Xbox 360: Regional differences can exist between consoles that are manufactured in different regions (917977)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Xbox 360
  • Xbox Video Game System

SUMMARY

This article describes the regional differences that can exist between consoles that are manufactured in different regions.

Xbox 360 consoles are designed for use in the country or region for which they were manufactured. We do not recommend that you try to use an Xbox 360 console in a region for which the console was not designed.

MORE INFORMATION

For the following reasons, you should not use an Xbox 360 console in a region for which the console was not designed:
  • Game regions and DVD movie regions can be different in different geographical regions. Game content or movie content that is made for one region may not function correctly on an Xbox 360 console that was manufactured in another region.
  • Power voltages can differ in different countries. Conversion devices exist to enable foreign power supplies to work with local voltages, but these devices vary greatly in function and capability. Frequently, these devices do not work with high-power devices such as desktop computers and Xbox 360 consoles. In some cases, these devices can damage the Xbox 360 console. If you use a power converter and the console is damaged, the console will not be covered under warranty.
  • Television standards can be different in different regions. Therefore, local televisions may not function correctly with an Xbox 360 console from a different region.

Determine the region for which the Xbox 360 console was manufactured

Read the sticker on the side of the Xbox 360 box. The bottom of this sticker states the region for which the console was manufactured. The upper-right corner on the back of the package also indicates the television standard that the console supports, for example, NTSC, NTSC-J, or PAL. The lower-left corner of the package indicates the game region and the DVD movie playback region that the console supports.

If you do not know your console's region or if you no longer have the package, contact Xbox 360 Support to determine the region for which the console was manufactured.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I convert an Xbox 360 console that was manufactured for one region, so that I can use it in another region?

A: No, you cannot convert an Xbox console in this manner.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:4/18/2006
Keywords:kbhowto kbXboxConsole kbXbox360PacRimPortal kbXbox360EuropePortal kbXbox360AmericasPortal kbxbox360ext kbPubTypeKC kbinfo KB917977