Whoa! Looks like Microsoft is serious. Two of the most often-cited reasons for the XBox's failure in Japan were its lack of Japanese titles and its large, clunky, nasty, black-and-green appearance. You know how the Japanese like their electronics - small and cute. Looks like Microsoft is attacking both of these shortcomings with its next generation console, judging by their partnership with Sakaguchi and the console prototype pictures we've been seeing.

SEATTLE (AP) - The creator of the "Final Fantasy" series of video games will work exclusively on making two games for the next version of Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox game console in a bid to help the company gain more popularity in Japan.

Hironobu Sakaguchi, president of the Mistwalker game studio, will work with Microsoft Game Studios to create two role-playing games for the new console, said Peter Moore, a corporate vice president with Microsoft's home and entertainment division.

Microsoft has not said when the new console will be released. Moore said it was also too early to say what the new games would be about or exactly when they would come out.

"These things take years, not months," he said.

The games will be available first in Japan, but eventually the company plans to translate them for the United States and other markets.

Thanks to Bannsidhe for digging this up.

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