The $600 Question: Are Consumers Ready to Commit to PS3?

Ever since Sony announced the prices for its two PlayStation 3 SKUs, many videogame journalists and sarcastic forum posters have been bashing the company, its decision, Betamax (because that old chestnut never goes away), and the three-headed monster known as Kutaragi, Harrison, and Hirai. In fact, to read some of this BS, no one wants to buy a PlayStation 3, Sony's crazy, and in a sick and twisted switch, Microsoft's $400 Xbox 360 is now a sweet deal.

GameDaily hit the streets, visiting San Francisco, various places in New Jersey, and...Colorado...to see if consumers are willing to plunk down the six Benjamins for the right to lug home Sony's George Forman grill.

By and large, most of the people they spoke to in New Jersey and California are ready to walk home with a PlayStation 3 no matter the cost. As one store owner put it, "People that I've spoke to don't care how much it is. Instead, they're more concerned that it won't be available. They think it'll be as difficult to find as the 360 was last fall."

[bernie]

No games console is worth $600, no matter who makes it. "Playstation" is just a brandname, nothing more, wait for the price to drop to something reasonable. If we all just enjoy our Xbox360's and Nintendo Wii consoles (yep, you can buy both for the cost of a PS3), Sony will have no choice but to lower the price to something we would consider.

[Bill Gates]

PS3 is the best value hands down. If you can't afford it or your parents wont buy it for you, than that's too bad for you. It's all new technology, and not repackaged components.

60 Gig hard drive
WiFi
HDMI
Blu-ray
More than 97% backwards compatibility
Don't find reasons to hate something just because others are doing it too. You robot.

[Shadow Flare]

I agree with what twinkle toes just above me said

The ps3 is a completely new console with all the latest hardware

So...

If a $600 (or $500) ps3 isnt value for money, what exactly does the 360 offer that IS value for money?

Thinking...thinking...thinking so hard...ugh...dvd drive...it doesnt look like a box...ah no, im all out

[ACE]

i dont think its a good deal cos its got blue ray,,, all the sane people know that it will be a pi$$ poor quality compared to a stand alone player so no sorry i'm of to get a 360 today

[bernie]

Premium Xbox360, Oblivion, Extra pad, Extra faceplate, Extra Remote all for only £299 @ Play.com!

[achira]

but its a good deal to buy old technic for 400 bucks, hahahaaa, you dont believe itself.

[USMChardcharger]

it has a 3 core processer with each core running @ 3.2 ghz and each with 64 bits! you call that old tech.
you can't even get a computer with 3 cores yet.
my PC buddies flip out at the specs of the 360. i just don't get what you guys don't see.
and before you guys reply, take note i did not bash the ps3.

[Shadow Flare]

so lemme get this straight...

lol, ahem...you have pc buddies? PC...buddies. Do you also have travel sickness buddies, or ear medicine buddies? I mean...cmon man, you're not helping yourself out at all by saying that

And your pc buddies lol, they 'flipped out' when they saw the specs of the box 360?

Show them the specs of the ps3, maybe making them read that will make their nose bleed...geez

[Joe Schmoe]

Blue-Ray player 1000 dollar value

the console it self priced the same as 360 400 dollar value

Being able to do most of the same things as a media pc 500 dollars

So if you break it down like that you are looking at 1900 dollars in value for 600 dollars. Dont need to be a rocket scientist to know a good deal when you see one.

[Islandkiwi]

I can't agree with your logic. A blu-ray player is not worth a thousand dollars if it's in the ps3 and sells for 5-600. A Ps3 is not a 500 dollar pc. And it's not the same as a 360 either.

You're trying too hard to justify it to yourself if you say it's a 2,000 value in a 500 dollar package. I mean, that's a paid television show kind of deal you're making...and we all know how much of a deal those tv ad show products are.

[slugg]

The blu-ray player in the PS3 will be the absolute cheapest one available at the time. By Sony's own admission, this drive/technology caused the systems delayed launch. Surely everyone can't have forgotten the fiasco with the crappy drives in the first PS2s? You know, the ones Sony refused to admit there was a problem with, got sued over, and lost?

PS3 with two-thirds of what Sony promised - $600.00

PS3 with half of what Sony promised - $500.00

PS3 with broken drive a week after you buy it -Priceless!

[Jay da 2KBalla]

Exactly and well said

[achira]

i want a ps3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[achira]

oh, and a wiiiiiiiiiii

[Islandkiwi]

First, there is a 500 dollar version, so the question is a little off.

Second, I have the feeling from the article that they're going to game stores to ask the question. And although I don't know how you'ddo this otherwise, the fact is you're running into those hardcore gamers you were tired of listening to in the forums.

I've got two personal examples of this. My brother in law loves his ps2, and didn't know the price of the ps3 yet. I told him, and it put him off his lunch. I also have an employee of mine that asked me about the price (he knows I'm a gamer). When I told him, he ran off to get a 360.

I understand that Sony is trying to sell this as a blu-ray player, or a pc, or basically something central to our living rooms. And people in these forums justifying the cost agree to that argument. But people I've talked to are looking for a game console, and can't get their heads around the cost of it.

[THE TRUTH]

It's just the hardcore people that have a problem with it. Core gamers are little bit*he$. They complain about everything because they're used to a certain standard of living, and whenever anyone dares to change it they complain. You don't see people stressing out about the prices of new cars, computers, or appliances nearly as much. The cost of living is going up. If you don't want a PS3, then don't buy one."

I think the average gamer (which is who will determine the outcome for this Generation) thinks alot like this man. 500$ or 600$ people will pay for what "they" want even if the price seems high. Think back to when the 360 launched and people were seen buying 360's on ebay for +1000$ I think thats crazy but people felt it was worth it.............

[Xtrm L1481L1TY]

The mainstream consumers are NOT hardcore gamers my friend. Do you think they are willing to dish out $600?

[Jay da 2KBalla]

Exactly

[Shadow Flare]

what did the article say, cos i think those were casual gamers

try reading the articles, they actually help when you want to comment

[Jay da 2KBalla]

I was ageeing with what the guy above me said because it makes sense.

It helps to pay attention and make sure you know what you are talking about before you make a post.

[andy capps]

Good article! Looking forward to getting my PS3..

[Wotbot]

Sorry the PS3 is too much money.

£425 is too much for a games system that will have 1 or possibly 2 good games for it at launch. That’s what I look at, good games and its going to take 1 or 2 years before Sony gets there. That’s when I will buy.

But for now the 360 holds the advantage for lots of games coming out in 06. Maybe the end of 07 will be different.

Is it also true that the games will be around £59.99 or slightly cheaper on the net? If this is true then Sony can forget it.

[Jay da 2KBalla]

sony said the ps3 is going to be 500 and 600 euros.

[greenlynxx]

I agree with one of the above posters who stated that this very unscientific survey was probably conducted at gamestores and as such does not represent a good cross section of gamers. Look, I personally have gotten 3 negative responses to their pricing structure from people who are casual gamers. Scientific? No, but that is my personal experience and I think it makes more sense than the average joe saying yeah I'll pay anything. Another reason I think this article is a little dubious is that the average person I talk to doesn't even know about BD ROM. The article has as one of the PS3's main draws the fact that it contains Blue Ray. How is that the average person wants it and isn't even aware of it at the same time?

[THELANDSOFSAND]

"no one wants to buy a PlayStation 3, Sony's crazy, and in a sick and twisted switch, Microsoft's $400 Xbox 360 is now a sweet deal."

yes... and what is your point?

lol

[joemutt]

"no one wants to buy a PlayStation 3, Sony's crazy, and in a sick and twisted switch, Microsoft's $400 Xbox 360 is now a sweet deal."

:)

[joemutt]

.

[Jay da 2KBalla]

two similar consoles and one is 200 dollars less than yea that is a "Sweet deal" especially when the one that is two hundered dollars less has more games.

[Retard]

Regardless, It seems Americans have lost all of there wallets; except me.

Those of you, who compare Betamax to Blu-Ray; forget it, More than 170 leading companies have joined the Blu-ray Disc Association including the following:

Apple (my iPod :) )
Dell (My desktop comp)
Fox
HP (my laptop)
LG (my TV)
Panasonic
Sharp
TDK (my DVDs)
Warner Bros.
Disney
BMG
Pioneer (my other TV...)
Samsung
PHILIPS
Paramount
Etc.

Of course a few companies of those are aligned with HD-DVD as well; it's just so hard to see it fail.

Well it's probably a bunch of kids here saying they don't want it because they cannot afford it. That's not true; It's an easy price but none of you people have jobs (I work a hotel, and I'm 17) But I guess you all are too young for a job or the concept of a dollar. :)

This kinda makes me cry though.
http://search.ebay.com/sear...

[Jay da 2KBalla]

its not a bunch of ppl saying they dont want it becausse they cant afford it, its because the games dont justify the price and anyways 600 dollars to play a game??? you must be crazy

[Shadow Flare]

(Top of the range ps3) $600 to to play games?
(Lower spec ps3) $500 to play games?!?
(Box 360) $400 to play games?!?! uuh aaahh ughuu oh get a job u tramp

and cut the crap about better games. everyone likes different games, thats why we prefer playstation or xbox. you obviously prefer xbox games. To me, nothing except halo appeals me to them. Ive always prefered playstation games and so have 100 million other people

Do me a favour and tell me how the box 360 is exactly worth the $400 price tag

[Grown Folks Talk]

100 mil shipped doesn't equal a 100 mil user base. when they send out a replacement unit, that's 1 shipped. and regardless of what sony die hards want to believe, a lot of people had them replaced, and some on more than one occasion. i personally know of plenty, and work at a place where i hear about it all the time. the playstation base is not as large as people ttry to make it out to be. as far as the price goes, it's only worth it on an individual basis. it's not worth $500 or $600 to me because i don't like sony's exclusives, but to you it might be a great deal.

[Jay da 2KBalla]

"(Top of the range ps3) $600 to to play games?
(Lower spec ps3) $500 to play games?!?
(Box 360) $400 to play games?!?! uuh aaahh ughuu oh get a job u tramp"

tramp? um no. Just because I dont feel the games warrant the price as severaal others have said on this site doesnt make me poor dumbass. you are so sad and an idiot fanboy lol

"and cut the crap about better games. everyone likes different games, thats why we prefer playstation or xbox. you obviously prefer xbox games. To me, nothing except halo appeals me to them. Ive always prefered playstation games and so have 100 million other people"

Who said anything about better games? I said the games dont warrant the price of a 600 dollar or 500 dollar console for that matter and then 65+ for a game.

"Do me a favour and tell me how the box 360 is exactly worth the $400 price tag"

Live anywhere, live arcade, live marketplace, and live period lol the only unified online service that is pretty good and dont even mention ps3's online service because no one knows exactly how it is going to be, the best game of the year by ign: Gears Of War, best e3 game with the best graphics technology by ign: Mass Effect, best original and best artistic and best rpg by ign: Bioshock, sequel to best racing sim of 2005 Forza Motorsport, the next installment to the game that sold more than any other game in the industry and made more than 125 million on its launch day: Halo 3 (Even yo sony fanboy @ss like it hmm lol which is totally surprising) what is considered to be the best rpg to date by ign along with several other gaming sites : Oblivion. so yea I think that pretty much shuts your ignorant sony fanboy @ss down. lmao

And as for that 100 million installed base, well I think the guy above me took care of you on that.

So face it fool I know way too much and wheneva you try me I am going to just make you look like an ass which I did especially well with this post. rofl at you shadow

If you actually gave 360 a chance and checked out what it has to offer you would have known this and you may still not like it but you would know it isnt total garbage but your sony fanboyish ways blinds you and by not giving other consoles a chance you are not a true gamer.

PS it helps if you actually know what you are talking about when you post, it helps. lmao

[FamoAmo]

360 game line up is way better!! If you like sh!t [email protected]@ RPG'S like FF50 go get the ps3. 360 Has too many killer titles coming out Sony has none!

[schnodder]

and what about Assassins Creed + Metal Gear 4???
i think these are killer titles.

[Marriot VP]

assassins creed is time exclusive for ps3, so it'll eventually be on a 360. As it stands now.

[Jay da 2KBalla]

MGS4, FF, and all te other AAA titles arent even launch titles and wont be out in 2006. Its going to be a hard year for sony. 1 game, fall of man, looks like it will be good but thats it and 1 game doesnt warrant 600 dollars for a console.

[Retard]

The first game on the Xbox360 that looked impressive was Advanced War Fighter; which I bought.

I'd say Oblivion too, but I have it running on my PC a tad better. :(

[Jay da 2KBalla]

Thats coo and all retard but (not to be rude) whats your point?

[Gh0stDrag0n]

Opinions are like A$$hole$, Everybody has one.

[TOM]

ps3 is the first system i will skip in 13 years. 360 is excellent and there is really no games that I want on the ps,warhawk looks ok but im not paying 600 for one game.But I decided long before the price was released. I m just tired of sonys crap,and i speak with my wallet....I dont even buys sony movies anymore,thats much more painful than missing out on buying a ps3. Or more likely ,having to buy three of them like i did the pos ps2.
sony lost a diehard customer here.I bought over 200 games in the lifespan of the ps1 and 2,guess all those dollars will be going to ms via 360 and my pc.

[Jay da 2KBalla]

Exactly

[Gamer God]

There is no way that i will buy the PS3 for what they are asking. I can more than afford to buy, but that doesn't mean I have to be stupid and do so. There is no real difference in either console.

[Gamer God]

I guess they were right, there are a lot of immature kids on this sight.

[Jay da 2KBalla]

I agree Gamer god with what you said in 16 and 16.2 Bill gates is just a sad ps3 fanboy

[jiggajayp]

First off, don`t believe sony`s lies about the blu-ray drive delaying the ps3!!! How were they gonna release a console with no games???? as of right now it still doesn`t have any games ready for release!!! You ps3 fans are either dumb or like being taken advantage of by sony!!! Sony still haven`t even released a final dev kit for christs sakes!!! Also, they still haven`t got the console to fit in that case that they keep showing us!!! I won`t be buying the ps3 at $500 or $600!! First off, sony will have to prove itself to have staying power first!! remember sega saturn and dreamcast???? they failed and i lost out on a lot of hard earned cash!! I`ll get the ps3 when it`s about $299!! until then, sorry sony!! No thank you when I can wait and have mostly all of the same games on my xbox 360!! Are you guys even thinking about the $70-$90 price-tag for the games??? ps3=$600 extra controller=$40-$50 and at least one game=$70 that all comes to $710 for the ps3 and one game!! Why, when you can have a xbox 360=$400 extra controller=$40 and 4 games=$240 that`s $680 and you still have $20 left over for rechargeable battery kits for your wireless controllers!!! Also, remember that Microsoft will drop the price of the xbox 360 when the ps3 launches!! It should be $299 for the premium by then and $199-$249 for the core!!

[Gh0stDrag0n]

Dude, The PS3 isn't trash. It's Smoke.

[Jay da 2KBalla]

I agree with both of yall.

[Silver360]

It was supposed to launch this spring and then I guess the final development kits go out in the summer. Wow! a system with no games ps3

[Jay da 2KBalla]

How are we brainwashed? The only person if anyone here is brainwashed than it is you. He provided reasons for wat he said yet all you do is make an idiot fanboy post. Just because you dont agree doesnt make us brainwashed.

(I said us because I agreed with him so you are refering to me 2)

[slugg]

As a Gamestop store manager. On the average day since E3:

SELL 2 xbox 360's. Stock problem was fixed, but now since E3 we pretty much sell all we get in, again. On the average, one of the two ask about the PS3. When I tell them we don't know the launch games and aren't taking reservations for the system, they say "Oh, well, I just wanted to sell it on Ebay and make some dough." Some even give me their name and ask me to call them when we are taking reservations. So they can sell it. Then they buy their 360.

We get 3 or 4 more people who just come in and ask about the PS3, OVER HALF of which admit they want to reserve one to sell. "Hey, man, I can probably sell it before Christmas for at least a grand. That will pay for all our presents!"

10-12 people ask about the Wii. Since information is scarce, they get a little bummed, but since we ARE taking reservations for the Wii version of Zelda, I get about 4 or 5 that reserve it. NO ONE who asks about the Wii has mentioned selling it. A couple have asked if I think it will be available to people who don't get a reservation for it, when I express my doubt a few have commented they might get a 360 instead.

The funny side note is that the ONLY people who aren't taken aback by the PS3 price are the ones who are planning to resell it.

[Xtrm L1481L1TY]

I don't work @ a Gamestop or local gamer store however I did ask the same question to a buddy of mine who owns a franchise for Game Crazy and I was getting the same impression from what you're saying.

[Phytonadione]

Well obviously those people that plan on reselling the PS3 must feel that other people will be desperate enough to buy it at $1000. I'm not sure if that's a good argument of whether the PS3 is a good value or not. Hell, I'd go as far to say that that's a good argument for the popularity of the Playstation brand, for better or worse.

[Phytonadione]

Why would the average consumer walk into a store and ask about a product that hasn't even been properly "announced" yet? When I say "announced", I'm not talking about the announced launch date and price, I'm talking about the advertisements (paid and hyped) that go along with any pre-launch of a gaming console. I have yet to see Sony do anything in those regards, other than certain websites, gaming magazines, and the sporadic news reports, all of which Sony does not officially pay for. Trust me when I say that Sony will be advertising the hell out of the PS3 closer to launch. Then we'll be able to get a better idea of what the "average" consumer thinks about the PS3's value or lack of.

[Xtrm L1481L1TY]

Great point of view but given the launch shortages and the number of hardcore fans ratio your chances are likely you will make $$$. It's the same with any launch so your point really has no validity to the mainstream majority of consumers.

[Phytonadione]

I made that comment with the understanding that there will be shortages, and that the people that will pick up these initial batches of PS3s are but a small sampling, but nevertheless a sampling. Just as with the PS2, the media will cover the mad frenzy over the PS3 and how some people are willing to pay $xxxx to get their hands on one. This will in turn help to hype up the Sony machine even more. I mean, c'mon really, is the ipod any better? That thing is so overpriced, compared to the competition, it's ridiculous. It's more a status/fasion statement than anything else. I'll admit, it was somewhat innovative (in functionality and design) when it first came out, but really, do we need all these different versions at these bloated prices? If the consumer demands it, I guess so. As a side not, yes I do have an ipod, but I bought it off a friend for $100 because he found himself with 3 "different" versions of the same thing.

[jiggajayp]

I`m gonna get it just to sell it!! I`ve said this all along!!

[Jay da 2KBalla]

um no. its obvious that the people that will be buying it and reselling will be selling them to the hardcore playstation fans on ebay just as ppl did with the 360 so it doesnt indicate how popular the playstation brand name is. sry