How Badly is Xbox Doing in Japan?
04-05-02 | 01:54 PM
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How Badly is Xbox Doing in Japan?
How Badly is Xbox Doing in Japan?
By: Shane Bettenhausen April 5, 2002 11:24 AM PST
Japanese magazine publisher Enterbrain has revealed the total sales of Xbox units as of March 31st, and the news doesn't bode well for the colossal black box. Only 190,092 of the 250,000 systems shipped on February 22nd have been sold.
Although Microsoft moved about 123,000 consoles during the first week of launch, each progressive week met with exponentially diminishing sales. One month after the launch, merely 5,000 Xbox systems were sold, compared to 85,000 PlayStation 2s, 35,000 Gamecubes and 7500 PS One units.
What's causing this apathy towards the console? Some blame the reported defects that plagued some units for scaring off potential consumers. Enterbrain's editor-in-chief, Hirokazu Hamamura, feels that the fear of scratched discs isn't what's driving gamers away--it's the lack of quality software. Xbox software sales have failed to make much of an impact on the sales charts since the launch week, and the latest Dengeki Top 50 weekly sales ranking features no Xbox games whatsoever.
By: Shane Bettenhausen April 5, 2002 11:24 AM PST
Japanese magazine publisher Enterbrain has revealed the total sales of Xbox units as of March 31st, and the news doesn't bode well for the colossal black box. Only 190,092 of the 250,000 systems shipped on February 22nd have been sold.
Although Microsoft moved about 123,000 consoles during the first week of launch, each progressive week met with exponentially diminishing sales. One month after the launch, merely 5,000 Xbox systems were sold, compared to 85,000 PlayStation 2s, 35,000 Gamecubes and 7500 PS One units.
What's causing this apathy towards the console? Some blame the reported defects that plagued some units for scaring off potential consumers. Enterbrain's editor-in-chief, Hirokazu Hamamura, feels that the fear of scratched discs isn't what's driving gamers away--it's the lack of quality software. Xbox software sales have failed to make much of an impact on the sales charts since the launch week, and the latest Dengeki Top 50 weekly sales ranking features no Xbox games whatsoever.
04-05-02 | 01:56 PM
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Ouch. Even though I own an X-Box (as well as a PS2 and GC), I'm glad that the big black box isn't doing too well in Japan. I'd hate for them to dominate the industry over there.
Besides, it's an American system that is selling very well. I wouldn't worry too much about its longevity over here.
Besides, it's an American system that is selling very well. I wouldn't worry too much about its longevity over here.
04-05-02 | 04:11 PM
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You really can't blame the Japanese. The software selection there is terrible. With stuff like Kingdom Hearts coming out for the PS2 I doubt anyone over there cares about the Xbox right now.
