Microsoft CEO: “Japan Is A Tier 2 Country” For Xbox One Launch

Microsoft has not sold their consoles very well in Japan. It’s a historical fact that may continue based on the way their company is attacking the Eastern gaming market.

In an interview with 4Gamer.net, a Japanese gaming news site, they managed to ask Microsoft Japan President and CEO Yasuyuki Higuchi about when Japan can expect an Xbox One release. This was the CEO’s response.

"For the launch of Xbox One Japan is a Tier 2 country and not a Tier 1 country, so it’ll come with the second wave, that will be delayed a little bit [compared to North America].It’ll launch after the Tier 1 markets."

This was a poor choice of words from Microsoft’s CEO, differentiating different countries’ gamers by tiers. It’s not going to help the already-shaky relationship between Microsoft and Japan, especially when Nintendo and Sony’s products are points of national pride within the country.

Fortunately for Microsoft, the Xbox One release in Japan “won’t be delayed too much from the North American release,” and they intend to make a presence at the annual Tokyo Game Show, meaning that they haven’t completely given up on the region. Maybe if they announce some new JRPG’s or other games from Japanese developers they can earn some more good will with Japanese gamers. But for now, the Microsoft Japan CEO will ask just one thing.

"Please don’t report too negatively."