i'm probably one of the only people on this forum in korea, but let me tell you DS is huge here. Problem is that everyone is using the R4, it's suprising to see people that know very little about video games have R4s. Very few games are actually even translated to Korean because of all the pirating.

Metroid prime hunters, new super mario bros, mario kart 64, and mario 64 are the most popular.

That's the beauty of Nintendo's strategy though, John. Even if people pirate, Nintendo is STILL making a profit.

Let's say it gets 25% of the software sales it would otherwise get. No problem! Nintendo makes a profit on the system, then it makes a profit on the (small) game sales, too. 

 LMAO!

i forgot to mention that the GBA, and gameboy were not popular at all in Korea, it all started with the DS.

"Can't see the end side of the image, BKK. "

Thanks, resized.

"Either way, 1m DS sales in Korea is HUGE."

Yes, very impressive seeing as it hasn't even been out for a year yet.

"Korea is vastly dominated by PC sales. The PS2, as far as I remember, only sold 2m units (I believe Starcraft sold more than the PS2 did)."

Definitely, same as in China. PS2 had sold 1.3M up to August 2007.

"Yeah, no one in China can afford a Wii, just like no one in China can afford a good PC, a high speed internet connection, and World of Warcraft."

I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic about my post or not, but as I said a small percentage of 1B is still a lot. I then said most gamers are PC gamers, so I'm confused as to what point you're trying to make. Wii is already widely available in China, so obviously there's a market for it, I just don't think it's currently very large.

As for being able to afford a good PC, high speed internet connection or WoW, well that's irrelevant as most people play from internet cafes in China (and many other Asian countries too).

Wii is already "widely available" in China? That I have not heard. I've certainly heard of some stores importing it. Where have you heard that it is "widely available?"

Seriously, try finding a game store in any major city in China which don't stock any of the current gen consoles, even though none have been officially released there yet. Same is true in South East Asia. You don't even need to get them "chipped", as the stores have already done it. Granted, demand will go up once it's officially released, as it will be cheaper, and be advertised, but the console market isn't mature enough yet to sell mega numbers. In ten years time it might be a different story. It's not something I've heard, I frequently travel to Shanghai, Hong Kong/Macau/Shenzhen I live in the region.

 I question that, a system for around 700-800 yuan might go over well in China

++ BKK for the excellent information from Asia you gave us! I especially agree on your assessment on mainland China. It's just too early for them. Check back in 10 years.

It seems like the DS will outsell the PS2 in Korea this year, and probably in Taiwan as well, thereby becoming the most successful videogame platform ever in these markets, I guess?

BKK, where is that chart on your picture from? It's really special to see some Asian numbers from market outside of Japan. The one question for me is why they made it look like the PS1 and XBox weren't sold in Europe or the US.

None of the current gen systems are going to sell for 700-800 Yuan any time soon. Especially when hardware is the only way they can turn a profit.