Japanese hardware
Microsoft Corp has announced that it will be delaying the launch of Xbox in Japan. Originally scheduled for February 22nd 2002, the machine will now not go on sale until an unspecified date in March.
In an attempt to justify the slip without upsetting the well balanced Xbox media apple-cart, Microsoft President Richard Belluzzo told reporters at a conference in Taipei, that before the console is introduced, “We want to develop online gaming in Japan.” Exactly how much an extra month’s development will enable this remains to be seen.
As far as hardware delays go, a month is really nothing to be concerned about, as far as the eager consumer is concerned. The reasoning behind the delay, might prove to be a little more interesting. The Xbox is performing well at launch in the US, with the latest figures stating the software giant has managed to shift an impressive 738,000 units by December 1st. To supply Japan, arguable the territory least likely to take to the machine, in February, could mean American supplies running short. Microsoft also has to account for its European launch, due to take place 14th March. How the close proximity of the two launches will be managed should prove quite interesting.
In an attempt to justify the slip without upsetting the well balanced Xbox media apple-cart, Microsoft President Richard Belluzzo told reporters at a conference in Taipei, that before the console is introduced, “We want to develop online gaming in Japan.” Exactly how much an extra month’s development will enable this remains to be seen.
As far as hardware delays go, a month is really nothing to be concerned about, as far as the eager consumer is concerned. The reasoning behind the delay, might prove to be a little more interesting. The Xbox is performing well at launch in the US, with the latest figures stating the software giant has managed to shift an impressive 738,000 units by December 1st. To supply Japan, arguable the territory least likely to take to the machine, in February, could mean American supplies running short. Microsoft also has to account for its European launch, due to take place 14th March. How the close proximity of the two launches will be managed should prove quite interesting.
Companies:
Microsoft
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