Microsoft Decides to Incongruently Release Xbox 360

[A-Team]

European and Japanese gamers will have to wait at least 10-20 days before getting their own consoles.

According to Reuters (http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyID=2005-09-14T134122Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-216177-1.xml), Microsoft's Chief Xbox Officer Robbie Bach has confirmed that Microsoft will not be performing a simultaneous worldwide release of their next-generation platform. Instead, there will be at least a 10 day wait between debuts across North America, Europe, and Japan.

"We will launch in North America, Europe and Japan in the same holiday season," Bach said at the Reuters Technology and Telecoms Summit in Tokyo. "There will probably be a week or 10 days in between the different territories, just to give us a chance to manage the logistics."
Although the news article doesn't tell us who will get their hands on the Xbox 360 first, we can safely assume that North Americans will see the platform first. An NA release would *probably* be followed up with the console's release in Europe and finally Japan.

Microsoft's Xbox 360 will debut this fall with somewhere between 10 and 15 launch titles.

http://www.filerushnews.com/images/album167/aaz.thumb.jpg (http://www.filerushnews.com/gallery/album167/aaz)

The TDU screenshot has nothing to do with anything, but I'll be damned if it isn't a beautiful shot.

[Savok]

Not too bad, as long as the time frame isn't screwed with and we get the thing this year.

[Major Dan]

Can you say, " Near Real Time.........errrr....... I mean Near Simulatanous?" :D

Near Real time = big buzz word in the AF

[A-Team]

Not too bad, as long as the time frame isn't screwed with and we get the thing this year.
You will so long as you live in one of the three areas I listed.

[Bumbuliuz]

Being from Europe and used to Sony's "manhandling" us on a regular basis, this does not suprise me. I half expected it. 10-14 days is ok. Getting stuff 6+ months later is really the bad part of theese kind of releases. Like the Psp launch on the 1.st of Sept. We will probably have to wait the same time or even more when the Ps3 comes out. Because of this and how great I felt the xbox becaume I will be putting my money down on xbox 360 this holliday season and whenever Sony launches in EU. Tough luck!!!

[KNOTE]

I normally betray no emotion, but I'm getting excited for launch finally.

For those that are buying a launch console, what games are you picking up?

I'm getting Condemned, Kameo, PGR3, and maybe PD0. That should keep me busy for a while.

[Savok]

You will so long as you live in one of the three areas I listed.
Normally Europe means Aus/NZ as well, but not always for handheld stuff....

Not that I'm getting it at launch, but a late launch sets a bad precedent.

[Mr_Snuffle]

Not too bad... I don't plan to get one at launch, but 10-20 days is perfectly managable.

[wirefire]

its us we get it on the 22nd just announced

[KamaItachi]

10 days, that's not bad considering Microsoft hinted that it might be almost 2-3 months later in Japan which to me, kinda' defeated the whole point of trying to get it out before the PS3 in Japan.

I'd like to see what kind of bundles they'll put together for this side of the pond, I may hold off an import model after all...

[Linkreincarnate]

I really don't think this will go over well in Japan, even if it is only 10-20 days.
Their so stuck on having preferrential (is that a word) treatment.

[KamaItachi]

I really don't think this will go over well in Japan, even if it is only 10-20 days.
Their so stuck on having preferrential (is that a word) treatment.

Nah, not really, they were quite happy to sit back and wait an extra 3 and 5 months for releases of Lord of the Rings and Star Wars respectively. The first thing you ever learn about life in Japan is that you will wait for EVERYTHING and there's not much you can do about it.

[Heretic Machine]

Their so stuck on having preferrential (is that a word) treatment.

So? Fuck them. You don't -need- Japan to have a successful console, it just helps.

[bobbler]

Nov. 22nd for USA, Dec. 2nd for Europe, and Dec. 10th for Japan it seems.

[Savok]

I can live with that.

[Danj0r]

Normally Europe means Aus/NZ as well, but not always for handheld stuff....

Not that I'm getting it at launch, but a late launch sets a bad precedent.
Sadly not in this case, there's been absolultey no official word on an Australian/New Zealand release for the 360. This so called "worldwide" thing they keep spouting it complete tripe.

Ive been mostly seeing feb and some jan 06 rumours, allthough apparantly EB has June 2006 on their books, screw that.

Considering the original Xbox actually has better competive sales here than in the US, Europe or Japan in terms of percentage sold verus PS2/Gamecube sales. It seems like an incredibly stupid move from MS to delay an Australiasian launch beyond xmas.

The worst part is, importing really isnt an option due to overbearing region restrictions and postage costs. I'm not really one to pay launch prices for a console, but the longer away the launch is, the longer away a price drop is. :(

[Bumbuliuz]

So long as they dont make the same horrible mistake that Sony did, witch was completely bungling on the games and other stuff. I remember when the Ps2 launched in Europe and on launch day there were 3 games for sale, no memory cards or extra controllers. I walked home with a ps2 and Tekken Tag. Nothing else. And for almost 2 weeks that´s all I had. Not even a bloody memory card! So if they make sure the get the re-sellers plenty of consoles, games and adons this should be a good launch for MS.

[Savok]

I've found the only time we get mentioned is when our date is different to Europe's (Gamecube for instance). Still, seems it's wait and see.

[Chris_D]

No I've read interviews in Hyper with the MS guys and we definitely won't see the 360 till 2006. As for when in 2006, who knows, but it could easily be another 6 months based on the PSP.

[KamaItachi]

Damn, that's a ridiculous amount of time to make you wait. What could possibly take them so long? It's not like there's and significant changes over the machine they'll release in Europe (U.K. at least).

If Microsoft is really intent on getting into first place, or at least getting a better piece of the pie this time around, they need to make sure they show every region they are serious.

[UnderHero5]

"The TDU screenshot has nothing to do with anything, but I'll be damned if it isn't a beautiful shot."

Yeah... too bad it'll probably be horrible, like every other Test Drive game ever made.

Make a game as pretty as you want, doesn't mean it will be good or fun... I wish they would learn this.

[Savok]

Test Drive 2 I've got on 5 1/4" floppies was pretty fun.

I stopped getting Hyper long ago as the magazine was no longer even worthy of wiping my ass with. But, if we do get screwed it'll suck and be a bit odd, considering how well MS treated us last gen (compared to the others at any rate).

[m0nk3yb0y]

Japan is also getting only one version of the XBox 360 (the premium) and are getting it for $55 dollars cheaper ($345).

[Twigz'N'Berries]

Japan is also getting only one version of the XBox 360 (the premium) and are getting it for $55 dollars cheaper ($345).
Are you serious?? Why in god's name would MS bend us over and give them a better price? I know they want a better marketshare, but I find the idea that they would pimp there largest fanbase and give Japan (who gave them no love last go 'round) a price break.
Now I'm ticked. Are you sure Monkey??

[KamaItachi]

Japan is also getting only one version of the XBox 360 (the premium) and are getting it for $55 dollars cheaper ($345).


OOh yeah! High-five!

Anyone...?


anyone........?

[Twigz'N'Berries]

OOh yeah! High-five!

Anyone...?


anyone........?
I'll give you a high 1. Here ya go...

[m0nk3yb0y]

Are you serious?? Why in god's name would MS bend us over and give them a better price? I know they want a better marketshare, but I find the idea that they would pimp there largest fanbase and give Japan (who gave them no love last go 'round) a price break.
Now I'm ticked. Are you sure Monkey??

Seeing as how it's Tokyo Game Show, though, the company's focusing on their overseas efforts. In addition to confirming a launch price of 37,900 YEN (almost $350 USD) for Xbox 360, Microsoft's predictably avoiding a dual SKU launch in the land of the rising sun. Japan will receive one version of Xbox 360 loaded with the removable 20GB HD, wireless controller, an media remote control, an headset, an ethernet cable, batteries and a component HD-AV cable.

From 1up.com (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3143730)

Just checked, right now it's actually more like $342

[Chris_D]

Damn, that's a ridiculous amount of time to make you wait. What could possibly take them so long? It's not like there's and significant changes over the machine they'll release in Europe (U.K. at least).

If Microsoft is really intent on getting into first place, or at least getting a better piece of the pie this time around, they need to make sure they show every region they are serious.

Well normally both Europe and australia would lag behind the US, but on this occasion Europe got special treatment (fair enough). Its kind of sad though because australia was probably the most successful territory for xbox (based on % - the GC failed here). MS always uses our numbers to pad out the Asia/Pacific sales figures ;).

[Chris_D]

Test Drive 2 I've got on 5 1/4" floppies was pretty fun.

I stopped getting Hyper long ago as the magazine was no longer even worthy of wiping my ass with. But, if we do get screwed it'll suck and be a bit odd, considering how well MS treated us last gen (compared to the others at any rate).

I don't buy hyper, i just browse it off the shelf ;). But it matches everything I've heard and read elsewhere. If the 360 was coming out here in less than 2 months you'd know about it trust me.

[Chris_D]

Japan is also getting only one version of the XBox 360 (the premium) and are getting it for $55 dollars cheaper ($345).

Ok waiting for the required followup post to say that MS isn't trying hard enough in Japan.... :p

[Twigz'N'Berries]

From 1up.com (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3143730)

Just checked, right now it's actually more like $342
Thanks Monkey for your post, you provided good info and a link.

I hate the f_ck out of the content though!! So because we have supported MS here in America, we get raked over the coals. But f-ing Japan who bought only 145 Xboxes last month gets the package we were supposed to get!!! For $342 no less!!! F Microsoft!!! F 'em!!
I know they are trying to get Japanese gamers on board, but 'F' that!! You shouldn't screw those who have been loyal in an attempt to get someone who hasn't given a rats a$$ about you...that is f-ing spectacular.

I understand why they did it, but I haven't been this pissed in awhile.

I'd love to hear you weigh in on this one Murm. Let's hear the spin machine on this.

[KamaItachi]

Thanks Monkey for your post, you provided good info and a link.

I hate the f_ck out of the content though!! So because we have supported MS here in America, we get raked over the coals. But f-ing Japan who bought only 145 Xboxes last month gets the package we were supposed to get!!! For $342 no less!!! F Microsoft!!! F 'em!!
I know they are trying to get Japanese gamers on board, but 'F' that!! You shouldn't screw those who have been loyal in an attempt to get someone who hasn't given a rats a$$ about you...that is f-ing spectacular.

I understand why they did it, but I haven't been this pissed in awhile.

I'd love to hear you weigh in on this one Murm. Let's here the spin machine on this.

Speaking from experience, just wait until you see the lineup. I`ll bet the best games will be out in the U.S. and the lineup will suck, they will also pay a premium for software over here. They`ve been paying $60-70 a title as standard here for a loooong time.

[nonchalance]

Australia is officially screwed over, according to a press release at www.ausgamers.com - http://www.ausgamers.com/?prid=2354206 is your link.

SYDNEY 15 September, 2005 - Fuelling global anticipation for the arrival of its powerful new video game and entertainment system, Microsoft Corp. today announced that Xbox 360™ will arrive on store shelves Tuesday, Nov. 22 in North America, Friday, Dec. 2 in Europe, and Saturday, Dec. 10 in Japan. Australian gamers can enjoy the Xbox 360 in early 2006.

Fuckers.
Is Japan PAL or NTSC, not incidentally?

[MrMeatshake]

Thanks Monkey for your post, you provided good info and a link.

I hate the f_ck out of the content though!! So because we have supported MS here in America, we get raked over the coals. But f-ing Japan who bought only 145 Xboxes last month gets the package we were supposed to get!!! For $342 no less!!! F Microsoft!!! F 'em!!

hm, actually, this is a suprisingly good decision from *** to try and take more of a loss per unit in japan. what rankles is that abomination of a marketing price-point that is the base SKU. it does kinda seem like they've come up with a good release plan and then made it worse in every way for the rest of the world, rather than improved it for japan :-/

[iamkevin]

Are you guys serious?
10 days from North America till europe and another 8 (for a total of 18) for japan is way better than any other console's release dates across different markets.
PS2 released in japan months before it did in the US.
Gamecube launched 2 months later in the US than in Japan, and a few months later still in Europe.
Same with PSP for Japan/US, and I don't think i need to remind anyone how Europe got screwed over hardcore with it.

2 and a half weeks is pretty damn close to simultaneous.
Plus, here's what was said in the E3 press release:
Xbox 360 will unleash the greatest game lineup in the history of video games when it launches in North America, Europe, and Japan this Christmas holiday.
Now, i'm POSITIVE someone will find a quote that says "simultaneous release" but these three dates are all before the Christmas holiday, and fits with what was said at E3.

Anyway, I'm guessing it's a little difficult to coordinate manufacturing and distributing however many millions of units need to be available in the 3 largest video game markets in the world.

Please, don't complain so loudly about having to wait 2 and a half weeks between NA and Japan, it just makes you all sound like a group of 12 year olds.

[bapenguin]

man...Japan got what the US should have got. A $350 launch price tag with one SKU, the premium bundle.

[KamaItachi]

Australia is officially screwed over, according to a press release at www.ausgamers.com - http://www.ausgamers.com/?prid=2354206 is your link.



Fuckers.
Is Japan PAL or NTSC, not incidentally?


NTSC, but run it on a monitor and it`ll be fine. Most PAL tvs will take an NTSC signal these days anyway.

[Reanimated]

How does Robbie Bach saying "a week to 10 days" equal "at least 10 to 20 days"?

Who the fuck made up that bullshit? 10 days = 20?

[Savok]

If you're in PAL and your TV can't do NTSC, get a new TV, your current one is so old or so utterly, utterly cheap (ones even hobos avoid) it's a fire hazard.

And now I'm cranky, Australia gets screwed again.

For those wondering, the problem with importing isn't so much the NTSC or power supply, but the expense. Because unless you mod your console (screwing online play this gen) you're stuck importing every game you want as well. No wandering down to the video store and renting stuff for a weekend either.

[Skjef]

If you're in PAL and your TV can't do NTSC, get a new TV, your current one is so old or so utterly, utterly cheap (ones even hobos avoid) it's a fire hazard.

And now I'm cranky, Australia gets screwed again.

For those wondering, the problem with importing isn't so much the NTSC or power supply, but the expense. Because unless you mod your console (screwing online play this gen) you're stuck importing every game you want as well. No wandering down to the video store and renting stuff for a weekend either.

You're telling me Australia and NZ have their own region codes? Jesus. That sucks.

[kodiac]

man...Japan got what the US should have got. A $350 launch price tag with one SKU, the premium bundle.

I have seen the same item with the premium here for about $2000.

[Chris_D]

Not quite that bad, we can play european games (which are pal also). But the cheaper american games require an import console and a mod. And of course the number of games that come out only in the US is quite high...

[Murmillo]

I'd love to hear you weigh in on this one Murm. Let's here the spin machine on this.
There is no spin here... I'm shocked. This blows my mind.

I understand the the reason with the dual SKU, because 75% or so the harddrives were just not used to justify the costs. I didn't like it, but understood it. But now, Microsoft is giving Japan what we want, the REAL x360 for only $350... *sigh*

I'll have to look into this to see if I can further details, but as of right now... :(

[Zanzibar]

How does Robbie Bach saying "a week to 10 days" equal "at least 10 to 20 days"?

Who the fuck made up that bullshit? 10 days = 20?

Just a thought, but 'a week to 10 days' might mean between each region, so US to Europe is 10 days, plus Europe to Japan is ten days.

[Savok]

One highlight from this however, the Japanese devs will use the HD.

[bobbler]

Zanzibar got it.

November 22nd (Usa) -> 10 days -> December 2nd (Europe) -> 8 days -> December 10th (Japan). 18 days between first release and complete release.

[Twigz'N'Berries]

One highlight from this however, the Japanese devs will use the HD.
F-ing A.
You are right of course about the Japanese developers using the HD...so how does that translate into imported games? When they go to 'port' a game over they now must contend with the HD-less American version? I am so irritated by this move on MS part. All of the consoles should have been like the Japanese version. Hell, tack on the extra $10 and sell it to everybody for $360.
As much as I hate it, I've already preordered and paid for my 360. But I assure you, I will have a much more Sony friendly attitude when it launches.

[netcraazzy]

I really feel like this is just adding insult to injury for us North American buyers. First they disappoint us by not including the hard drive with every system and jacking the price up $100 to get a hard drive. Now it seems that they are planning on releasing in Japan what everybody was hoping for here, a middle of the road priced system with all the promised bells and whistles.

If this information turns out to be true then Microsoft will have lost a lot of credibility in my book. It's one thing to say, sorry we just couldn't make it happen the way we hoped it would, but it's another thing entirely to follow through in one region but at the expense of the others.

I'm starting to think that buying a 360 at launch is a bad idea.

[Twigz'N'Berries]

I really feel like this is just adding insult to injury for us North American buyers. First they disappoint us by not including the hard drive with every system and jacking the price up $100 to get a hard drive. Now it seems that they are planning on releasing in Japan what everybody was hoping for here, a middle of the road priced system with all the promised bells and whistles.
If this information turns out to be true then Microsoft will have lost a lot of credibility in my book. It's one thing to say, sorry we just couldn't make it happen the way we hoped it would, but it's another thing entirely to follow through in one region but at the expense of the others.
Exactly. If anything, they should have just had the one system. So I guess Allard doesn't feel there are any casual gamers in Japan? Just hardcore ones? Hardcore ones who don't have the extra $50 lying around that us US North American residents have.
The Japanese better freaking buy a ton of them. I am pissed at MS right now. What makes it worse is that I went over to Xboxyde and their games are looking much better! So its a good news/freaking terrible news situation.

[Cyrano]

This is just insulting to North Americans. Here's a quote from GameSpy's coverage:
Mr. Maruyama didn't rule out the possibility of such a version's eventual release, but mentioned that, given the focus that Microsoft's Japanese strategy places on downloadable content, it wouldn't make sense during the launch window.

Full article. (http://xbox.gamespy.com/articles/651/651093p2.html)

I guess Microsoft's North American strategy doesn't focus on downloadable content anymore. The only reason I can see for not giving every region the same deal as Japan is that Microsoft figures it will only sell a few 360's in Japan, so they can afford to take more of a loss on the system there.

[netcraazzy]

This is just insulting to North Americans. Here's a quote from GameSpy's coverage:


Full article. (http://xbox.gamespy.com/articles/651/651093p2.html)

I guess Microsoft's North American strategy doesn't focus on downloadable content anymore. The only reason I can see for not giving every region the same deal as Japan is that Microsoft figures it will only sell a few 360's in Japan, so they can afford to take more of a loss on the system there.

That article also makes a pretty interesting point on page 1.


Mr. Maruyama made it quite clear during the conference that the 360's online capabilities will play an integral in its success in the Japanese market. Where, then, are the online games? Does Final Fantasy XI really count at this point?


In my opinion the several years old FFXI does not count. How many people have not played that game yet and would be willing to do so on the 360? Does anybody have a list of launch games that are confirmed to have online gameplay as a major component?

[Major Dan]

There is no spin here... I'm shocked. This blows my mind.

I understand the the reason with the dual SKU, because 75% or so the harddrives were just not used to justify the costs. I didn't like it, but understood it. But now, Microsoft is giving Japan what we want, the REAL x360 for only $350... *sigh*

I'll have to look into this to see if I can further details, but as of right now... :(

It just seems MS really really wants to get into the Japanese market and seems to be ok with losing money on each console. Besides if it sells well there, they will make their money back on the other stuff they have in the works, ie. faceplate, XBox live microtransactions and what ever else. It seems to me the Japanese are much more inclined to customize and buy stuff through XBox live than most Americans. Maybe I'm wrong but if they can penetrate the market there MS stands to sell a lot of "razor blades" so to speak.

[Murmillo]

Major Dan, yea.. thats what the reports I've been reading and early speculation seems to be heading toward on why they are doing this. They have a strong North American and European market and can afford to lose a few customers over the dual cost saving SKU launch, but still need to beef up thier Japan market and are willing to lose money if it means as you say, "sell more razor blades."

[Chris_D]

In my opinion the several years old FFXI does not count. How many people have not played that game yet and would be willing to do so on the 360?

With FFXI all that is needed is a new expansion that is PC/360 only. FFXI is a very popular game with a long life ahead of it, and I'm sure the PS2 platform won't support everything the devs want to do.

[Chris_D]

Since Japanese xbox buyers are predominantly hardcore gamers, and the % uptake of Live is higher than in any other country then it makes sense to provide the HD by default.