Xbox One Japanese pricing announced, Kinect free model matches PS4

Microsoft has announced today that it will match the Japanese price of the PlayStation 4 when it launches the Xbox One in region later this year.

The Xbox One, which launches in Japan on September 4, will be available either with Kinect for ¥49,980 (approximately $490/£290) or without Kinect for ¥39,980 (approximately $392/£232), the latter the same launch price as the PlayStation 4 in the region.

Microsoft has said the Xbox One will launch in the region with first-party titles Forza Motorsport 5, Kinect Sports Rivals, Dead Rising 3, and Ryse: Son of Rome. Square Enix has also pledged its support, and will be bringing localised versions of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, Thief, Murdered: Soul Suspect, and Call of Duty: Ghosts. D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die is also on the list.

The Xbox One will launch in Japan almost a year after the machine was released across the US and parts of Europe, and almost six months after the PlayStation 4 saw the light of day in its home territory.

The Xbox One launched on November 22, 2013, for $499/£429/€499, but Microsoft officially removed Kinect and slashed the price of the machine earlier this month. As of June 9, the Xbox One will cost $399/£349/€399.