Since We All Love Speculation So Much (PS3's Price?)

[dfloyd]

Source, PS3 Max Price of $350

According to them, $350 will be the max price of the PS3.

Considering the higher end (Of the two 360s) model of the 360 has a hard drive and costs just $50 more and the more similar model that ships without a hard drive comes in at $300, could this be a good price point for the PS3 to come in at?

I know consumers would love it but after all the closer to $500 initial stuff I had heard I dont know whether this is actual news or just marketing hype right before the 360 hits store shelves.

Your thoughts?

 

[rahzel]

Originally posted by: dfloyd
Source, PS3 Max Price of $350

According to them, $350 will be the max price of the PS3.

Considering the higher end (Of the two 360s) model of the 360 has a hard drive and costs just $50 more and the more similar model that ships without a hard drive comes in at $300, could this be a good price point for the PS3 to come in at?

I know consumers would love it but after all the closer to $500 initial stuff I had heard I dont know whether this is actual news or just marketing hype right before the 360 hits store shelves.

Your thoughts?

thats a little cheaper than i thought. I thought it was going to be atleast 399.

 

[Nirach]

I read an article about someone high up to Sony chain of command saying it was "going to be expensive".. It kinda put me off. Granted, I've not seen anything else about it, because I'm simply not a console person, barely even a games person.

However, if it is launched at $350, or sub $400, then I may very well buy one. Although, certainly not one of the first ones. As we all know, PS units first batch have all had problems

PS One: Craptacular laser head runners
PS Two: First batch to see UK release (Dunno about other ccountries, probably similar) had a tendancy to overheat.
PS Three: We'll see, won't we

This is where its only flaw is shoddy launch games or something.

Although, I want MGS4.

 

[darkswordsman17]

Hmm, its possible.

I actually kinda wonder if Sony's talk about how the PS3 is going to be expensive wasn't just to throw MS off and get them to think they can have a higher price for the 360.

Personally, I don't think Sony is even really comparing the PS3 to the 360, and for good reason. I think what they're wanting out of the PS3 is the KO punch to HD-DVD before a format war can even really take off in the commercial realm. If HD-DVD players are going to be $1000+, and Sony can sell their PS3, a gaming console that they've already (whether its merited or not, not going to debate that fact) convinced the vast majority of people is more powerful than the 360 paired with a Blu-Ray drive for $400 or less then that might just be what they have. Most consumers will look at it the same as they did the PS2, where the cheap DVD players were selling for $150+ and the PS1 was still selling for $99 (or was it $150?). It seems to me that Sony has a lot more to win from being the victor in the format war than to win the console war (which they might believe they've already won anyways).

Not only that, but depending on what price Sony settles on, they could give the 360 a big hit. If Sony matches or beats (or maybe falls in between as you point out) the price of the 360, then people will be all over it. First of all is the name. People hear Playstation and immediately flock to it now. Then there's the fact that Sony has concvinced/brainwashed a lot of people into thinking the PS3 will be more powerful. Couple that with the marketability of a relatively inexpensive Blu-Ray player, and if it comes at or below the price of the 360 then the average person (sorry, but you have to recognize that we're really only a niche of the overall market, as the majority of sales come from uniformed people who are easily swayed by marketing) will almost certainly go for the PS3.

Also, while I remain very skeptical that they will do so, there is a lot of other things Sony could leverage the PS3 to do, and that could be very beneficial for them. Hearing stuff about using the PS3 to upconvert standard def video that you have stored on your PC into HD when you're not using it could be a big selling/marketing point (even if it doesn't actually do that much, they can still market it like crazy).

Its certainly going to be very interesting to see how things pan out.

 

[stickybytes]

I was expecting the price of the PS3 to be at least 400 and up. Given that both the xbox 360 and nintendo's next console will be priced lower, it may be a hard sell however. I purchased my ps2 when it was being sold for 299 and a dreamcast for 200. Somehow, i don't see myself purchasing a console that will cost $400 dollars.

 

[Dainas]

Nomatter how bad it is in price or function, Sony will ride it with their reputation (ala PS2)

 

[klah]

What was the net income of each company for the past year?

MS: $12.25 Billion
Sony: Negative $170 Million

I'd say MS has more flexibility in their pricing strategy.

 

[dfloyd]

Honestly the more I think about it the more I wonder if price really matters all that much. All three systems are powerful, all three systems will run just about any game we want them to. The only system thats truly inventive imo is Big Ns next toy and thats because of the new controller. (The way it appears to work its going to be even more preciese than a mouse and work from a 3d point, can anyone say COOOOOL! I mean imgaine a console that has better control than a PC, thats huge).

But the bottom line will come down to software. And one ofthe biggest factors in getting software out, like the big cheese himself, JC, said, is the development tools. And from EVERYTHING I have read M$ is miles beyond anyone else with their development tools for the 360. At least compared to Sony, I am not sure about Nintendo.

I think it is starting to show how powerful those tools are by how many companies M$ is picking up in the asian community. Of course its the outsider console that does not come from that market, but the tools are apparently so impressive that developers are saying so what and, choosing to develop for the console anyways. The tools are apparently that impressive.

Even at that price range Sony is still going to have a very hard time matching the 360 or Big N straghit. Both companies will have had consoles out a while by the time the PS3 is released, and the manufacturing costs will of dropped quite a bit by then. Making it much easier for M$ and GCN to lower their overall costs as soon as the PS3 is released. Making that price point not nearly as attractive, at least when compared.

So bottom line I am begining to think this price is real. I think it has to be or Sony will be in alot more trouble than they already could be. Sure they are going to do well this time around, theres enough Sony diehards and Sony only content to make sure they will, but the way its looking they are going to loose a big chunk of the pie this time around and it has me a bit worried.

Personally I pray the 360 wins. Why? I am an American and I get sick and tired of waiting nine months for a gaming system to be released in my area. Sure I understand that its hard to do a global release but waiting nine months is overkill and just showing favorititism to one market. So yes, for the obvious reasons I am hoping M$ wins. But this does not mean I hope Sony loses. I hope they stay right in there and do very well. Thats the main reason I am pointing out strengths and weaknesses of the consoles, in hopes that they can be fixed or at least taken more into account when the future comes.

And in closing I have to say I sort of agree with Dainas, Sonys reputation, as in the games they had with the PS2 will help them sell alot of PS3s. Some things that Sony has a reputation for are not good at all and imo would definatly sway someone away from purchasing other Sony products. Especially if you do alot of research on how the PS2 was after release.

 

[fishbits]

Yes, $350 would seem to be a good price for a PS3 launch. Will see if it happens.

Don't know why folks say the PS name automatically has more clout than Xbox though. Will take your word for it, but not getting the systems until quite recently, I prefer my Xbox to my PS2. Would think if people were going to go on assumptions that they'd (right or wrong) assume the 360 would be more powerful.

For those who aren't going to pre-decide and buy right at launch, imagine it ought to boil down to what they see, and the games that are available. Since the 360 is supposedly easier to write games for, that could give MS an edge in the short-to-medium run while developers get their PS3 act together. Bluray and no configuration confusion (hard drive) ought to be pluses for PS3.

Eh, I got a feeling that all 3 next gen consoles will be good, and the market will adjust their pricing quickly enough anyhow.

 

[overst33r]

$494 is how much the console costs to make (according to PCmag or PCworld one of those two) ...pretty big loss imo...

 

[Nirach]

Originally posted by: klah
What was the net income of each company for the past year?

MS: $12.25 Billion
Sony: Negative $170 Million

I'd say MS has more flexibility in their pricing strategy.

You got sources for those figures?

I'm interested n the Sony figure, more specifically.

as for the pricing stratagy, Sony have made loses on their consoles pretty much since they started making the things, they make their money in peripherals, addons, games, and stufff like that.

I can't say that I'm impressed by the 360 launch games list, the only reason I'd buy one is the modability. I assume that it too will be as much like a Pc as the original Xbox.

My only doubts about M$ consoles is that they have ssuch little experiance in the area, in comparison to other companies, Sony, Nintendo being the obivous ones.

Although sony may not have the best launch titles either, I'm not intending to buy on Launch so that's not a problem for me.. But I can see how it's a problem for other consumers, wanting to get it on release day.

 

[sxr7171]

Originally posted by: Nirach
I read an article about someone high up to Sony chain of command saying it was "going to be expensive".. It kinda put me off. Granted, I've not seen anything else about it, because I'm simply not a console person, barely even a games person.

However, if it is launched at $350, or sub $400, then I may very well buy one. Although, certainly not one of the first ones. As we all know, PS units first batch have all had problems

PS One: Craptacular laser head runners
PS Two: First batch to see UK release (Dunno about other ccountries, probably similar) had a tendancy to overheat.
PS Three: We'll see, won't we

This is where its only flaw is shoddy launch games or something.

Although, I want MGS4.

Shoddy launch games? I thought PS2 was king of shoddy launch games, do you think Sony will top themselves?


Man, I'm going to go and play my Dreamcast.

 

[sxr7171]

Originally posted by: Dainas
Nomatter how bad it is in price or function, Sony will ride it with their reputation (ala PS2)

Yeah a reputation well earned....not.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Originally posted by: Nirach

Originally posted by: klah
What was the net income of each company for the past year?

MS: $12.25 Billion
Sony: Negative $170 Million

I'd say MS has more flexibility in their pricing strategy.

My only doubts about M$ consoles is that they have ssuch little experiance in the area, in comparison to other companies, Sony, Nintendo being the obivous ones.

Sony wasn't any more experienced when they released the PS2 than MS is now with the Xbox 360.

 

[crazydingo]

Originally posted by: mariok2006
$494 is how much the console costs to make (according to PCmag or PCworld one of those two) ...pretty big loss imo...

Yeah I remember that. At the price $350, Sony will have to take a hit of $150. Thats double the hit Microsoft is taking for their Xbox 360. And Sony recently announcing even more losses, the possibility of a $350 price isnt that good.

Also the release date is looking like late 2006 for NA and spring 2007 for Europe, that is according to the latest rumors.

 

[TecHNooB]

MGS4 and Kingdom Hearts 2 for the win! On a random note, the recoil system for Halo is so retarded I hate it just for that. Also, GTA4 would be pretty f*ckin sweet.

 

[johnnqq]

last generation was so clear cut. nintendo's games sucked, so did xbox's...ps2 kicked ass and so did it's perfect controllers. i think i'll have to go to best buy or something and try out the revolution...i have high hopes!

 

[IfReborn]

wile your on the subject of console price, think about this. The game console is the only pease of home electronics that has gone up in price over the last 20 years. infact most items, tv's vcr's the pc...... have gone down.


amazing.

some one please prove me wrong.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: IfReborn
wile your on the subject of console price, think about this. The game console is the only pease of home electronics that has gone up in price over the last 20 years. infact most items, tv's vcr's the pc...... have gone down.


amazing.

some one please prove me wrong.

http://www.joystiq.com/entry/1234000147056329/

 

[klah]

Originally posted by: Nirach

Originally posted by: klah
What was the net income of each company for the past year?

MS: $12.25 Billion
Sony: Negative $170 Million

I'd say MS has more flexibility in their pricing strategy.

You got sources for those figures?

I'm interested n the Sony figure, more specifically.

Text

For the year to March 2006, Sony stuck by its forecast for an operating loss of 20 billion yen.

 

[VIAN]

450

 

[hans030390]

I dont think the PS3 will be over $400 here, even if it does cost 400+ to make. It's the same thing with the xbox.

Oh well, what do i care? the cheaper it is for me, the better

 

[JPB]

Originally posted by: klah
What was the net income of each company for the past year?

MS: $12.25 Billion
Sony: Negative $170 Million

I'd say MS has more flexibility in their pricing strategy.

That amount was not for Xbox only, that is all of Microsoft....

 

[crazydingo]

Originally posted by: x80064

Originally posted by: klah
What was the net income of each company for the past year?

MS: $12.25 Billion
Sony: Negative $170 Million

I'd say MS has more flexibility in their pricing strategy.

That amount was not for Xbox only, that is all of Microsoft....

He's taking overall position of both companies, not just the Xbox/Playstation divisions.

 

[sxr7171]

Originally posted by: crazydingo

Originally posted by: mariok2006
$494 is how much the console costs to make (according to PCmag or PCworld one of those two) ...pretty big loss imo...

Yeah I remember that. At the price $350, Sony will have to take a hit of $150. Thats double the hit Microsoft is taking for their Xbox 360. And Sony recently announcing even more losses, the possibility of a $350 price isnt that good.

Also the release date is looking like late 2006 for NA and spring 2007 for Europe, that is according to the latest rumors.

Isn't that less of a loss than they took with the PS2 when it launched?