Xbox 360 is suddenly lighting up retail tills in Japan. Pre-orders began for the company’s Blue Dragon bundle yesterday with many retailers reporting a sell-out.
The special-edition, of which there are about 10,000 units, sold out almost immediately, with the further 90,000 standard units selling fast. Next-Gen spoke to a number of retailers in Tokyo who reported brisk sales or sell-outs of allocations.
The bundle includes an Xbox 360 core system with Blue Dragon as well as other bundled games for a bargain-basement 29,800 yen. The Special Edition features various freebies including a faceplate.
This bundle is a last desperate gamble by Mirosoft to break the Japanese market, whch has hitherto shown little or no inclination to be swayed. But Blue Dragon has been winning plaudits across Japan. Severe shortages of PS3 are only adding to the allure of this bundle.
The special-edition, of which there are about 10,000 units, sold out almost immediately, with the further 90,000 standard units selling fast. Next-Gen spoke to a number of retailers in Tokyo who reported brisk sales or sell-outs of allocations.
The bundle includes an Xbox 360 core system with Blue Dragon as well as other bundled games for a bargain-basement 29,800 yen. The Special Edition features various freebies including a faceplate.
This bundle is a last desperate gamble by Mirosoft to break the Japanese market, whch has hitherto shown little or no inclination to be swayed. But Blue Dragon has been winning plaudits across Japan. Severe shortages of PS3 are only adding to the allure of this bundle.
Xbox 360 sells out in Japan
Ken Barnes
Yes, you read that headline correctly.
Microsoft's 10,000 special edition Blue Dragon Xbox 360 bundles were available for preorder yesterday - and now there are none. Some retailers are reporting that their allocation went in just five minutes yesterday morning, and the additional 90,000 standard bundles are also reportedly selling like warm scones, too. The special edition costs just 29,800 Yen (£134) and come complete with a core Xbox 360, a copy of Blue Dragon, a Blue Dragon faceplate, Blue Dragon calendar, and a set of five miniature characters.
Is this the start of a revolution in Japan? Maybe. Maybe not. We'll see over the coming weeks whether or not the momentum can continue.
Ken Barnes
Yes, you read that headline correctly.
Microsoft's 10,000 special edition Blue Dragon Xbox 360 bundles were available for preorder yesterday - and now there are none. Some retailers are reporting that their allocation went in just five minutes yesterday morning, and the additional 90,000 standard bundles are also reportedly selling like warm scones, too. The special edition costs just 29,800 Yen (£134) and come complete with a core Xbox 360, a copy of Blue Dragon, a Blue Dragon faceplate, Blue Dragon calendar, and a set of five miniature characters.
Is this the start of a revolution in Japan? Maybe. Maybe not. We'll see over the coming weeks whether or not the momentum can continue.
Comment