Xbox Doesn’t Meet Sales Goal for Japan

Microsoft Corp.’s bid to unseat Sony Corp. as Japan’s No. 1 video-game console maker is a flop.

Since the Xbox’s release Feb. 22, Microsoft has sold about 165,000 units, falling one-third short of its goal to sell out of its 250,000 initial shipment by now, a Japanese research company said. The sales figures are based on a nationwide survey of retailers and rental stores.

Microsoft’s attempt to topple Sony in Japan was hampered after the company was forced to repair or replace defective versions of the Xbox when customers complained the machine damaged some game discs.

Xbox is part of Microsoft’s attempt to extend its dominance of computer operating systems to the living room.