Microsoft Japan: Launching Xbox One as is 'would be difficult'

Microsoft may have to tweak the Xbox One's western focus before launching it in Japan, Microsoft Japan CEO Yasuyuki Higuchi told 4Gamer, translated by Edge. Consumers in Japan may not see a console as the hub of a living room, as many western consumers do, plus, Japanese players are turning to tablets and smartphones for gaming, Higuchi said.

Higuchi said Xbox One "is geared toward 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."

Xbox One can stream live sporting events such as basketball and football games, a US-centric feature that Microsoft will have to tailor for Japanese audiences, head of the Microsoft Japan Consumer and Partner Group Haruaki Kayama said.

"We have to prepare content that is relevant to Japan," Kayama said. "'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."

Xbox One will launch in Japan soon after the US release this holiday, but it won't hit the island in 2013, Higuchi said.