James Delahunty
18 Aug 2008 23:03
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.