This photo taken Jan 22, 2006
For all my guys out there, this astounding photo needs no explanation. Astounding. And ~110Y/$1 means extra astounding.
For those who don't care about video games, here's why the above photo is astounding: the XBox360 is what's called a "next generation" game for home. It's better because it uses sophisticated parts for excellent video (in high definition), it has wireless internet so you can for example race in a car against someone in Germany, and you can play movies on it. In the US and Europe, this machine is sold out; you can't find it in any stores. In fact, it sold out on the first day it was available.
...which has led people to start selling the Japanese versions on Ebay for $450. ..which is isn't so much higher than the $400 price in the US, but is $100 higher than the Japanese price, with the Yen->USD conversion. Why? Isn't this a global economy? How is this possible?
Two reasons. 1) Sony. MicroSoft is making a pre-emptive attack before the release of Sony's next generation game, the PS3. It will hit big in Japan, and it will hit soon. 2) Region locking. US folks could fear that their beloved game won't work, much like the way DVDs are coded for the country you bought them in. Region locking only effects a very small number of people who live in the "wrong" region.. *ahem* like me.
However, I just happened upon this information which describes how many many games are actually not region locked. I am salivating as I type. Perhaps I could file it under "Ways to learn Japanese"..?
3 comments:
The PS3 will be the first exposure most people get to a new DVD format, it'll have graphics similar to XBox360, and I imagine it'd have backwards compatibility with older playstation games. ... And yes, Bill's right, Japanese players are pretty loyal to PlayStation. Everyone here is waiting for Sony.
But if that competition is the reason why game companies are reluctant to region-lock their games, then the competition is a plus for us... :D
For those still interested, this news, PS3 = November may be interesting. This being the case, I'm much more likely to buy an xbox here in Japan.. and soon. hee hee hee
Another link, for those with Japan XBox ambitions. If you're American, I strongly suggest you just wait until the US version is available.. makes playing DVDs a lot easier for you.
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