Microsoft will release a new videogame console in Japan in 2006, CEO Steve
Ballmer stated at a press conference in Redmond recently, reports the Nihon
Keizai Shimbun. He mentioned that date as part of a general discussion of
the Japanese games market, where Microsoft apparently remains committed to
pushing the Xbox despite weak software support and consumer demand.
Microsoft also plans to develop new, unspecified services to specifically
appeal to the Japanese market.
A new Microsoft console in 2006 would likely arrive second or third in the
next generation of game systems. Nintendo, which has stated that it will be
the first to market, is reportedly aiming for 2005, while a 2005 or 2006
date has frequently arisen in discussions of Sony's next system.
In reference to the aging but still persistent rumors that Microsoft plans
to invest in Sega, or buy the publisher entirely, Ballmer reiterated that
the company has no such plans.
