Microsoft to Launch Cheaper Xbox 360 in Japan
Slightly stripped game console to appear just ahead of Sony's PlayStation 3.
Martyn Williams, IDG News Service
Friday, September 08, 2006 01:00 PM PDT
TOKYO -- Microsoft plans to launch a cheaper version of its Xbox 360 games console in Japan a week before the PlayStation 3 is due on sale.
The Xbox 360 core system, which is already on sale in other markets, will go on sale in Japan on November 2, the company said Friday. The console doesn't include several components that are present in the full system, such as a hard-disk drive and a headset, and as a result it will be cheaper. It will cost $256, about half the price of the PlayStation 3.
Initial versions of the core system will also have two popular games bundled with it: PGR 3-Project Gotham Racing 3 and Ninety-Nine Nights (N3). These games and three other titles will also be re-released on the same day under the banner "Xbox 360 Platinum Collection" for about $24--a competitive price compared with games for the rival PlayStation.
Pressure on Sony
That cheaper console could increase pressure on Sony, which seems unlikely to be able to satisfy demand for the PlayStation 3 on its November 11 launch and in the year-end sales period. Earlier this week the company said it would have 100,000 units of the PlayStation 3 shipped to retailers for the launch.
Based on previous PlayStation launches, that's sure to be far below consumer demand, so consumers will have to decide whether to wait until a PlayStation 3 finally becomes available or go for a competing console selling for half the price.
Nintendo's launch of its Wii console will also fuel the competition in the Japanese market. That system is due on sale sometime between October and December and is expected to cost around the same as the Xbox 360 core system.
Microsoft will continue to sell the Xbox 360 full version--which includes a 20GB hard-disk drive, a wireless controller, a remote control, a high-definition analog cable, and an ethernet cable--for $325.
the prices are wrong, considering the premium bundle (Wireless controller, HD-AV Cables, HDD, Headset, Remote, Ethernet cable) is $399 not $325 unless there is going to be a price drop...and the core bundle (Console, Wired Controller) is $299 not $256, and neither of which are bundled w/ any games.
i know it's not your fault since it's posting of the pc world website, but i guess it could be related to the conversions anyway, either way, it's kind of nice that theye'll be releasing the core system over there, even though i still don't think it will do very well in that market, but hopefully it might put pressure in the right places to make the prices for sony's new console a little more affordable.
Sorry, but PC World is correct. Gamespot is reporting the same thing. They only said the Core will be $256 and initially come with 2 free games and the Premium is cheaper there than in the US. Although, Gamespot lists it at $345. You can find that info on a number of reputable gaming news sites.
so then will those prices stand at ebgames and bestbuy and what not for retailers in the us, but this doesn't account for the 4 month pushbck on ps3 again....
oh well, hopefully the prices do go down, then maybe i'll buy another one....
No they won't stand, because it's Japan. US retailers aren't going to price matching Japan prices. Technically isn't not even the same system, since some games are region locked. 360 is doing well in the US. MS probably doesn't feel they need to price drop it here any time soon.
