Xbox One: releasing it 'as is' would be difficult in Japan, says Microsoft

Xbox One is geared towards western gamers, so releasing it as it stands in Japan would prove difficult Microsoft's Japanese president and CEO Yasuyuki Higuchi has said.

Speaking with 4Gamer, Higuchi said, ""Xbox One) is geared towards a Western lifestyle, and we're looking at whether or not to launch it 'as is' in Japan. We're still figuring out how to deal with things like music and video services in each country. To be honest, [releasing it in Japan] as is would be difficult."

The comments follow Microsoft's uphill battle to boost the Xbox 360's popularity across Japan, with console sales trailing the likes of PS Vita, 3DS, Wii U and PS3. It's not uncommon to see only a few hundred consoles sold across the country each week.

When it comes to content, Higuchi admitted that Microsoft has to be wary of what will and will not work in Japan. "We have to prepare content that is relevant to Japan," he continued. "'What is the best, what will today's consumers in Japan respond to? What content is in demand?'

"We're considering these questions now. There's no point in a solution that does not match the market. Even if we bring NFL [on board for Japan], haha... Japan is difficult. I'm almost tempted to ask for ideas."

Microsoft has confirmed it will return to Tokyo Game Show this year, following an absence at the event.

Regardless, Microsoft still has no solid launch plans for Xbox One in Japan other than it will release in the company's second wave of launches, due 2014.

Thanks OXM.