Microsoft announces Japanese FIFA bundle for Xbox 360

Microsoft, in collaboration with FIFA, EA and Adidas Japan, has announced plans to release a limited edition Xbox 360 bundle in Japan, to coincide with the launch of EA's FIFA World Cup Germany game and hopefully drive sales in the territory.

The move follows recent reports of a potential re-launch for the next-generation console in Japan, where the machine has so far failed to ignite any measurable consumer interest.

The limited edition bundle will consist of an Xbox 360 console with hard drive, wireless controller and media accessories, a limited edition Adidas Japan blue faceplate featuring the colours of Japan's national football team, an Adidas Japan blue bandana and a copy of EA's World Cup Germany game.

Scheduled for release on April 27th, the bundle will, according to reports from US website Gamespot, be restricted to 10,000 units and will be open-priced, giving retailers the freedom to competitively price the bundle in an effort to promote interest in the machine.

Sales of the Xbox 360 have, thus far, been pretty poor in Japan - just as they were for the original Xbox, which Microsoft battled long and hard to promote in the country. The FIFA bundle is just one of a number of promotional tools the company is employing over the coming months, as it shifts focus in an effort to gain a sustainable foothold in the Japanese consumer gaming market before the PS3 launches in November.