Just a year ago, Microsoft Korea, a unit of U.S.-based software giant Microsoft Corp., envisioned a bright future for its spiffy Xbox video game console. On Sunday, the company celebrated the one-year anniversary of the launch with much fanfare.

Microsoft Korea initially aimed to sell 150,000 units during the first year. However, sales have fallen far short of this target at just 60,000 units. Its rival game console, the PlayStation 2 marketed by Sony Korea, is clearly ahead in the race. The Korean market has so far snapped up 600,000 PlayStation 2 game consoles since its debut 22 months ago.