Microsoft is planning to launch a cheaper version of its Xbox 360 games console in Japan a week before the PlayStation 3 is due on sale.The Xbox 360 core system, which is already on sale in other markets, will go on sale in Japan on Nov. 2, the company said Friday. The console doesn’t include several components present in the full system, including a hard-disk drive and headset, and as a result is cheaper. It will cost 29,800 yen (US$256), which is half the price of the PlayStation 3.Initial versions of the core system will also be bundled with two popular games: “PGR 3—Project Gotham Racing 3” and “Ninety-Nine Nights (N3).” These games and three other titles will also be rereleased on the same day under the banner “Xbox 360 Platinum Collection” for 2,800 yen—a competitive price compared to games for the rival PlayStation. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe That cheaper console could increase pressure on Sony, which is looking unlikely to be able to satisfy demand for the PlayStation 3 on its Nov. 11 launch and in the year-end sales period. Earlier this week, the company said it will have 100,000 units of the PlayStation 3 shipped to retailers for the launch. Based on previous PlayStation launches, that’s sure to be far below consumer demand, so consumers will have to decide whether to wait until a PlayStation 3 becomes available or go for a competing console for half the price.Nintendo’s launch of its Wii console will fuel the competition in the Japan market. That system is due on sale sometime between October and December and is expected to cost about the same as the Xbox 360 core system. Microsoft will continue to sell the Xbox 360 full version, which also includes a 20GB hard-disk drive, wireless controller, remote control, high-definition analog cable and Ethernet cable, for 37,900 yen.-Martyn Williams, IDG News Service (Tokyo Bureau)Related Links: Blue Laser Shortage Zaps Sony PS3 Launch Plan Sony PlayStation 3 Site Launches in JapanThis article is posted on our Microsoft Informer page. For more news on the Redmond, Wash.-based powerhouse, keep checking in.Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content feature Mastercard preps for the post-quantum cybersecurity threat A cryptographically relevant quantum computer will put everyday online transactions at risk. Mastercard is preparing for such an eventuality — today. By Poornima Apte Sep 22, 2023 6 mins CIO 100 CIO 100 CIO 100 feature 9 famous analytics and AI disasters Insights from data and machine learning algorithms can be invaluable, but mistakes can cost you reputation, revenue, or even lives. These high-profile analytics and AI blunders illustrate what can go wrong. By Thor Olavsrud Sep 22, 2023 13 mins Technology Industry Generative AI Machine Learning feature Top 15 data management platforms available today Data management platforms (DMPs) help organizations collect and manage data from a wide array of sources — and are becoming increasingly important for customer-centric sales and marketing campaigns. By Peter Wayner Sep 22, 2023 10 mins Marketing Software Data Management opinion Four questions for a casino InfoSec director By Beth Kormanik Sep 21, 2023 3 mins Media and Entertainment Industry Events Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe