Drowning Microsoft clutching at straws? What do you think?

Microsoft to Launch Cheaper Xbox 360 in Japan Martyn Williams, IDG News Service
Fri Sep 8, 4:00 PM ET
 


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.







Copyright © 2006 PC World Communications, Inc.

Grasping at straws is right but it\'s a smart move. Unfortunately, the PS3 isn\'t the only system launching in that time frame. Microsoft is still screwed, but at least they\'re making a move.

They will be clutching at straws when they are in deep shit in Europe and US. But they are not. They are trying to see if they can get some ground in Japan. They never did well there anyways.

I doubt that this  will make much of an impact on the new playstation though.

[Titan]

I thought the xbox was already launched there?

It has, although you wouldn\'t know it.  They\'re hoping to actually sell a couple units with a price drop.

With Nintendo breathing down their necks at a cheaper price and more hype, and Sony coming in mid-November, it\'s not looking good.

Last chance to get some ground.  The price drop with the release of Blue Dragon (is still in the top 20 Famitsu most wanted) might move some systems.  

When TGS goes down we should get a better feeling of how anticipated Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, Cry On, and Trusty Bell are in Japan, if at all, and what impact they might have.

Smart move by MS.  They don\'t really have a hope of unseating Sony in their home territory of Japan, but they CAN make some inroads there themselves, and sell more than they did before.  Nothing says you can\'t have both a PS3 and a 360 if you have a decent job.

I doubt that this will make much of an impact on the new playstation though.

I doubt it as well.  Sony is screwing itself just fine and doesn\'t need Microsoft\'s help.

Last chance to get some ground. The price drop with the release of Blue Dragon (is still in the top 20 Famitsu most wanted) might move some systems.

Heh, how long until the list is expanded to the "top 50" to make room for a 360 game?  

Heh, how long until the list is expanded to the "top 50" to make room for a 360 game?  

hehe...seriously though, BD has been in the top 20 since it was announced almost a year ago.  At one time it was number 8.