Japan completely sells out of Xbox 360s

[Darkfalz]

http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming...ox-360s-454493

Microsoft has blasted through one of the biggest challenges in Western games console marketing, officially reporting complete stock sell-out of machines in Japan yesterday.

While reports came through last week that 360s were sold out in Akihabara shops, this week has shown an unprecedented success in Microsoft's Nippon fortunes.

Microsoft showed its surprise in an official statement, released yesterday and translated by Kotaku, saying:

"Our own sales targets have been exceeded by the actual customer sales. We deeply apologise for any inconvenience to our customers, retailers and business partners."

Sensible Strategies

While the company are probably feeling anything but apologetic as its previously flagging console sells out in Japanese shops, it's arguable how long this new-found dominance may actually last, and doubts remain over certain factors the sell-out may actually be based on.

The launch last week of format-exclusive Tales of Vesperia has been cited by many as the sole reason for the 360's jump in popularity.

"The 360 was always going to see an upsurge in sales with the release of Vesperia – it happened last year as well when Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey hit stores over there," says Tim Weaver, editor of Xbox 360 World."

"Both games are epic RPGs in the same way as Vesperia, and RPGs are the staple diet of console gamers in Japan. Microsoft's strategy is very sensible, and seems to be based around a quiet acceptance that they won't be troubling PS3 and Wii for long periods over there, but – at the same time – ensuring that, when they can, they'll continue to score small victories using Uncle Bill's billions.

"Next year, they've got a system-exclusive Star Ocean title coming – combined series sales for Star Ocean are close to three million – as well as the big one: Final Fantasy XIII. Expect sales spikes when those hit stores too."


By Peter Gothard

http://play.tm/story/20526

"The Xbox 360 has sold out in Japan after a PS3 beating week which saw around 25,000 of the Microsoft consoles being purchased."

Too bad there aren't more consoles on shelves...

[jpimgt]

Selling out doesn't mean jack if you don't have the numbers.
They sold out of how many in stock? 10k?

[kickingtotalass]

This weeks media crate #'s will be very interesting.

What if japan catches the "wii" bug with the 360.

[Snadinator]

Originally Posted by jpimgt

Selling out doesn't mean jack if you don't have the numbers.
They sold out of how many in stock? 10k?

They sold roughly 25k the week Vesperia hit stores.

Interesting. With Infinite Undiscovery and Last Remnant hitting this year, I wonder if the momentum can keep up for at least a little while.

[michealo]

Akihabara shops sells out? i don't see the article listing any other retailers.

[ArronC07]

Important bit:

Originally Posted by News item posted by you

The launch last week of format-exclusive Tales of Vesperia has been cited by many as the sole reason for the 360's jump in popularity.

"The 360 was always going to see an upsurge in sales with the release of Vesperia – it happened last year as well when Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey hit stores over there," says Tim Weaver, editor of Xbox 360 World."

and why this isn't in your other thread is beyond me.

[ArronC07]

Originally Posted by kickingtotalass

This weeks media crate #'s will be very interesting.

What if japan catches the "wii" bug with the 360.

Meanwhile on planet earth....

[kickingtotalass]

Originally Posted by Snadinator

They sold roughly 25k the week Vesperia hit stores.

Interesting. With Infinite Undiscovery and Last Remnant hitting this year, I wonder if the momentum can keep up for at least a little while.

Infinite is in 3 weeks and it's the first square RPG to hit next gen consoles.

I'm really curious how big of an impact this will have.

[Darkfalz]

Originally Posted by kickingtotalass

Infinite is in 3 weeks and it's the first square RPG to hit next gen consoles.

I'm really curious how big of an impact this will have.

Infinite coming in Japan to help bump an already unprecedented demand for 360, and a rumored price drop in NA getting a $199 box on shelves... September should be interesting...

[Snadinator]

Originally Posted by kickingtotalass

Infinite is in 3 weeks and it's the first square RPG to hit next gen consoles.

I'm really curious how big of an impact this will have.

The impact is that it will be in my possession day 1. Isn't it two weeks?

[kickingtotalass]

Originally Posted by Snadinator

The impact is that it will be in my possession day 1. Isn't it two weeks?

Yeah NM september 2nd.

FUck, how am I going to play Vespara and Infinite. **gets on RPG gloves**

*cough cough

I foresee a sic day.

[Snadinator]

Originally Posted by kickingtotalass

Yeah NM september 2nd.

FUck, how am I going to play Vespara and Infinite. **gets on RPG gloves**

*cough cough

I foresee a sic day.

Seriously. I think I feel a fever comming.

[Godstar]

This is good news as I hope MS pushes for more RPG's on the console, as it seems Sony has all but abandoned JRPG's.

[AnimalMother]

The good news: 360 finally sells out of launch consoles in Japan.

The bad news: A bunch of Japanese just got stuck with launch 360s.

[Pyrochaos]

Damn now that other titles are pushing the 360, I hope Mistwalker gets more appreciation, thus leading to more games from them.