Police called due to out-of-control crowd, sparking a heated debate on resellers in Japan.
consoles
We’re sure Nintendo is busy creating something new and exciting to release into the world, but we kind of wish this is what they were working on…
In the battle to determine the supreme video game console of the eighth generation, Sony’s PlayStation 4 has been doing incredibly well so far – or at least it has outside of Japan, anyway. The console was released in the West in November of last year and quickly became the fastest-selling console ever at its launch in the UK. In contrast, since its February release in Japan, the PlayStation 4’s sales numbers have been decidedly underwhelming.
Any number of articles on the web can seek to explain the reasons behind the PS4’s popularity overseas and Japanese consumers’ apparent indifference, but it seems like one game developer CEO is fed up with nonsense articles full of fluff and no depth. In fact, according to him, even junior high school students could have written most of the stuff that has appeared on some gaming sites! He, at least, is hoping for a more substantial analysis of the situation. More details to come after the jump.
Could China finally be ready to make its long-delayed entry into the console wars? It was only a matter of time since the 14-year ban on video game consoles was lifted in January of this year, and a collaboration between two companies has now announced that we could see a new China-exclusive device out sometime this month.
Just a day after we brought you news that China had temporarily lifted a 14-year ban that prevented foreign companies such as Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony from selling their consoles in the country, homegrown telecommunications company Huawei has unveiled a brand new games console of its own at the CES 2014 trade show.
Despite the thriving grey market that has existed since the ban was put in place 14 years ago, both gamers in China and console manufacturers outside the country will no doubt be excited to learn that China’s State Council yesterday lifted restrictions on the importation and sale of foreign video games consoles, albeit on a “temporary” basis. That’s right: China may soon became a legitimate market for Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft once again.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
More people in Japan quit sending New Year’s cards and many have started to regret it
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
One Piece devil fruit ice cream coming back to Baskin-Robbins Japan
Don’t like drinking with the boss? No Promotion For You!
Playing ‘League of Legends’ is way harder with your cat around【Video】
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
How to properly eat a traditional Japanese tonkatsu meal
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Burger King Japan’s new Ninniku Garlic Burger does not live up to the hype
Weekly
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware- Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace- Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Monthly
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes- 7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
- Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer- Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Playing ‘League of Legends’ is way harder with your cat around【Video】
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
How to properly eat a traditional Japanese tonkatsu meal
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Burger King Japan’s new Ninniku Garlic Burger does not live up to the hype
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Coordinating a whole outfit with nothing but clothes from Japanese convenience store Family Mart
Japanese company creates a tiny sock for your big toe
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
How much money should you give children for New Year’s otoshidama? Adults weigh in
Presenting funazushi — Could fermented sushi be the next big Japanese export to Southeast Asia?
-
