While Sony and Nintendo have always been the favorites in Japan, Microsoft is making strides to ensure the Xbox Series S|X grow in the region. The consoles are still far from influential in Japan, but recent efforts have helped Xbox improve its position.
According to recent data, the Xbox Series S|X have surpassed the sales of the original Xbox in Japan.
Why it matters: Following the Xbox 360, Microsoft saw declining interest in the Japanese gaming market. However, the gaming giant hopes to make the recent generation popular all over the world, including Sony and Nintendo’s home market.
Xbox Series X/S consoles have now outsold the original Xbox console in Japan! #Xbox
Xbox Series X/S (2020) – 473,570
OG Xbox (2002) – 472,992data via @famitsu pic.twitter.com/jZQ70ell57
— Genki✨ (@Genki_JPN) July 27, 2023
The original Xbox console was released over two decades ago and sold over 472K units in Japan.
While the console was considered a great first offering from Microsoft, it had to compete with the incredibly popular PS2. This made it difficult for Xbox to break into the Japanese market, leading to less than 1 million lifetime sales.
Nonetheless, the Xbox Series S|X have already sold over 473K units in less than three years. While this is an improvement, Xbox is still far from a threat to Nintendo and Sony in Japan.
The PS5 had already sold over 2 million units in the region by October last year, and the recent boost to supply has led to a massive surge in sales.
The Xbox Series S|X consoles have sold over 21 million units worldwide. Phil Spencer also confirmed half of the sales in the Asian market come from first-time Xbox owners, hinting at newfound success for Xbox.
Additionally, the gaming giant has confirmed a greater focus on Japanese games. This could make the latest consoles the best-selling Xbox products in Japan to date.
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[News Reporter]
Abiyan is on track to complete his Computer Science bachelor’s degree. His enthusiasm for writing and gaming motivates him to keep readers and gamers updated with the latest information from the industry. In his free time, Abiyan enjoys playing Dota 2 and Rocket League. Abiyan has also been cited in reputed websites such as Kitguru, Comicbook, GamingBible, Eurogamer and Gamingbolt.