Microsoft to Japan: "No Launch XBOne For You!"

[IBNobody]

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2013/06/11/microsoft-plots-2014-launch-for-xbox-one-in-asia/

Asian gamers will have to wait a year longer than their American counterparts to get their hands on Microsoft’s Xbox One, which will only be available in the region in late 2014, a year after its U.S. launch this November.

The new device will only be available in select Asian markets – Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and India – pegged as high-growth markets for the region’s booming gaming industry.

Hmmmm..... They plan to hit all major Asian countries in late 2014 except Japan. Gee... I wonder why? Maybe it's because the Japanese hate the XBox 360?

The Verge has more to say, including a quote from Famitsu.

http://www.theverge.com/2013/6/11/4418144/xbox-one-launch-in-asia-late-2014

A Microsoft spokesperson told Famitsu that the company does plan to release the Xbox One in Japan eventually. No details were given for now, but Microsoft will hold an event in Japan at an "appropriate time" to reveal more information about the launch.

 

[gamefan5]

Not surprising considering the xbox line was never that popular in Japan to begin with.

 

[Danny600kill]

To be honest I thought the Japanese consumers would be one of their key markets and so this would be one of the countries with the first release date... this is going to give the PS4 another boost in sales if this turns out to be true

 

[gamefan5]

To be honest I thought the Japanese consumers would be one of their key markets and so this would be one of the countries with the first release date... this is going to give the PS4 another boost in sales if this turns out to be true

To this date IIRC, the xbox 360 sold only 2 million units in japan.

 

[Veho]

Hmmmm..... They plan to hit all major Asian countries in late 2014 except Japan. Gee... I wonder why? Maybe it's because the Japanese hate the XBox 360?

Yes. They are waiting until they can offer the Bone with a bigger library and a smaller price tag.

 

[IBNobody]

Yes. They are waiting until they can offer the Bone with a bigger library and a smaller price tag.

Can they adopt this strategy for the NA and EU regions as well?

 

[beta4attack]

Oh, no Xbox One? That makes me want to live there even more

 

[emigre]

In fairness Japan are probably too busy playing 3DS to care.

 

[Veho]

Can they adopt this strategy for the NA and EU regions as well?

Unfortunately that strategy kind of hinges on the Bone doing well on other markets.

 

[Kurly]

To be honest I thought the Japanese consumers would be one of their key markets and so this would be one of the countries with the first release date... this is going to give the PS4 another boost in sales if this turns out to be true

As someone who stopped off in Tokyo on my way back from Australia, I've seen first-hand how tiny the Xbox sections in stores are compared to even playstation 1, pretty much the only reason to own an Xbox in Japan is to play Shmups for which there is a considerable library of.

 

[Danny600kill]

To this date IIRC, the xbox 360 sold only 2 million units in japan.

I guess with Sony being a Japanese company the Playstation will always sell better

 

[RupeeClock]

Honestly, this time around I can't see anyone in Japan developed Xbox One Japanese Exclusives.
It would be suicide, the globe wants PS4.

 

[Sakitoshi]

like if they care about a tv box that don't let you do anything you want, this makes my happy for a single but powerful reason.
CAVE NOW WILL NEED TO RELEASE THEIR SHMUPS ON WII U OR PS4!!!!!!!
or release nothing...

 

[skarthebloodchild]

japan and microsoft are no go.

 

[the_randomizer]

*Whew* for a minute there I thought Japan didn't care about Microsoft!

 

[Gahars]

Considering that the Xbox line pretty much floundered in Japan, can't say that part is too surprising.

Still, if the new features on your console are forcing you to give up ground in so many markets, maybe, just maybe, it's time to rethink those features. I don't know, just a thought.

 

[GameWinner]

Japan: ...Okay? *goes back to 3DS*

 

[Hop2089]

With Microsux out of the market maybe I have a chance of finding the Japan only exclusive I want for PS4.

 

[Chary]

Oh, how sad, Japan won't be getting the amazing console called the Xbox One. Cry for the poor Japanese, that won't be able to experience such an amazing console.

/Sarcasm.

 

[IBNobody]

With Microsux out of the market maybe I have a chance of finding the Japan only exclusive I want for PS4.

You can even find it used!