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Xbox 360 Core System Going to Japan
Grooves writes "Microsoft is bringing the Xbox 360 Core System to Japan a week in advance of the PlayStation 3 launch. Previously only available in North America and Europe, the Core System will cost 29,800 Yen ($256), approximately 10,000 yen ($86) cheaper than the premium Xbox 360. They're also throwing in a few games. From the article: 'According to a Microsoft spokesperson, buyers of the new base system will also get two free games for a limited time: Project Gotham Racing 3 and Ninety-Nine Nights. Microsoft will additionally announce the release of three other Platinum games which will be priced at 2,800 Yen, or $24.'"
Can anyone comment on the possibility that the Japanese simply don't want to buy a console from a non-Japanese company? I understand the level of nationalism over there is turned up to 11, but I could be wrong. Thoughts?
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Considering how technologically concious the Japanese seem to be, I doubt they'd be more willing to buy a dumbed-down version of a console that no one wants already. It will sell units because it's cheaper, but it won't be enough to give Microsoft a real boost in the market.
And even with this core console's price, it could still cost too much. The Wii is set to release with the price tag of, at most, 25,000 yet ($225 or so, I believe), and those Japanese have been eating up the DS, so there's no reason the same won't happen for the Wii.
"Japanese gamers may feel that it is Japanese enough to purchase."
Are these the same ones that feel the Apple iPod is "Japanese" enough to purchase?
You yourself are perpetuating a stereotype that Japanese stereotype US electronics. Just accept the fact that it's the Xbox and Xbox 360 specifically they don't like and deal with it.