Japanese launch location manages to sell out

by Jennie Lees on Dec 10th 2005 11:00AM

Despite less than cheerful expectations for the Japanese launch of the Xbox 360, the location chosen for the grand launch sold out within half an hour. Unfortunately, there was no appearance by Bill Gates, but it seems that quite a few Japanese gamers are excited about the 360 after all. Peter Moore, Microsoft vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing, was optimistic:

"History tells us that no great empire lasts forever. In the case of the Sony PlayStation, obviously it has been a great empire. But when a superior culture comes along, typically, it means the end of that empire. We believe that the superior culture is the Xbox 360 games experience, particularly the Xbox Live experience, which will bring communities from around the world together through gaming."

[Thanks, The1]

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Reader Comments (4)

Wow im really suprised that the 360 sold out in a half an hour thats awesome. I just hope that they can now finally start sending more 360's over here to the states.

People are going to spin the 360s launch in japan to meet their best intrest. Its not good for Sony or Nintendo for the 360 to do well in Japan. I dont think the 360 will be number 2 in japan, but with a larger install base the system will have a longer life span.

"History tells us that no great empire lasts forever. In the case of the Sony PlayStation, obviously it has been a great empire. But when a superior culture comes along, typically, it means the end of that empire."

From a historical perspective, I believe I'd interpret those comments as rather insulting were I Japanese.

it was only the "grand launch" location that sold out. i live in japan and went to 2 different places (for reasons other than buying the xbox360) and out of curiosity asked if they had any left. both places had plenty. the japanese do not care about the 360 in general and i am willing to bet most of the 360s that were sold were scooped up by non-japanese living in japan. xbox360 will be at the bottom after sony and nintendo that is all there is too it.