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[Striek]

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. plans to offer its Xbox 360 game console in Asian markets outside of Japan by early March, despite tight supply in the United States.

The head of Microsoft's Xbox business in Asia, Alan Bowman, said the console would hit the market in Korea on February 24 and Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore on March 2.

...

Bowman, Asia-Pacific general manager for the Entertainment and Devices division, said Microsoft had resisted the temptation to delay international launch dates to meet U.S. demand.

"Believe me, that conversation happened," he told Reuters in a telephone interview on Friday. The comments were under embargo until Microsoft's launch announcement on Monday.

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/new...A506997_RTRIDST_0_OUKIN-UK-ASIA-MICROSOFT.XML

Korea before Australia, yarr wtf
Surprising they feel a March launch in Asia will still constrict supply in the USA...

 

[Deg]

So i guess a worldwide launch goes across 5 months.

 

[polg]

2005 worldwide launch am cry

 

[BlueTsunami]

So i guess a worldwide launch goes across 5 months.

Worldwide launch FTL

 

[DarienA]

2005 worldwide launch am cry

Well they aren't saying simul worldwide launch....

 

[xabre]

When's the Iraqi release date?

 

[Xellotah]

So i guess a worldwide launch goes across 5 months.

The world is only made up of 3 regions, with Europe being the best

 

[123rl]

Five months for a complete worldwide launch is bloody impressive

 

[itsinmyveins]

The world is only made up of 3 regions, with Europe being the best

Yay! For once we in Europe ain't the ones gettin' pissed all over! Have that Japan, which never releases them good RPG's and Katamary in EU!

 

[Helznicht]

So a US and Europe restock before Japan eh. Good move IMO. Will let some of those Japanese games get complete too.

 

[xabre]

But Fox News told me the Iraqi economy was BOOMING? Surely Microsoft will want in on this EXPLOSIVE market no later than March?

 

[DSN2K]

Five months for a complete worldwide launch is bloody impressive

thiers nothing "complete" about the 360 launch.

 

[MrSingh]

Erhm. Does Nintendo even have official ex-Japan Asia launches for their products?

And Sony and friends still release Japanese language version games as non-Japan asian versions. Erhm.. last time I checked, Japan didn't win World War II and the rest of Asia doesn't speak/read/write Japanese.

 

[Sho Nuff]

Erhm. Does Nintendo even having an ex-Japan Asia launch?

And Sony and friends still release Japanese language version games as non-Japan asian versions. Erhm.. last time I checked, Japan didn't win World War II and the rest of Asia doesn't speak/read/write Japanese.

Just wait, Japan will take its place as the leading light of asia. WW2 was just a setback. Sony is totally looking to the future.

edit: Uh. You guys DO know how many copies of legitimate games actually sell in the Asia region, and why it is low-priority for every manufacturer? So don't you fuckers get all huffy and adamant going "OHHH NOOO THOSE POOR MALAYSIANS WON'T BE ABLE TO PURCHASE PGR3 IN 2005!" They won't even fucking touch the thing until there's a modchip.

 

[MrSingh]

"OHHH NOOO THOSE POOR MALAYSIANS WON'T BE ABLE TO PURCHASE PGR3 IN 2005!" They won't even fucking touch the thing until there's a modchip.

Yes, but they will be enjoying dericious banana leaf rice while they wait.

 

[sprsk]

so we can expect mod chips come march then, excellent.

and yeah, no one in "asia" buys games. and why would they when they get pirated shit for like 2 dollars a pop.

 

[Pachael]

Erhm. Does Nintendo even have official ex-Japan Asia launches for their products?

And Sony and friends still release Japanese language version games as non-Japan asian versions. Erhm.. last time I checked, Japan didn't win World War II and the rest of Asia doesn't speak/read/write Japanese.

While this is true for many Asian releases of Japanese games, there are some exceptions to the rule that are starting to emerge: In Singapore for instance Microsoft had a proper launch for the Xbox with games in both Mandarin and English - at least interface and manual wise, since I don't think they'd bother re-dubbing games like Halo, for instance. (Not verified as I don't have a Xduke).

Some PS2 games have gotten translations for their games by outsourced translation/patch companies which get a cut from Asia game sales - two Asian games I own (Tales of Destiny II and Sakura Taisen:Atsuki), are Mandarin-subbed but keep their Japanese voices. The in-game movies are subbed in Mandarin and the manuals are in Mandarin. This services the Taiwan/Hong Kong/Singapore/China market in a swoop, and Asia got GT4 in Mandarin double quick (December 04 release Asia & Japan, Feb 05 in US, Mar 05 in EU, May in fooking down under Aussie ;_ - I remember seeing maskrider's initial GT4 (Prologue?) screens last year, those were in Mandarin.

Then again:

"OHHH NOOO THOSE POOR MALAYSIANS WON'T BE ABLE TO PURCHASE PGR3 IN 2005!" They won't even fucking touch the thing until there's a modchip.

Pretty much hit the nail on the head.

 

[Jerkface]

But Fox News told me the Iraqi economy was BOOMING? Surely Microsoft will want in on this EXPLOSIVE market no later than March?

Are you suggesting the powerbrick could be used as an IED? :lol

 

[sangreal]

So a US and Europe restock before Japan eh. Good move IMO. Will let some of those Japanese games get complete too.

No, this is about asian markets outside of Japan

 

[Deg]

I should have said paper launch. Maybe ATI are withholding GPUs.

 

[Fafalada]

Erhm.. last time I checked, Japan didn't win World War II and the rest of Asia doesn't speak/read/write Japanese.

And last time I checked Japanese didn't write/speak hangul either. Sony only releases localized stuff in Korea - that's why you know - they actually manage to sell a console every now and then, unlike those other two companies.

 

[DCharlie]

"And last time I checked Japanese didn't write/speak hangul either. Sony only releases localized stuff in Korea - that's why you know - they actually manage to sell a console every now and then, unlike those other two companies."

that's because Koreans fear the awesome.

 

[MrSingh]

And last time I checked Japanese didn't write/speak hangul either. Sony only releases localized stuff in Korea - that's why you know - they actually manage to sell a console every now and then, unlike those other two companies.

Do people in KOrea buy any other games other than Maple Story?

 

[VictimOfGrief]

Seriously... if MS learned from this it would be:

North American ONLY Nov-Jan
Europe Feb-Mar
Asia - Mar-June

If only.

 

[xabre]

Are you suggesting the powerbrick could be used as an IED? :lol

On second thought I don't think it would make for very good PR. 'Oh look, there's an X360 laying inconspicuously on the road side. Let me go over and pic' ***BOOM***

 

[Walshey]

Australia has just had the date pushed back to march 23rd
Im not sure if this will be the same with the HK launch.

Sydney January 27, 2006 – Xbox today announced a new launch date in Australia and New Zealand for the Xbox 360. The new launch date is 12:01am on March 23 2006.

The new launch dates have been set due to unprecedented global consumer demand stemming from challenges in ramping supply for a complex product like the Xbox 360. This is a short term manufacturing challenge and steps have been taken to increase supply to provide adequate supplies at launch.

Xbox 360 is well on its way to becoming the fastest-selling video game console in history, and remains on track to meet the year end forecast to ship between 4.5 million and 5.5 million consoles worldwide by the end of June 2006.

http://www.xboxworld.com.au/news/news_xbox_new.php?idNews=1032

 

[longdi]

Microsoft Confirms Xbox 360 Pricing & Launch Date for Singapore
Peripherals | Just Announced
Fri 27 Jan 2006


Singapore, January 27, 2006 – Microsoft announced the Singapore retail price for the Xbox 360. The next generation video game and entertainment system from Microsoft Corp will start from SG$535 and will be available on retail shelves from 16 March, 2006.

The new launch date has been set due to unprecedented global consumer demand stemming from challenges in ramping supply for a complex product like the Xbox 360. This is a short term manufacturing challenge and steps have been taken to increase supply to meet the strong consumer demand for the console.

Two versions of the console will go on sale in Singapore from 16 March, 2006 priced at SG$660 for the Xbox 360 and SG$535 for the Xbox 360 Core System. Xbox 360 will launch in Singapore with a jam-packed portfolio of up to 15 games, including “Perfect Dark Zero™”, “Project Gotham Racing 3” and “Kameo: Elements of Power” at a recommended retail price of SG$69.90 each. Never before has Xbox created such a rich and diverse portfolio of Asian games for Asian gamers to dive into.

“With its awe-inspiring graphics, audio and online play, Xbox 360 slams gaming straight into the life force of mainstream entertainment in Singapore and South-East Asia. But gaming aside, Xbox 360 is an unrivaled entertainment system that allows consumers to play music, watch movies, share photos and enjoy other digital content. That’s unprecedented entertainment right out of the box,” said Tony Boatman, SEA group marketing manager of the Entertainment & Devices Division at Microsoft.

The Xbox 360 (RRP SG$660), the complete system, is fully loaded to deliver the ultimate gaming experience. The Xbox 360 includes the console, 20 GB hard drive, wireless controller, Xbox Live headset, hi-definition AV cable and Ethernet cable.

The Xbox 360 Core System (RRP SG$535) enables the same powerful gaming experience as the Xbox 360, but lets gamers start with the basics and move ahead at their own pace. The Xbox 360 Core System includes the console, wired controller and composite AV cable.

Xbox 360 provides a full range of accessories available at launch for gamers who are keen to put their individual stamp on their console. These include wireless (RRP SG$75.90) and wired (RRP SG$59.90) controllers, 20 GB Hard Drive (RRP SG$159.00) and Faceplates (RRP SG$33).*

Note: Full list of accessories available attached

All Xbox 360 consoles come with a free Silver subscription to Xbox Live, the world’s leading online gaming service, which allows gamers to compete with and connect to the wider gaming community. At launch, all consumers will also enjoy a 30-day free trial subscription to the Xbox

Live Gold service.

“In addition, all existing Xbox Live gamers can jump right into the Xbox 360 online community for free. With Xbox 360, we will connect every Singapore gamer to the thriving community of two million online gamers around the world,” said Mr Boatman.

For Singapore gamers seeking a truly engaging and immersive online multiplayer experience, the Xbox Live Premium Pack provides the necessary equipment to begin their quest. The Xbox Live Premium Pack at SG$69.90 includes a headset, two Arcade games – “Bankshot Billiards 2” and “Joust”, 100 Microsoft points and a three-month Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Gamers eager to feed their insatiable appetite for all things Xbox 360 can check out Singapore’s Jump In Community Site at www.jump-in.com.sg for the latest Asian news, views and information on Xbox 360 in the region.

Item

RRP Price in SGD

Xbox 360 SG$660.00

Xbox 360 Core System SG$535.00

1st and 2nd Party Game Titles SG$69.90

1st and 2nd Party Game Titles (Limited Edition) SG$74.90

Xbox Live Premium Pack SG$69.90

Wireless Controller SG$75.90

Wired Controller SG$59.90

Play and Charge Cable and NiMH Rechargeable Battery Pack SG$33.00

Rechargeable Battery Pack SG$17.00

20 GB Hard Drive SG$159.00

64 MB Memory Unit SG$59.90

Universal Media Remote SG$49.90

Wireless LAN Adapter SG$129.00

Wired Headset SG$33.00

Faceplates SG$33.00

Xbox Live 1 Month Subscription SG$13.90

Xbox Live 3 Month Subscription SG$34.90

US$1 ~ SG$1.62

 

[Mr Mike]

Are the Asian versions any quieter than the heap of shit air-con-style units the rest of us got last year?

 

[Blimblim]

US$1 ~ SG$1.62

Yay, asian versions of the games FTW. Cheaper than japanese versions, and usually available a few days before at playasia

 

[duckroll]

Yay, asian versions of the games FTW. Cheaper than japanese versions, and usually available a few days before at playasia

How much is P-A selling Ninja Gaiden Black for? I got mine for like 45 SGD. :lol

 

[Blimblim]

How much is P-A selling Ninja Gaiden Black for? I got mine for like 45 SGD. :lol

No idea, the asia version is out of stock. Must have been around US$ 35-40 IIRC. They have a big margin, but it's still cheaper most of the time than buying the PAL version months later...

 

[Furoba]

Launch Window(s) (XP)!

 

[duckroll]

No idea, the asia version is out of stock. Must have been around US$ 35-40 IIRC. They have a big margin, but it's still cheaper most of the time than buying the PAL version months later...

Holy shit maybe I should just start selling Asian Xbox (and Xbox360!) games for GAF! :lol

 

[D3VI0US]

Those jackasses don't need a 360, I do! MS get you head out of your ass and get 360's into the territory that matters most.

 

[Blimblim]

Holy shit maybe I should just start selling Asian Xbox (and Xbox360!) games for GAF! :lol

If you can ship as fast as playasia, I'll be your first customer