Aussie gamers are under attack

A CHOICE review of PS4 and Xbox One games such as Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts, and Destiny found the games will cost 37% more in Australia than in the United States,

[abradley]

I feel sorry for the Aussies. We get shafted a little in the UK but no where near as much as our fellow gamers in Australia.

[jbl316]

Our prices are pretty high in New Zealand too.

[JohnnyBadfinger]

Yeah us Aussies get hit hard but the new zealanders get hit even harder than we do. Alot of that is also our fault.... Sorry kiwis

[snipab8t]

Worst part is that it isn't just games, a song on itunes costs $1.69 or $2.19.

[jessupj]

That's why I import from the UK and US. F aussie retailers.

[Dunpeal]

is it solely the retailers or does it have something to do with tax/economy?

[jessupj]

I rent from GetGaming.com.au and one of the guys there said there is only one distributor in Australia and that's why the prices are a joke.

So I guess it's not so much the retailers fault, it's the single distributor that has the monopoly.

So... F the distributor.

[gaelic_laoch]

That is exactly the reason why Region Free consoles are so important!

Our Aussie cousins don't deserve to be screwed at the Till and by Censors only maybe by the Lions and Ireland at Rugby!!!

[Ritsujun]

And that's why region-free FTW.

[stonecold3]

go to ebay it a lot of cheaper than buying them here at retail?

[devwan]

That might be so for the games (I haven't checked it myself) but the Xbox One is going to be $600AUD there, that's only £356 in UK money, barely more than a ps4!

ps4 is going to be the equivalent of £326, again, cheaper than in the UK/European equivalents.

[shibster88]

Everyone should pay the same not a penny more or a penny less.
Its bad how you aussie boys get shafted like some say us the uk think we do but not as bad as you guys.if I was you audsie buy from amazon places like the f*** your one distributor and make them droo the prices.

[slampunk]

we get ripped for all hardware and software here is Australia..... from itunes to games to TV's to clothing.....we pay a lot more....

A Nvidia GTX780 is between $799-$830.

I buy most of my games / shoes / clothing through international online retailers and have them shipped half way around the world for sometimes, around half the price!!!

[JBSleek]

Does this have to do with the Australian economy being strong or has this always been the case?

[JohnnyBadfinger]

Always been this way. Every time a new console comes out new game release jump back up too $120 which is equal to around $105 USD and about £70.
There is only a $50 difference between the 2 new consoles. I can't bring myself to preorder either console simply cause neither company is really willing to make a compromise for us Aussies. I mean we are losing to the poms in the ashes, must they really milk out wallets aswell.

And not to mention the cost of living here is fucked. We pay a tax on rain water.... FUCKING RAIN WATER!!!
And highest energy prices in the developed world

[abradley]

Damn! Looks like you guys don't get cut much slack. And here I was a couple months ago, considering moving to Australia or New Zealand for some decent housing and for a proper government.

[TronEOL]

But doesn't Australia also have the highest minimum wage ($16), and most average citizens of Australia make more in a week/month (working less hours) than an average US citizen ($8).

So you're essentially making more money than people in those other countries, faster, so it evens out the price. In fact, someone did a study and most folks in Australia could actually save up and buy a PS4 at their home price faster than most people in the US($8)/Canada($10)/UK(£6) , using our local prices.

Everyone just sees a higher dollar and thinks it means they pay more. Gotta look at how much money people bring in before you say that.

:EDIT:
Although it has to be said paying taxing on rain water made me want to throw up. Next it'll be air.

[juhis815]

That has to be the stupidest move to embrace digital distribution, because not everyone in Australia have internet connection to buy games through internet.

[rowdyBOY]

I live in Australia , and I can tell you retail is nearly dead .
People are not that stupid , everybody I know buys online now .

RETAIL IS DEAD DOWN UNDER

[JohnnyBadfinger]

I just go down to jbhifi or order online at jbhifi postage is only $1.00 and they ship all stock from their warehouse in chadstone in Melbourne about 20 mins from my place so I normally get my order within 48hours of purchase. And for all electronic goods in Australia jbhifi seem to be the cheapest

[Williamson]

Wow that's just complete bullsh**!

[redcar121]

yer their games are high price but other stuff is cheap as shit compared to uk stop crying aussie