Nintendo's Kaplan slates Microsoft's chances in Japan

The Xbox 360 faces an uphill struggle against its rivals in the Far East, according to Nintendo of America VP Perrin Kaplan, who claims that "very few people are aware of or anticipating Xbox 2 at the moment" in Japan.

Speaking in an interview with US website IGN, Kaplan discussed the prospects of Nintendo's next-generation console, Revolution, and its rivals from Microsoft and Sony in the Japanese market.

"Xbox has no recognition at all in Japan," she claimed, "and very few people are aware of or anticipating Xbox 2 at this point."

While Microsoft has inked deals with several high-profile Japanese developers to create Xbox 360 titles, Kaplan believes that those deals are less important than they might seem, since they don't bring major franchises to the table.

"Microsoft has had no success in the Japanese market and they were required to attract such developers in order to have a chance in the market," she said. "Further, those developers won't be making software for that system that are currently known and loved on other systems, such as Kirby."

By contrast, Kaplan expects Japan - the only market where the GameCube comfortably outperformed the Xbox in the last generation, although it also led in several European markets - to remain a successful market for Nintendo.

"[The Japanese market] continues to be a very successful and profitable market for Nintendo," she said, "and we anticipate this to be true for the indefinite future. What might make more sense is to say that it's changing. All companies in Japan are experiencing these changes. Portable play is one additional arena that remains vibrant."

Regarding Nintendo's largest competitor, Sony, Kaplan believes that respect is due to the firm, not only for getting to market first but also for the quality of the offering which it has created with the PS2.

"Launching early in the Japanese market has been the key to success for Sony's PlayStation 2," Kaplan told IGN. "Their early launch date and marketing push along with a solid library of games gave them momentum that they still enjoy today."

However, even though Nintendo won't be launching first with Revolution, Kaplan believes that the firm's offering will be extremely attractive.

"It is too early for Nintendo to discuss our strategy for Revolution," she said, "but I can tell you that we have much experience running a successful global video game company, and Nintendo will come to the dance extremely well dressed."