Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2008/02/05/xbox_360_arcade_japan_launch/

Xbox 360 Arcade announced for Japan

New console to arrive on same day as satin PS3

By James Sherwood

Posted in Personal Tech, 5th February 2008 10:50 GMT

A crucial showdown approaches for the console industry. Next month, Microsoft will ship a cut-price Xbox 360 in Japan, on the same day that Sony’s satin PlayStation 3 launches in the land of the rising sun.

Arcade_Xbox

Microsoft's Xbox 360 Arcade UK edition: no hard drive, but supports HDMI

On 6 March, Microsoft will launch an edition of the Xbox 360 that’s identical to the Arcade Edition, which was originally unveiled for the UK back in October.

The console comes with HDMI compatibility, a wireless controller and a 256MB memory card, instead of a hard drive. In the UK, the machine also ships with five full-version games, including Pac-Man Championship Edition. Whether Japanese gamers will be treated to the same deal remains to be seen.

The bargain basement Microsoft machine will retail for ¥27,800 (£130/€190/$260) in Japan.