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Xbox 360 outsells PS3 briefly in Japan

18 August 2008 23:03 by James "Dela" Delahunty | 6 comments

In the most problematic territory for Microsoft's Xbox 360, the console briefly outsold the PlayStation 3 (PS3) console from Sony in weekly sales figures. Ever since the Xbox 360 launched in Japan, it has been largely ignored by consumers, who then preferred the Nintendo Wii and PS3 after their releases. Unfortunately for Microsoft, the temporary success doesn't guarantee any long term boost in sales there either.

Microsoft sold 28,116 units of the Xbox 360 in the week ended August 10, compared with 10,705 units of the PS3. The Wii was far ahead of both with 41,044 units. The reason for the Xbox 360 beating the PS3 console briefly in system sales is a game title: Namco Bandai's "Tales of Vesperia".

The reason these statistics are being reported by gaming sites is to emphasize how Microsoft's experiences of good performance in Japan have been few and far between. In North America the PlayStation 3 (PS3) has definitely found its punch too, and is closing the gap on the Microsoft system at the moment.

Both however have to watch the dust of the Nintendo Wii console racing ahead of it, dominating sales statistics around the world almost every week and month. Of course, this is far too early to predict a "generation winner" now but after the past couple of years it is nice to see the console battle actually resemble a battle, with three strong participants.

If there is anything to take away from Microsoft's moment in the light in Japan, it is proof that the quality and variety of the games being offered is still what all the players need to focus on, which works out perfectly for consumers too.

Permalink to this article | Topic: Consoles

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Paladore (Junior Member) 19 August 2008 2:34
You really have to admire the Japanese. They are very dedicated to their own products. Sony, Nintendo, Toyota's etc. It would be nice though for them to embrace the 360. There are so many great exclusives they are missing out on. [ + quote]
kyo28 (Junior Member) 19 August 2008 3:17
If anything, this just proves that Japanese consumers are NOT as xenophobic as a lot of people (mostly 360-fans) make them out to be. The console itself (360) isn't aimed towards Japanese gamers, since there's a strong emphasis on online and the RROD problem is a heavy burden (Japanese consumers attach a lot more importance to quality than price). However, if a game comes out that is aimed at JP audiences, like Tales of Vesperia, they do actually buy the console it appears on. It doesn't have to do with 'nationalism' as much as with taste: Japanese consumers dislike the console, but when exclusive games come out on it that they like, they do buy it. Also have to remember that both the 360 and PS3 have very little to offer to Japanese gamers at the moment. Games like Halo 3, Resistance, Gears of War, etc aren't much to the liking of Japanese gamers. [ + quote]
Paladore (Junior Member) 19 August 2008 3:23
I noticed japanese people usually tend to play more fighting and RPG games and not so much shooters. Much different here in north america. we love our shooters and sport games. [ + quote]
xtago (Newbie) 19 August 2008 3:41
I would say this high sales of the 360 is more due to the USA have probably dumped in more or done a change of guard in japan. There are around 100,000+ US troops in Japan. selling an extra 25,000 360's is a bit odd seeing as it's avg sale rate is around 2,000 a week. [ + quote]
jutsu (Junior Member) 19 August 2008 7:52
Its really because tales of vesperia. A game that japan love. This just like when idolm@ster and idolm@ster live for you released on japan. It boost x360 sales. Japan love RPG. Japan love anime-styled games. Japan love tales series :D Altough eternal sonata not really boost x360. Maybe because its music? Too 'west' [ + quote]
krotch (Newbie) 23 November 2008 3:38
*Originally posted by xtago:* I would say this high sales of the 360 is more due to the USA have probably dumped in more or done a change of guard in japan. There are around 100,000+ US troops in Japan. selling an extra 25,000 360's is a bit odd seeing as it's avg sale rate is around 2,000 a week. US troops would be buying Xbox 360s at their local BX. Those sales figures would fall into NA, not Japan. Japanese 360s are Region 2, so around 99% (don't quote me on that percentage, as it's really just a guess) of US games would not play on them. Me, I bought 4 Japanese 360s. Stupid things kept breaking and I don't know enough Japanese to even try to send it in for warranty. Not a big deal anyways. You can buy two Japanese 360s in Japan for the price of one US 360 in the states. [ + quote]