The Dec. 10 release of Xbox 360 in Japan will have no core system available. Instead, Japanese consumers will only have the option of the Premium Pack (which includes an HDD, wireless controllers, XBL headset, batteries, ethernet cable and a DVD remote control). The upside? The 37,900 yen works out to roughly $342, which is significantly cheaper than what Americans will pay for the same package.

Charging less for the system in Japan makes sense (Japanese market penetration is integral to success for Microsoft's Xbox 360), but not at the cost of appearing disloyal to the region where your system sold the best.

Beating Rivals: Microsoft's Xbox 360 is Expected Nov. 22 [The New York Times]