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PlayStation 4 Launches In Japan On February 22, 2014

Ben-Dutka 24 Comments

For the first time ever, a new PlayStation console will launch later in Japan.

The PlayStation 4 has been given a November 15 release date for the US and November 29 for Europe, but Japanese gamers won't be able to purchase it until 2014.

During Sony's pre-TGS conference, it was revealed that the PS4 would launch on February 22, 2014 in Japan. They also announced the PS4 First Limited Pack for the region, which features the new system and a digital voucher for the first-party exclusive, Knack . This will retail for 41,979 yen. Another pack that includes the PlayStation Camera will be available as well; this will be priced at 46,179 yen. As for games, Japanese consumers can start pre-ordering PS4 titles as of October 5.

Having grown up in a world where all video games and game systems were made by Japanese developers, this news seems exceedingly odd. But hey, I think we all know that times have changed.

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PS4 Launches Later In Japan So Sony Can “Meet The Volume”

Ben-Dutka 9 Comments

When it was revealed that the PlayStation 4 wouldn't launch in Japan until February 22, 2014, many asked the inevitable question: Why?

After all, it's traditionally accepted that a new Japanese console launches first in Japan, and Western gamers usually have to wait. So why the reversal for the upcoming generation?

There are a number of reasons, as cited by Bloomberg . Primarily, the release gap allows Sony to appropriately handle demand in the US, and they can also focus on the biggest sales markets for the peak holiday season. Sony boss Andrew House reminded everyone of the "tough experience" Sony went through when the PS3 first launched in the US in November of 2006:

"We had a tough experience of supply not meeting demand at an early stage of introduction for PS2 and PS3. This time, we want to avoid that happening again. We want to launch it when we can meet the volume."

Piper Jaffray analyst Michael Olson has predicted that the PS4 and Xbox One will combine to sell around 3 million units worldwide this year, and it's clear that Sony will have to meet that demand, or risk more bad press. We all remember the PS3 launch and the ensuing headlines, right? It was doom and gloom from the start, and while price and lack of software was a concern, lack of availability really kicked the hate machine into high gear.

Sony just doesn't want that to happen again, which makes sense. And it also makes sense that they want to hit the holiday season in the West.

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