Tags: Microsoft, Microsoft Xbox, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo, Nintendo Wii, Sony, Sony PlayStation, Sony Playstation 3

Nintendo launches Wii in Japan

Nintendo is due to launch their Wii gaming console in Japan today. Gamers in the country are said to have pre-ordered their units already so as to avoid any hassles shopping for one in retail stores.

The company recently confirmed selling more than 600,000 Wii consoles in North America since the launch. Nintendo had launched the Wii console in USA on November 19.

Both Sony and Microsoft have already launched their own next generation consoles in the Japanese market. Sony launched the Playstation 3 in Japan on 11 November. Xbox 360 has been on sale for almost a year now.

Market sources claim that Nintendo has made available about 400,000 Wii units for the launch in Japan. Wii has been a success despite the fact that it lacks the high-end features offering by PS3 and Xbox 360. This is due to the fact that the console features an innovative motion sensing technology, which allows the gamers to play games by making actions using their hands holding the Wii Remote.

Wii goes on sale in Japan for 25,000 yen (£113). Nintendo is also due to launch Wii in the European market on December 8.