Anime added to XBL Marketplace, in Japan

by James Ransom-Wiley { Apr 6th 2006 at 12:25PM }

Following a Microsoft Japan press conference, an episode of Karas was added to the Xbox Live Marketplace. The video can be downloaded for free, in both standard and 720p definitions, using a Japanese profile. Microsoft confirmed that future anime episodes would follow, available for an unspecified fee. While the Karas addition sure beats the Natasha Bedingfield music videos we've received here in the US, it's unlikely to turn the tide (i.e. move major 360 units) in Japan.

On a side note: what up wit' Street Fighter II? Wasn't that joint supposed to be released last month?

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Repsode @ Apr 6th 2006 12:35PM

Downloaded it this morning. A full 18 minutes of the movie itself is pretty good. Almost complete lack of speech makes it very accessible.

Download this now using the now common method of getting into other regions marketplaces.

Brilliant HD showcase piece.

epobirs @ Apr 6th 2006 12:48PM

Not a system seller, but a cool addition to the feature set.

For the right price I might in the recent past have downloaded some shows that had long since concluded in their native markets but were being doled out one episode a week here. The price would have to be substantially less than the DVDs but that still allows for a good profit.

Paul @ Apr 6th 2006 12:53PM

Pretty good move by MS, and better targets the market they want. Hell, if they would make it so you could download Super Sentai or other Tokusatsu, I'd sign up. Come to think of it, downloading television at all is a really good idea. If they could add a catalog of shows I like, I'd buy a 360 in an instant.

jay @ Apr 6th 2006 1:17PM

Sorry, I already have iTunes, EyeTV and a subscription to a legal British TV torrent site to watch and download shows. And they can be transferred to my iPod.

Thanks MS. But I'm covered.

Not saying everyone is of course. but I'm sorted for my TV.

Omega Xi @ Apr 6th 2006 1:28PM

Without wanting to seem rude, I don't suppose you could share the URL of that torrent site with us....? ^^;

//Xi

in5ane @ Apr 6th 2006 1:48PM

There is no legal British TV torrent site*. He's probably talking about www.uknova.com

(*The BBC and Sky have a couple of things that are kinda like it, but the content is severely limited, and not officially distributed by bittorrent, but it's definitely P23)

MooNKnight @ Apr 6th 2006 2:28PM

So what are you(James Ransom-Wiley)saying?
SFII hasn't been released yet and Microsoft didn't even have the descency to delay it? BASTARDS :-(

Dark @ Apr 6th 2006 3:51PM

I am expectantly waiting on word of the SFII for XBLA, but as of yet haven't heard a peep anywhere I searched. Heck its not even listed on the Capcom site. Could it because of the financial trouble Capcom Japan is having is making the delay?

Andrew @ Apr 6th 2006 4:17PM

Can we get Ninja Turtles and other old 80s / early 90s cartoons on XBLM?

Griffon @ Apr 6th 2006 6:30PM

Eh, OK so I don't get it, can somebody walk the rest of through exactly how to go get the Anima if your in the US market? The crypitic comment above didn't really provide enough of the old clue stick...

Jeez, you would think MS would grock that there are a lot of gamers that are Anima fans as well and just make it available. Heck though should be doing that with fan subs.