Microsoft could launch $100 cheaper in Japan - with free Attack On Titan and an extra controller - and still get outsold by PS4. A bit like the 360 launch, where in the USA, for the last fee months of 2005/first few months of 06 - you could not find a 360 in store in the USA, and you'd have to pay $800 on eBay for one if you wanted one on impulse purchase - while in Japan - thousands sat unsold.
It's a smart move to launch in the countries where demand ensures that you'll sell out regardless of how many you can supply - even more so due to the closeness of Christmas. Both companies will sell out leading up to Christmas regardless - but establishing large bases in the biggest markets - which then go on to influence sales in other markets - is preferable to medium sized bases across smaller markets.
