On what date did the original Xbox launch in Japan?

The original Xbox launched in Japan on February 22, 2002.

Microsoft released its first console in North America on November 15, 2001, followed by Japan in February 2002 and Europe and Australia in March 2002. The Japanese launch came several months after the North American debut, giving Microsoft time to build up software and retail support.

Japan was a challenging market for overseas console makers, where Nintendo and Sony had strong domestic positions. Microsoft therefore emphasized partnerships with Japanese developers and promoted games suited to local tastes. Despite those efforts, the original Xbox sold far fewer units in Japan than in North America.

The Japanese date is sometimes confused with the console’s North American launch date or its European launch period. The Xbox’s worldwide rollout was staggered rather than simultaneous, so regional dates are an important part of its early history.