Microsoft to launch limited edition Xbox models in Japan

Two new versions of the Xbox console are set to arrive in Japan in the coming months, with limited editions being created to commemorate the second anniversary of the Xbox launch and the arrival of Dead or Alive Ultimate.

The Xbox Pure White Limited, which is designed to celebrate the second anniversary of the arrival of the console in Japan, is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin - a pure white version of the console, with even the controller being made of bright white plastic.

The second pack is the Xbox Kasumi-chan Blue, named after the popular character Kasumi from Tecmo's Dead or Alive series, and it will launch alongside the forthcoming online title Dead or Alive Ultimate.

This model is made of semi-transparent blue plastic, and also comes with a copy of Dead or Alive Ultimate and, er, a seat cushion with an image of Kasumi on it.

Both new special editions come bundled with DVD player kits and Xbox Live starter kits featuring one year's free membership. Only 1000 units of the Pure White console are being manufactured, while5000 units of the Kasumi-chan Blue console will be made available.

The move to launch special edition consoles will be a familiar one for Japanese consumers, who are used to console companies launching special versions of their hardware - usually simply featuring a new colour scheme - to bundle with key software titles.

Nintendo launches new versions of the GameCube in this manner on a regular basis in Japan, while the GBA SP is also regularly customised (in fact, at its launch, a special edition of the handheld was created to go with Final Fantasy Tactics Advance). Sony also gets in on the act regularly, and late last year it launched a special gold version of the PS2 to go with the latest Gundam game from Bandai, and a white version to go with Gran Turismo 4 Prologue.

This isn't the first time that Microsoft has launched a unique version of the Xbox in Japan either - a limited edition Xbox was also made available at the launch of the console two years ago.

External Link: [Images of the new Xbox versions at GameSpot]