly you fans have your heads so far up corporate ass you can’t see straight. Sorry not sorry 🤷🏻‍♂️

[ABizzel1]

@wiz

https://www.google.com/url?...

Just picked it right up and carried it away. If this is true it's bad news for Xbox but makes sense. Asian markets are heavy PC gaming areas, and everything Xbox has can be played on PC, so there's no need to buy the console and thus no need to buy the software, which ends up to the point that there's no need for retailers to carry it.

[JackBNimble]

Not everyone is going to buy a pc for games pass or has a good enough internet connection to stream.
I call bullshit, if this is even close the truth then Japanese players would probably start buying up the xs . This comes off as hyperbole.

[wiz7191]

@Ab that’s a laptop bro , I can’t pack up my desktop is what I’m saying I won’t game on a laptop. People tend to keep forgetting that Microsoft has to support PC its their OS, you just want them to abandon them ??? So of course they will bring their exclusives to their platform. There’s always going to be a need for a console, non of my friends who own a Xbox cares about PCs. I just come to terms half of you don’t know what y’all be talking about.

[Jin_Sakai]

“Geo’s drastic decision may also have been encouraged by the Xbox’s poor success in the Rising Sun.“

“Apparently” because of Game Pass meaning you don’t know for sure. Or it could’ve been due to other reasons listed above. Why single something out if you don’t know the exact reasons?

[ApocalypseShadow]

I'm going to have to agree here with Jin. If you follow this thread as I don't have Twitter, this Ruiz deleted the original post as I couldn't bring it up. Checking more replies, you find a picture that this second hand store posted.
https://mobile.twitter.com/...

He then says he was only sharing news but if you look at the picture, they are stopping from selling PlayStation games, GameCube and Xbox. If someone can read the sign, it would help. If the sign is related to what he said. Or a different thread.

But how does someone come to the conclusion that it was game pass with words like "may also have encouraged" or "apparently." Did he get first hand knowledge? Or just talking out his ass?

As someone who loves facts, we need the truth before even approving this nonsense. I don't care for Microsoft's strategy excluding some good games on the platform, but truth and facts are important.

[GamerRN]

They single it out because it paints Xbox in a negative light by taking a strength and trying to show it as a weakness.

It's literally what PlayStation has been doing for years. Using negative marketing tactics by slandering Xbox and making it seem like you are an idiot if you like Xbox. They make it seem uncool and the underdog no matter how much better it is. Honestly it's actually working and it makes me sick...

[garos82]

game store owners dont want to sell consoles that are either digital or encourage only digital services purchases going forward . i wouldnt sell series s or playstation digital edition if i had a store

[Rhythmattic]

Xi, But it's not..... Xbox? The change in goal posts? You did mean "Xbox" the console , right?
MS change the definition and you accept it? Good on you.

[gravedigger]

Gamepass is available year and a half in Japan. So, what Gamepass did for Xbox in Japan?

[Rocosaurus]

Well, it has made the SX the main gaming platform in my household.

[GamerRN]

It's my main also, I still play my PS5 but I'm still playing God of War and then finishing Miles.

[Godmars290]

Which mean literal jack in Japan.

Also means what non-mobile titles studios are still making there aren't likely going to be on GP much less the Xbox should they come West.

[Father__Merrin]

How would it affect retailers they simply will stop selling

[VenomUK]

When console hardware is supply constrained you can see that for the console manufacturers it could be a real benefit to have people still be able to join their platforms. Of course with a game subscription service a customer might choose to end it after a few months but if they own the hardware they're likely to remain a customer for the whole generation.

[Zerobalance]

I just bought Insurgency sandstorm & I have GamePass. What a load of propaganda. Rubbish. Choice is great.

[jznrpg]

Wow one guy disputing something and stating the opposite makes it wrong ? Crazy world

[Teflon02]

Look at all the MS guys on fb and such for Bandai saying scarlet nexus will be on gamepass. They were literally laughing at PS players for buying it lmao.

[dbcoops]

I don't know why anyone would laugh you can either pay once and own it or continuously pay to rent it forever.

[DJStotty]

@dbcoops

"I don't know why anyone would laugh you can either pay once and own it or continuously pay to rent it forever."

I can buy it through the gamepass sub at a reduced price, and i will own it, not quite sure what you are attempting here? You can still buy games through gamepass, why does everyone think everyone is "renting" the games lmao

I try it, if i do not like it, it has not cost me a penny, if i like it, i buy it, all at a 15% reduction off rrp through the gamepass service, works great for me and millions of others.

[SurgicalMenace]

Personally, I have all of MS products and can see the inevitable end to the brand through GP. I don't subscribe, nor will I, as I can't imagine not buying my games. You lose access to your library as soon as you're no longer subbed, not an option. Couldn't all those devs use our money too?

[dbcoops]

The brand is going nowhere too many people believe in the subscription service model and dont want to own their game apparently. A console from them I could definitely see coming to an end at some point once they get enough people hooked in with GP.

[DJStotty]

@Surgical

Gamepass does not stop you buying or owning games, even if you sub.

[SurgicalMenace]

Yeah, I encountered him on that thread as well. They love being spend thrifts and believe that everyone should join the club. Not interested, ownership and assets are the name of the game. Let the subscription club have their fun while it lasts.

[SurgicalMenace]

Perhaps not but its very existence marks a move that contends against the principle of what makes the gaming community what it is. Take Sony and Nintendo, who've both been around for the better side of 20 years, they create content to make them great while MS needs to offer services to compensate.

This is not acceptable to a person seeking experiences instead of a certain comfort to his pockets. As one willing to pay the asking price for his experiences, GP places no responsibility on the gamers to support the developers. Yes, MS pays them but who's to say that having buyers over subscribers wouldn't exceed the proceeds gained initially from MS?

This all only aims to benefit MS as they get the heralded attention of being "consumer friendly" while short changing devs of their potential. Look at the sells reports and see the truth behind GP, gamers pay nominal costs well below the devs asking price while being able to experience what other are willing to pay for. Now take this concept and draw comparison between the quality of offers from the likes of Nintendo & Sony then the picture becomes very clear.

The "This is good for my pockets" approach is killing MS market and they know it while attempting to make grand gestures of acquisitions to short the marker. There are no shortcuts to greatness and GP is MS's attempt at creating one. No support from me, sir. When there is no responsibility placed on the community to HAVE to pay full price, you create a sense of entitlement that doesn't match contribution. A toxic method to be sure. To each their own.

[Knightofelemia]

Hate to see how Stadia fairs in Japan this is nothing new everybody knows that American consoles don't do well in Japan just ask Atari when they dipped their toes in the Japanese waters.

[Latex74]

I have game pass and still bought games last month and the month befor that and I wont stop buying them but gamepass is bloody great . For the first time in years and years I have not bothered to renew my ps+ just no point that 50 pounds will go to game pass

[badz149]

LOL comparing a game rental service to an online service. pretty pathetic attempt there.

[bleedsoe9mm]

That's very good news for MS, the attach rate for Gamepass must be off the charts

[gravedigger]

Less and less Xbox consoles at retailers is a good news?

[GhostofHorizon]

That's the power of Gamepass. You will know that Xbox has dominated the Japanese market when the last two retailers drop the console. TOTAL DOMINATION!

[bleedsoe9mm]

As long as its not Amazon its just stock going to other sources. Retailers like this must be seeing an extremely high attach rate to come to the conclusion that its going to hurt business. These retailer are seeing it as a Gamepass machine. This is music to MS ears because they don't care how you access Gamepass.

[CantThinkOfAUsername]

@Nakiro either the sarcasm went over people's heads, or people here just showed hive mentality (downvoting a downvoted comment without fully comprehending it).

[dbcoops]

Selling less of your hardware is good news now? Anyone else get dizzy from that spin?

[Ristul]

If you cant win, change the rules.
/Microsoft

[SPEAKxTHExTRUTH]

I seriously doubt MS cares. MS doesn't sell many Xbox consoles in Japan anyway.

[ColtPSSX]

Lmao okay

That’s why Phil has been trying his best to get their attention.

[SPEAKxTHExTRUTH]

Yeah and how has that been going since the beginning of Xbox?

[Teflon02]

They paid for the exclusive advertisement of Scarlet nexus for a reason and that wasn't the EU and NA markets lol

[SPEAKxTHExTRUTH]

One game doesn't mean MS cares about the Japanese market. Would MS like to have a stronger presence in Japan? Of course but will they? No. MS might as well give up on Japan because Japan been gave up on MS...

[dbcoops]

Its always funny how MS "doesn't care" when things are not going positively for them in some regard. If they didn't care then why try to sell them there in the first place?

[SPEAKxTHExTRUTH]

I'm not sure where you're going with this but try to stay on topic. MS has NEVER sold well in Japan and based on history they never will. MS will make far more money in Japan will GamePass than they will with hardware and THATS what they care about, GamePass.

[dbcoops]

"try to stay on topic"

Lol, good one. I never went off topic. You claimed they don't care about console sales in Japan I addressed why that belief is BS. I expected the comment might ruffle some fanboy feathers but it was definitely on topic so you can stop with the sarcasm.

[moriarty1889]

This proves that Gamepass is a double edged sword.

[DivineHand125]

That is just one retail chain albeit a major one. If you are in Japan and want an Xbox, there are still options available. The decision to drop the console was made by a loss of confidence in the Xbox brand and not because of any actual data. They just thought that game pass would give customers one less reason to purchase an Xbox, when the sales were already low.

When it comes to the software sales argument, people here say no one buys games on Xbox anymore because of game pass. That statement is rubbish as not everything is on game pass and greedy publishers would not bother releasing games on the Xbox if that were the case. Xbox has a smaller install base than Playstation so it makes sense that the sales will be lower on that platform but it does not mean no one can make money on that platform.

[SurgicalMenace]

Uuum the companies are showing the large gap in sales between XB and the competing platforms. The writing is on the wall, if you care to read it.

[Donjune]

Gamepass has surpassed 30 subs. Marinate on that for a minute.