Pretty much my response. Except mine is "Who Cares"

The 360 was never going to set the world alight in Japan but what Microsofts commitment in the region did was bring the Japanese developers to work on their console this time round and it's that extra variety of software that was worth the cost. The 360 numbers actually look very good I believe given where they were 18 months ago.

I agree with Kow. They should just concentrate their resources on Europe next gen if they want better cost effectiveness. However i doubt it will reach 2.5 million by the end of the Gen. Probably 2 million is more realistic.

Console-wise, yes, to an extent.

I thin microsoft should pull the system. No console deserves to do that badly.

It can make 1.75 million, but I can assure you that when the next xbox drops sales of the 360 will flatline so I don't think there's a chance at 2 million, even. It would need 2 or 3 huge exclusive games.

I think its great, remember, Sega also struggled and with the Saturn, and then they exploded onto the scene. In fact the MD had a small but dedicated following which gave the system some amazing games.

I think the 360 has done well for these reasons.

1. High attach rate, many games are selling very well in general for the system, the userbase has risen hugely and the sales have also gone up with them

2. Has a hardcore following, which again means strong software sales, but its also lead to MANY Western games being released in Japan with many selling better than they wouldve even on the most popular consoles in previous gens.

3. VASTLY improved the image of XBOX in Japan, which will go a long way with the next XBOX.

4. Has maintained interest, i think selling 3-5k weekly for the remainder of the gen is excellent with bumps. Remember, the last XBOX sold 300k in the FIRST YEAR and quickly died away only selling 500k. The 360 sold 100k in its first year, in fact 50k of that came from the first week of Blue Dragon, and yet has continued to sell at a decent pace.

MS does need to try harder, many exclusives have come and gone this year after SO4 with little effort. I think MS needs to make the most of Mistwalker, both LO and BD were succesful and now with 1.2 million consoles, they could do REALLY well. They absolutely have to, because FF13 and GT5 will bury the system and it seems MS are only interested in Natal.

For what its worth I think software sales are pretty good in Japan considering the small userbase. I don't think the Saturn and Dreamcast moved nearly as much with a far bigger userbase.

Anyhow, I belive Japan is not very important eitherway. Clearly making games that appeal to the US market is far more profitable. Excluding Nintendo, its mostly American and European developers dominating software sales.

And better for my tastes.

Even if the 360 isn't doing well in Japan, I think having a local MS game division in Japan will give Japanese developers local support should they wish to sell their games abroad in localized versions.