Microsoft’s new Xbox One X system was sold out in Japan as early as before launch day, but what wasn’t so clear is what that exactly meant. Microsoft’s consoles have historically been all but ignored in Japan, with the Xbox One S even being advertised more for it’s media capabilities that, oh by the way, can also play video games.
When word came out that Xbox One X preorders were sold out across the country, and that there would be no orders available for in-store pickup on day one, a few things could have been happening. Either the sheer power of the Xbox One X was catching the attention of the Japanese market, or it was a really low shipment.
Keeping things limited would have made sense for Microsoft seeing as they’ve never sold that well in the country, and now that the weekly Media Create has released, we have the answer. They did limit the shipment to just preorders, selling a meagre 1,344 units. This is behind even the Nintendo 2DS at 1,484 units and hilariously behind the 79,958 units of the Nintendo Switch moved during the November 6th to November 12th period.
A surge is a surge however, and the Xbox One X has moved more units for Microsoft than other versions of the console have done in three months, according to previous Media Create data. Meanwhile, sales in North America are much bigger.