A crucial showdown approaches for the console industry. Next month, Microsoft will ship a cut-price Xbox 360 in Japan, on the same day that Sony’s satin PlayStation 3 launches in the land of the rising sun.

Microsoft's Xbox 360 Arcade UK edition: no hard drive, but supports HDMI

Related stories

• MS showcases Red Ring of Death Xbox 360 at expo
• Xbox 360 console failure rate forecast at 16.4%
• HDMI add-on adds HDMI to HDMI-less Xbox 360s
• Sony sells 1m PS3s in UK
• Microsoft fast-forwards Surface launch
• Wii predicted to win 2008 sales race
• Satin PS3 to launch in Japan
• Nintendo sells 5m Wiis in Japan
• Microsoft backpedals on Blu-ray for Xbox 360 comments
• Xbox 360 could back Blu-ray
• MS 'disappointed' with Xbox Live connectivity woes

On 6 March, Microsoft will launch an edition of the Xbox 360 that’s identical to the Arcade Edition, which was originally unveiled for the UK back in October.

The console comes with HDMI compatibility, a wireless controller and a 256MB memory card, instead of a hard drive. In the UK, the machine also ships with five full-version games, including Pac-Man Championship Edition. Whether Japanese gamers will be treated to the same deal remains to be seen.

The bargain basement Microsoft machine will retail for ¥27,800 (£130/€190/$260) in Japan.

More comments…