Very shortly after Sony dropped the bomb that the Japanese market would only be receiving an initial shipment of a mere 100,000 PlayStation 3s, Microsoft stated that they would be releasing a Core Xbox 360 system bundle for the price of 29,800 Yen ($255 US). The bundle would include the Xbox 360 Core system, Ninety-Nine Nights, and Project Gotham Racing 3. The slated release date of the new bundle is November 2, just before the launch of the PS 3. Microsoft’s new bundle is in effort to capitalize on Sony’s manufacturing mishaps, and possibly gain a stronger foothold in the Japanese market. With titles like "Blue Dragon" from the creator of Final Fantasy, the Gundam FPS "Operation Troy", and Mist Walker’s new RPG "Lost Odyssey" soon to hit shelves it is very possible that Microsoft will gain some of the market share from Sony.

Is it possible that Japanese Sony fans are enticed enough to pass up the PlayStation 3 and support the 360? Will the price and games be enough to outweigh Sony, or is too late for Microsoft to be a commanding force in the Japanese video game market?

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