PlayStation 3 To Launch At $499 For 20 Gig, $599 For 60

[Andre]

PS3 Price Points Announced
"If you've been following our live coverage of Sony's E3 press conference, you've already seen the news, and if you haven't...well, Sony finally announced the prices for PlayStation 3.

The next-generation console will come in two models -- but both will include a hard drive, unlike Xbox 360. The base model will retail at $499 with 20 GIG HD. Those with a little extra disposable cash can pick up a premium version loaded with a 80G GIG HD for $599 at launch this November.

Talk about breaking the bank. Guess it's time for all of us to start looking for the second job Kutaragi suggested. Anyone hiring? "

Source: 1up.com (http://1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3150516)

Sony Unveils Redesigned PS3 Controller
"Even though Sony's press conference started late, the company made sure not to disappoint. In addition to announcing a ship date, controversial launch prices and exciting trailer for Final Fantasy XIII and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi also took the stage for the PlayStation 3's controller.

The surprise wasn't that Sony had ditched the boomerang-style design shown off at last year's shown; that much was a given not long after E3 2005. What shocked audience members, however, was a secret feature of the PlayStation 3 controller that essentially incorporates the gyroscope motion sensor technology that's the focus of Nintendo's Wii.

Sony then shows off a demo of the technology using the upcoming Warhawk sequel. Instead of using the d-pad or analog sticks to navigate around the free-roaming environment, everything was controlled by moving the controller up, down, left and right. Though the demonstration appeared to have a few kinks, the point was made.

What reaction this will spur from Nintendo is anyone's guess, but it's clear Sony isn't about to ignore Nintendo's attempt to distance themselves from the competition."

Source: 1up.com (http://1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3150517)

E3 2006: PS3 Date and Price Announced
"May 8, 2006 - In a last minute bombshell, Kaz Hirai announced the specific date and details of the PS3 launch. The PS3 will be arranged in two separate system configurations: a 20 and a 60 gigabyte hard drive system. What's more, Japan will see the PS3 first on November 11th, at a price for 59,800 yen for the 20 gigabyte system setup. The 60 gigabyte system will be open ended and set by retailers. North America, Europe and Australasia will see the system six days later on November 17th. The price? $499 dollars or 499 Euros for the 20 gig version, and $599 dollars or 599 Euros for the 60 gig version. In Canadian dollars, that will come to approximately $549 dollars for the 20 gig and $659 dollars for the 60 gig version.

Hirai also announced that Sony will try to get a grand total of six million units shipped by March 31, 2007, which is Sony's fiscal date: 2 million PS3s will be available during the initial launch window, another 2 million will be shipped before the end of 2006, and finally another 2 before March 31st."

Source: IGN (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/705/705838p1.html)

[Princess J]

Sorry. I don't have that kind of money, and if I did, I wouldn't spend it on a PS3. As much as I would like to have one, that's CRAZY.

Here's hoping the Wii will actually be affordable to your average casual consumer. I think that'll greatly help its appeal.

[BoltDragoon]

Nintendo just went "Wiiiiii!"

[Icy Guy]

Bolt, I think both Nintendo and Microsoft went "Wiiiiii!" Or maybe they'll announce that they're jointly working on the Nintendosoft WiiSixty.

Now we'll see a 360 price cut announcement for sure - the current rumor is $100 for Premium, $80 for Core.

Sony then shows off a demo of the technology using the upcoming Warhawk sequel. Instead of using the d-pad or analog sticks to navigate around the free-roaming environment, everything was controlled by moving the controller up, down, left and right. Though the demonstration appeared to have a few kinks, the point was made.
Why, God, WHY? Warhawk plays just fine on a regular (non-analogue, I might add) controller. Why couldn't Warhawk 2 have come out in '98, when it was supposed to? :(

[LaorBR]

OUCH!
The more I know about this new generation, the more I fell in love with my Mega Drive :p (j/k)

[Gruntling]

$500?! $600?!

I'm sorry, but even for the average working man that's still a lot of dough! I bet when the first PS3s come out they'll be selling in excess of $1,000 on eBay. Sony seriously needs to lower their price if they want to be taken seriously by the casual consumer. Nintendo's going to have no problem gaining market share this generation!

[Gold Jinjo]

Sony seriously needs to lower their price if they want to be taken seriously by the casual consumer.

Sony can't lower their prices. They've got too much expensive technology in their system, like Blu-Ray. It's going to be a long time until prices are even cut just the tiniest bit.

If you really want a PS3, start pinching pennies, or take your gaming needs to a different system. And Sony continues to make the Xbox 360 look better and better.

[Gruntling]

Sony can't lower their prices. They've got too much expensive technology in their system, like Blu-Ray. It's going to be a long time until prices are even cut just the tiniest bit.

If that's the case, I think Sony's putting itself in a pickle this time around. Sure there's going to be massive lines and people who will pick up the console no matter what, but in the long run, I think this steep price will hurt Sony more than help it. I really don't think I'd ever pay that much! $599? I'm still in shock!

[Hakey Wake]

Is anybody really surprised by the price?

Or by their attempt at stealing the Wii-motes thunder?

Edit: Actually now that I've actually took the time to do some research, it seems as though Sony were going to use gyros eventually anyway...I mean the Guitar Hero controller had one after all.

[Ice Lightning]

Well I kind of expected the huge price but not stealing Nintendo's idea already. I would have thought they would do that for the next next generation.

What's worse is all the Sony fans will be going: Lolz, Sony is the Roxorz, we gots a c00l c0ntr0llor.

I hate Sony so much. All they care about is getting more money, not about good games or being inovative. Just making money form other people's ideas. Kind of like ebaumsworld.

[Benjo-Kazooie]

Aaa...Aaa(rip-off)...CHOOOOOoooo

[Cyphix]

Looks like the "Good" system is going to be $999, and the "Bad" system will be $829 in Australia.

Link. (http://cnet.com.au/games/ps3/0,39035763,40062685,00.htm)

[PaintGamma]

I CAN afford one, I just choose to be a stingy bastard and not buy one.

And don't be too afraid of their gyro controller. I mean, it's going to be a bitch swinging that thing around. It dosent actually feel like a sword or anything like that-it still feels like a controller. Thats why Nintendo's is so oddly shaped for it emulates a sword or an object even more making it actually feel more authentic.. They aren't being innovative-just trying to rip people off and failing in the process.

[repobanjo]

600 dollars for an unoriginal system with a rip-off of the Wii controller? BAD CHOICE!

I agree with Bolt. Nintendo and Microsoft went "Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii"! Of course, Sony is too. It's either because they have such a large fanbase that they'll buy a 600 dollar system, or they just like saying, "Wiiiiiiiiiiii!"

[DemyGod]

Totally Nuts. I will never pay for PS3. Someone else can buy it for me, no problem but I'm not even going to ask my mom for it. $600? Yea riiiiiiight.

[vaticandrummer]

Sony can't lower their prices. They've got too much expensive technology in their system, like Blu-Ray. It's going to be a long time until prices are even cut just the tiniest bit.

If you really want a PS3, start pinching pennies, or take your gaming needs to a different system. And Sony continues to make the Xbox 360 look better and better.

And, Sony and Microsoft keep making the Revolution better.


C'mon Sony, $500? $600?

This reminds me of what Nintendo once said. I don't remember the exact quote, but they basically said: "We had the technology in 1985 to make a 16-bit console, but we didn't because prices would be ridiculously high and no one would buy the console."

See, new-gen gamers seem to care too much on graphics, so companies like Sony and Microsoft notice that. That's why they have stunning, ultra-realistic graphics, but the prices are horrible. I'm not spending $400 on a console, and I'm definately not spending $600 bucks for a console. I'll stick to Nintendo, thank you.

[Benjo-Kazooie]

I'm sure that they can lower that price, the 360 isn't that far away from Sony tech wise.

[Hakey Wake]

I'm sure that they can lower that price, the 360 isn't that far away from Sony tech wise.

While that may be true, the real part of the PS3 that the 360 lacks is a Blu-Ray player.

That's the piece that is making it so pricey.

[Soulreaper41392]

Do you really think that a 60 Gb Hard drive would be necessary? It seems like a bit much to me. Games don't take up THAT much space.

Unless your downloading your entire secret porno stash onto you PS3, I would stick with the 20 gb.

[Sephirong]

Ugh. Nintendo's Revolution is going to go for $249. What is Sony thinking?

And, not to sound stupid, but what's Blu-Ray?

[Gold Jinjo]

And, not to sound stupid, but what's Blu-Ray?

The expensive format that Sony hopes to replace DVD with.

[Theguyoverthere]

Is that confirmed? 249 for the Wii? Or just an inference? Cause that's probably going to be about that much.

[Sephirong]

It's pretty much confirmed. I don't think Nintendo would raise it... and it won't be lowered until sales are up.

[Tanjo]

Um, the xbox 360 costs more than the ps3 you guys...

[s.w.a.t]

No it doesn't.

[BlueBreegull]

Blasphemy! I would never pay $500, let alone $600 for a game console. What are they thinking? Ooh, seeing Sony's miserable failure will be so sweet this time - just because of their gall.

And I can't see their gyroscopic technology working nearly as well as on the Wii. It'd be so awkward... the Wii was designed to fit the technology, but I'd get tired waving the two-handed PS3 controller around.

$500?! $600?!

Look, it even made Gruntling use bolded-underlines. I don't think he's ever done that before.

[Icy Guy]

Do you really think that a 60 Gb Hard drive would be necessary? It seems like a bit much to me. Games don't take up THAT much space.

Unless your downloading your entire secret porno stash onto you PS3, I would stick with the 20 gb.
Bigger HDD = more multimedia. And if Sony decides to try out MS' idea of downloadable content, then bigger HDD = more downloadable content.

[Gold Jinjo]

Um, the xbox 360 costs more than the ps3 you guys...

A fully-loaded Xbox 360 costs $499.99 Canadian (http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BBODYC/qid=1147735850/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/702-0909009-5564048), whereas the basic PS3 will cost about $550.00 Canadian.

I'd really like to know where you get your information, considering some of the "factual" posts you've made lately ;)

[Thranjo-Kanewie]

Man, bump ps3, ill stick with nintendo, ill get a 360 for banjo threeie but unless sony can come up with a decent idea for the overblown price i refuse to buy one. Blu-ray, who cares?

[LaorBR]

Talking about PS3 multimedia (Icy Guy's post), I have heard that its high price is not only because of graphics, but also due to the blu-ray reader. According to this site (http://www.blu-ray.com/info/), a single blu-ray disc can store up to 50 gigabytes. LOL Square is gonna love that. :D

Imo, Blu-ray is quite an amazing disc format, but it's either gonna make or break Sony in this generation.

[Thranjo-Kanewie]

Yeah, i'm not dissagreeing with blu-ray, it's really cool, but is it really Necessary? Alot of things video game companies added to games and systems, but weren't really needed. If it's going to jack the price up that high, i think we could do without.

[Tanjo]

YOU GUYS....its the same price as the xbox 360: http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BBODYC/qid=1147748189/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/702-5385824-2183240

[LaorBR]

Well, everybody complains about Sony never doing anything new and all... but they are the first company ever to use the blu-ray format.
If that is needed or not depends on what company we are talking about. Like what I said, Square is a perfect example of a company that is going to make good use of every single bit of blu-ray.

And I'm sure that the Sony fan-boys also think that the Wii controller wasn't needed. :D I guess it's a matter of opinion.

EDIT
Tanjo: Just pointing something out, that Xbox is the premium edition. Also, videogame prices differ from store to store.

[Gruntling]

Well, everybody complains about Sony never doing anything new and all... but they are the first company ever to use the blu-ray format.

Right now Blu-ray is terribly expensive... And it does nearly the same thing DVDs do, except in the fact that Blu-ray discs can be read faster and that they have a larger capacity. But at the cost of what? For better graphics? That's hardly an achievement if you ask me. We already have CDs, DVDs, and UMDs. Why can't we employ those formats more before we're pushed into a new market? Microsoft has shown us that HD-DVD can be used for higher resolutions. And Nintendo has shown us that high-definition and ultra-realistic graphics aren't needed for fun and interesting games. If Nintendo and Microsoft can make do and provide for the gaming community with current technologies, then so can Sony. Blu-ray isn't necessary. And neither are the many extras that come with the PS3. The 20 GB version doesn't even support Wi-Fi...

My point is Sony could have done without Blu-ray and it's extra peripherals to bring it's price down to a reasonable point. I feel that because Sony does not cater to games exclusively, that is the reason for complaint and criticism.

And I'm sure that the Sony fan-boys also think that the Wii controller wasn't needed. :D I guess it's a matter of opinion.

I don't think the Wii remote and Blu-ray are comparable. The Wii remote is what enables the Wii to be a Wii! Without the remote it wouldn't be the same console. However, if the PS3 excluded the Blu-ray format I think it would still be generally the same.

[Theguyoverthere]

The PS3 has a new name:

"First, it was called the Play Station 3. Then it used to be called the Plaguarize Station 3 after people found out about their new ORIGINAL controller. Now, the PS3 is known as: The Paystation 3... And you can get yours now! Call 1-800-SONYSUX to order it now! But wait, there's more! If you order within the next 5 minutes, you'll get it for not $700, not $600, not even $500, but only 5 easy payments of $99.95! Now that's a bargain!"

[LaorBR]

Theguy: Hehehe, Paystation3. Good one. :D
Gruntling: I know, I have thought already about everything you said. Once again, it's a matter of opinion. And I know that the Wii remote is superior to blu-ray, (because gameplay>graphs) but I was saying that the fan-boys wouldn't think the same. Actually, the fanboys don't think.
My post in page2 was more to the lines of "Hey, you wanna know why the PS3 will cost so much?" instead of "OMG blu-ray is gonna win the console war!!!"

And while for most games the blu-ray is indeed not necessary, there are always companies like Square. They like to put real speech, high-resolution videos, hundreds of visual effects, etc etc. Real "waste of space", one could say. Well, the blu-ray is perfect for them.
Of course I would prefer a cheaper Final Fantasy XIII with lower res. videos and no spoken dialogue. But if Square doesn't want, what else can I do?

Anyways, like what I have said before, it's a matter of opinion.

[DevilBottles]

When I first heard about this from my friend at school, I laughed. Hysterically. Not because I didn't believe it; Sony would do something like this. No, I laughed because, well, it's a bad idea.

I realize, yes, like Gold said, they have to make up for the expenses that went into making it. But, I mean.... Come on. Really. o-O

[Gold Jinjo]

YOU GUYS....its the same price as the xbox 360: http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BBODYC/qid=1147748189/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/702-5385824-2183240

*sighs*

Okay, I'm going to put this in a way that I hope to God you'll understand.

http://www.void-games.com/images/360_ps3_price-chart.jpg

The LESS FEATURED Playstation 3 costs the same as the FULLY FEATURED Xbox 360. For feck sakes, RTFI (Read The *****ing Internet) :p

You've basically got an unnecessary $100 Blu-Ray drive being shoved down your throat.

[Andre]

I don't think the Wii remote and Blu-ray are comparable. The Wii remote is what enables the Wii to be a Wii! Without the remote it wouldn't be the same console. However, if the PS3 excluded the Blu-ray format I think it would still be generally the same.

Ah, but a lot of people don't realize how Sony is going to market this system.

Blu-Ray Players are right now projected to hit for 1,000 dollars, at the very least. Think about this. Sony's PlayStation 3, with Blu-Ray compatabilies, is going to be sold for a mere 600 dollars. That's 400 dollars less. And, what's that you say? It plays games too? Awesome.

The real question is, will Sony take last place in the seventh-generation console wars for gaming? Only time will tell, but I think that this move will seriously hurt their chances of scoring with the hardcore gaming market. The only people that will buy this system are Blu-Ray buyers, and the Sony fanboys.

Actually, I think that they might have lost the latter market as well.

[Zeanith]

Woooooooooooow, that's a lot of cash...
Good thing I'm not buying one! o-O

[Gold Jinjo]

Blu-Ray Players are right now projected to hit for 1,000 dollars, at the very least. Think about this. Sony's PlayStation 3, with Blu-Ray compatabilies, is going to be sold for a mere 600 dollars. That's 400 dollars less. And, what's that you say? It plays games too? Awesome.

The real question is, will Sony take last place in the seventh-generation console wars for gaming? Only time will tell, but I think that this move will seriously hurt their chances of scoring with the hardcore gaming market. The only people that will buy this system are Blu-Ray buyers, and the Sony fanboys.

Actually, I think that they might have lost the latter market as well.

Indeed, I'm pretty sure their game sales will drop. The majority of their game sales will come from their exclusive titles, but for the most part... any other game that you can otherwise get on the Xbox 360, and especially the Wii, won't be worth getting for the PS3 unless you already have the system. And like you said, those will mostly be people looking for a cheaper alternative to Blu-Ray, and Sony fanboys.

On the subject of Blu-Ray, at the moment, it will only be interesting to electronics consumer whores who need to be on the bleeding edge of technology at any cost. For the most part, regular people are still content with their DVD players. So even if the Playstation 3 offers a cheaper Blu-Ray drive... what does that really mean for the average person when they've already got their DVD player?

I think it just boils down to Sony fanboys. That's going to be their core audience. People complained that Nintendo's niche was children... I can't see how Sony's situation is any different now :p

Nintendo's image is improving, too. I don't smell certain doom for Sony... they'll definitely have a lot of sales, but I'm fairly certain that Microsoft and Nintendo will dominate. Or at the very least I'm hopeful ;)

[Gruntling]

Blu-Ray Players are right now projected to hit for 1,000 dollars, at the very least. Think about this. Sony's PlayStation 3, with Blu-Ray compatabilies, is going to be sold for a mere 600 dollars. That's 400 dollars less. And, what's that you say? It plays games too? Awesome.


There isn't going to be a large library of Blu-ray videos for some time though. I remember when video cassettes made the transition to DVDs. Although DVD popularity eventually almost completely shut-out VHS, it took a few years before DVDs became the favored format in most homes. I don't think there's going to be a huge incentive to buy Blu-ray movies right away. DVDs already have what I want -- extras or special features. I don't think Blu-ray movies will have much more to offer. Some of titles in the links below I already own (as do many other consumers).

Here's the Blu-ray launch titles:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray#Blu-ray_Disc_launch_releases_announced_to_date
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/

And you must factor in the actual cost of these movies. Most will run about $20 to $30. However with the advent of Blu-ray and it's eventual release, DVD prices will probably only continue to go down.

For myself right now, Blu-ray simply just does not appeal to me. I think that in a few years when production costs are down, and Blu-ray players are more affordable then, just then, Sony might have had something. But now, it's just too expensive for most of the general public.

[Hakey Wake]

I want a Blu-Ray player, that and Metal Gear Solid 4 are the only aspects of interest that the PS3 offers. (To me)

Thing is though, I would ahzar a guess that there won't be any Blu-Ray disks (BRDs? heh) around in the U.K when the PS3 hits this November.

HD TV's are far too expensive here at present and a lot less common than in the states, I don't know anybody who owns one yet...the market just can't afford them.

So what use is, buying a Blu-Ray player when there's nothing to use with it? Precisely, which is why the PS3(s) I may buy at launch are going straight to eBay.

[Ice Lightning]

I don't know anybody who owns one yet...the market just can't afford them.
I know of one person that has a HDTV. But like all you lot have said. I don't really see a point in Blu-ray, at least not yet. I'm perfectly happy with DVD's and Blu-Ray is just too expensive.

[Hakey Wake]

I know of one person that has a HDTV. But like all you lot have said. I don't really see a point in Blu-ray, at least not yet. I'm perfectly happy with DVD's and Blu-Ray is just too expensive.

Well London is basically bigger than all Scottih cities combined so I would somebody would own one heh.

the thing is, HD TV's (Alog with everything else electronic) are basically double the price of their counterparts in the U.S.

Outrageous!

[s.w.a.t]

In America, for a Hd T.V.s can go from about $600 to several thousand dollars. And 600 is for the small ones.

[Soulreaper41392]

What is the point of Blu-Ray? What does it do that my DVDS can't? I know what it is, but what exactly makes it so great?

[Ice Lightning]

It can hold a lot more data. That's it I think.

[Andre]

Much more data storage, and high-definition capabilities.

[LaorBR]

In America, for a Hd T.V.s can go from about $600 to several thousand dollars. And 600 is for the small ones.
Check out Brazil's unique Plasma Tv design! (http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/4343/plasma6gf.jpg)
You can do it yourself! ;)

[Andre]

Sony has officially announced the U.K. price of the Playstation 3 as £425, representing the fully featured PS3 which comes in at $599 in the U.S. and 599 EUR in Europe. GamesIndustry.biz suggests that Sony won't be selling the cut down model over the pond, although this isn't confirmed. The PS3's price in England is higher than the console's price in the United States and Europe but we're not entirely surprised by this: British consumers are used to paying more for their consoles (although traditionally the U.K. gets identical or lower prices compared to Europe). Here's a breakdown of the U.K. premium over U.S. and EU prices:

* £109 more than the U.S. "Premium" PS3: the U.S. price is $599 which converts to £316. Take this away from £425 and you're left with a £109 premium.
* £20 more than the EU "Premium" PS3: the EU price is 599 EUR which converts to £405. Take this away from £425 and you're left with a £20 premium

Now check out the price when compared to the Xbox 360:

* £146 more than Xbox 360 Premium: the Xbox 360 Premium is £279. Take away this figure from the PS3's £425 price and you're left with a £146 premium.
* £206 more than Xbox 360 Core: the Xbox 360 Core is £219. Take away this figure from the PS3's £425 price and you're left with a £206 premium.

If we were in Sony's shoes, we'd feel very uncomfortable right about now: the combination of a chunky U.S./U.K. price divide combined with the absence of a cut-down PS3 bundle doesn't stack up well against the PS3's main competitor: the Xbox 360. But wait! When we stepped into those Sony branded shoes we forgot to take the free prescription of Prozac hidden in the heel! Ahhh, much better. Now we'd say something similar to the Sony marketing rep tasked with announcing the news:

"I don't think it's an expensive machine; I think actually, it's probably a cheap machine ... If you think a Blu-Ray player by itself might be GBP 600-700, and we're coming in at just GBP 425 - it's a bargain."

Sony's "but it plays Blu-Ray" line works if you're addressing early adopters and hardcore users. However, the British public (the majority of which associate "PlayStation" with games console, and not much more) won't take kindly to hearing "bargain" and "cheap" in the same sentence as "four hundred and twenty five pounds".

Source: Joystiq.com (http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/18/uk-playstation-3-comes-in-at-425-sony-loses-its-marbles/)

[Hakey Wake]

I saw the announcement on the U.K price yesterday and I haven't stopped screaming since.

Oh well, to eBay!

[Gruntling]

Oh well, to eBay!
...where prices will easily be doubled when the PS3 launches. Don't you remember what happened when the PS2 came out? :p

[Hakey Wake]

...where prices will easily be doubled when the PS3 launches. Don't you remember what happened when the PS2 came out? :p

Exactly, I was talking about selling. :cool:

Heck people paid £100 for the PS2 box alone.