Microsoft's plan to release the Xbox 360 in Japan in December is logical. Releasing the console in Japan a month after North America would allow Microsoft to concentrate its shipments to US retailers in November. And while Japan doesn't celebrate Christmas in religious terms, consumers do traditionally purchase gifts for the occasion. December is also when Japanese workers receive their winter bonuses and when children get a traditional present of New Year's money from relatives, usually totaling around 24,000 yen ($220). While no Japanese price has been hinted at, Microsoft executives have said the console will be "in the neighborhood" of $300 in the US.
