Unconfirmed Sales Figures Point To Slow Start For Xbox In Japan

Citing data from Enterbrain Inc., the Xbox reportedly sold about 190,000 units between its debut on February 22 and March 31. Microsoft manufactured 250,000 units for the Japanese launch. Various factors may be to blame, including the console's higher price (34,800 yen, compared to 29,400 yen for the PS2 and 25,000 yen for the GameCube), earlier disc scratching problems associated with the console, and a lack of compelling games for Japanese players. In comparison, Microsoft sold 1.5 million consoles in the United Sates in its first six weeks. Microsoft would not comment on the sales figures.