Why the Xbox 360 will fail in Japan

A Chinese analyst has stated that the Xbox 360 will not be popular in China for two main reasons.

First of all, there is not enough diversity of game types. This was originally one of the problems with the first XBox, although more recently this problem has been fixed. Also, many games will be cross-platform, with many expected to release on PS3 and Xbox 360. [http://www.xboxtoday.ca] if not the Nintendo Revolution as well (assuming the games can cope with the new controller).

Second, the Chinese market cannot cope with the high prices that the Xbox 360 commands. The PS3 will launch at higher prices than the XBox 360, so perhaps Nintendo Revolution will be allowed to sweep the market away in China.

For whatever reason, Microsoft can’t “successfully” launch a video game console in the Japanese market. Gamers in Japan seem more likely to buy a console that comes with a bit of history and a proven track record.

Of course, the PlayStation dynasty already has a huge following in China and has since the launch of the PS1, but if price is going to be an issue, that could all change drastically.