Sony: "Being cheaper than your competitor is never a bad thing"

SCEA CEO Jack Tretton acknowledges that lowest-priced system is not always the most successful, but believes consumers will gravitate toward PlayStation 4 value proposition.

[xHeavYx]

Being cheaper + being more powerful, total dominance

[pixelsword]

Don't forget the games...

[MadSientist89]

both have good games.. anyone who says otherwise is a blind fanboy.

[VonBraunschweigg]

Both have good games next gen but only one is still catering current gen, like last gen. Big difference.

[karl]

omg what games has the xbox? third party exclusives dont count...

u know there is a chance they end up on playstation 4 .. and we still have no gameplay from a few xbox exclusives only cgi trailers...

besides a few new franchises that we have no idea how good the may end up being ..

[mochachino]

All I know is that MS first party abandoned both previous systems prematurely, while Sony released some of the gens best games consistently up until the very end for the previous three systems. (Gran Turismo, God of War 2, Last of US)

Out of all three console manufacturers I feel Sony has shown the biggest commitment to games from launch to finish over and over again.

MS rather spend 50 mill on timed exclusives than new IPs.

[darthv72]

It can be viewed both ways. Being cheaper than your competitor is never a bad thing.

The same holds true for being justifiably more expensive than your competitor is never a bad thing either.

the justifiable part is the inclusion of accessories and features that the competition does not have.

Looking back at the ps3 the key difference between it and the 360 was the inclusion of the bluray player and the wifi.

So that would be an example of being justifiably more expensive than the competition. You got allot of sexy tech with that $600 price point.

so with the xb1 you get the kinect camera, and if the rumors of it costing between $100-200 are believable, then it is a justifiable cost difference.

bottom line is you are getting significantly more robust hardware this time than last time and for roughly the same price points.

it isnt like each one is trying to sell you a 3do for $800.

[ABeastNamedTariq]

You have a point there. Regarding XB1, I think it comes down to whether or not a consumer sees the value in Kinect, enough to make the price point justifiable.

EDIT: And games, and all that jazz.

[AceBlazer13]

don't forget backwards compatibility you got a ps2 with those $600 beasts

[darthv72]

@ace...you got BC with both the ps3 and 360 so that wasnt really a key difference but i get your reasoning.

though when it came to cost cutting time and that was a feature that was cut from the ps3, you still had it with the 360.

in fact...you still have it with the 360 but the amount of xbox games pales in comparison to the amount of ps2 games.

edit: @juice below. +bubs to you for a great naughty dog reference. Man i really wish ND would bring that game back to life.

[Orange Juice]

I do wish that way of the warrior and twisted were launch titles though. The universe would be awesome.

[Elda]

I can see paying more for blueray,wifi & bwc,I can't see paying more for a camera something you really don't need to play a game.

[darthv72]

@elda i think you are missing the bigger picture. The bluray and the wifi werent really needed for playing games either (at the time). they were added expenses that were part of the overall package.

the initial batch of games on the ps3 were no better than dvd quality but they used the bluray format because they wanted to prove the point of it being a justifiable cost. if people remember back in the ps2, the first batch of games were actually CD games not DVD. so many questioned as to why buy this dvd game console if the games werent on dvd.

sony didnt want to have that type of situation this time and so any game released for the ps3 was going to be using the bluray disc regardless of actual size. it also was a means to deflect piracy because if the games were on dvd then there was a greater chance of them being hacked and copied.

The 360 offered wifi as an option. the ps4 didnt want it to be an option (actually it was in the beginning but it soon became a standard part) so the incurred cost of keeping the wifi was justifiable in the sense that the competition didnt have it standard (not until many years later).

Now as to the kinect, it too is an added expense but is part of the overall package. the talks of Ms removing it to be cheaper is no different than when there were rumors of sony making a ps3 without the bluray drive. Because at the time, the cost of the drive was a key difference in the cost of the two systems. sony stuck to their plan and kept the bd drive in the system.

MS will stick to their plan and keep kinect in the xb1 because they dont want to split the userbase. if you use it, you use it. if you dont then you dont but it is meant to be part of the total package. Just like how i think sony wanted to make their camera part of the total package as well.

them not including the camera means it may not be as supported as it could be but it is a way to cut cost.

for me, i plan on buying the total package for both. that means getting the ps4eye with the ps4. To me that represents the original vision of what the ps4 was going to be. Especially when you know the controllers were designed to work with it right out of the box.

[MRMagoo123]

All i can point out is looking at overall preorders ppl dont see the kinect as a good reason to pay more.

[AceBlazer13]

but with blu ray and wifi they proved beneficial in the long run, heck the competition adopted it. So the question is will devs show the benefits of kinect as an added cost at some point? that's a gamble some people don't want to put $100 on.Later down the line though if people start seeing kinect as worth it then the xbox can get a little momentum going.

[rainslacker]

I would agree with you to an extent. However, the inclusion of that price bumping hardware has to be desirable to justify the actual price. Despite the hopes and dreams of the Kinect lovers on here, the fact remains that most just see it as a superfluous peripheral that they don't want.

In contrast, Blu-Ray was desirable at the time(still is actually) due to HDTV starting to hit it's stride. Wi-Fi was nice to have being that most people don't have wired homes. Looking at the PS3, I doubt many people brought it for the Cell processor, as it wasn't really something that desirable to the mainstream user. If that were the only price-bumping hardware, people would have complained. Although, they sold a lot of PS3's as servers reportedly, so guess it's not all true.

It's all a matter of perspective. If you want the Kinect, then the price is justifiable, and offers value. If you don't, it just means your paying more for something you don't want.

[Picnic]

Microsoft's aim to get the Xbox One in the living room rather than the bedroom:

Include Kinect 2.0, making it necessary to stand an appropriate distance from your console and jump around a bit. Things not specifically designed to be done upstairs in the bedroom.

Make it clear that the navigation is about TV as well. Thus winning over the main adult in the house in to putting the console centre stage in the living room.

But it doesn't quite wash with me. I like the look of your Xbox One games but I'll play them in whatever room I like and probably mostly with a normal controller. You're not just trying to conquer Sony, you're trying to conquer ME. And I will not forget that you mostly do it with the squazillions of cash that you make from Xbox Live.

[Dan_scruggs]

The PS3 launch just called... They said no shit Sherlock.

[ovnipc]

I prefer to pay $100 more actually $40 more cause it includes a game, and have a console with better quality games. Compare to the Sheeps console cheaper but no games. X1D1.

[xHeavYx]

You keep telling yourself that, if that's what helps you sleep at night, the truth is that Sony has always come up with a ton of ips, where Microsoft abandoned their last 2 consoles

[Destrania]

@xHeavYx - Don't even respond to brainless fools like @ovnipc.

[Majin-vegeta]

Being cheaper + being more powerful+many talented 1st party studios,=total dominance.

Edit:Suppose to be a reply to X >_<.

[lnvisibleMan]

You forgot to mention sony has a history of more reliable hardware

[ABeastNamedTariq]

Good point.

And the cooling on the PS4 looks even better than the PS3. They managed to keep the system cool ONLY with those vents on the back. And they're doing the same with PS4, except heat also gets dissipated from the front, I believe. Which is even better.

[miyamoto]

Add to that high quality games from the best game developers in the world like ND Polyphony D Sony Sta Monica Sony.Japan Studios From Software Level 5 Guerilla Games Sucker Punch etc Vanillaware.

[Destrania]

Easier to developer for as well ;-)

[SlavisH2]

they arent cheaper then the wii-U! Don't count nintendo out yet!!!

[PSNintyGamer]

How dare you! Let me just give you a downvote /s

[SaffronCurse]

LOL

[user5575708]

now now guys dont hate on the wii U...were all gonna buy it for smash and mario kart

[Lord_Sloth]

^ You didn't mention Zelda. I demand to know why!!!

[user5575708]

^ are smash and mario kart not enough for you sir!?

damn your demanding demands!!!

[fattyuk]

Nintendo have never been in the count with the wii u

[mushroomwig]

The Wii U isn't even a competitor as it's a current gen system in every sense of the word.

[pixelsword]

No, it's next-gen in every sense of the word, but not powerful in any sense of the word in comparison to it's contemporaries: therefore, they are going for the niche market... unfortunately for them, such a market seems not to exist.

[AceBlazer13]

isn't it funny how ppl dislike wii u for lack of games and yet devs don't make games cause not enough ppl own wii u ? either 1 party has to give in or nintendo has to better market it.

[ArtificiallyYours]

Don't generalize the term "Current Gen", ever. That is an easy bullet to dodge... :V

[MasterCornholio]

The gamecube was cheaper than the XBOX and the PS2 and look what happened.

Price, hardware and software are the main ingredients for a successful console.

[riseer23]

Yep it's all about games and the last time i checked WiiU has none.

[KonsoruMasuta]

The Wii was cheaper than the PS3 and 360.

[XboxFun]

Yes, lets all dismiss the WiiU because..well it goes against what Jack is trying to get across.
Yes the new WiiU isn't current gen even though we have articles like this that says otherwise:

http://gaminrealm.com/2013/...

[DomceM]

we dismiss wii u because some of us actually understand how underwhelming and underpowered the hardware is in that console. Especially considering the asking price.

[Hicken]

It doesn't go against what Jack said at all. But you can't JUST be cheaper.

You also have to provide a value that makes people want to buy your console. Currently, the Wii U fails at that.

It's next-gen, not current gen. Current gen is Wii/PS3/360. And it's next-gen only as far as chronology goes. With regards to hardware, it's considerably closer to current gen than next.

Which is part of the reason why people dismiss it.

[XboxFun]

@Hicken

WiiU is next gen, it has the capabilities and features of a next gen console. It runs HD/60fps and all the other bells and whistles we all love to keep reminding everyone about.

And as my link stated it can run the next gen engines for games.

I really don't think anyone should dismiss this console, especially since the Wii, the least powerful of all the systems kicked both PS3 and 360's butt.

[Kayant]

True they're not but they sure have a massive hill to climb to compete against PS4 and XB1.

[The_Truth_24_7]

Thing is the wii u isn't a competitor so Sony has nothing to worry about.

[PSVita]

It's sold less than 4 million since it launched...and that was when it was only going against the PS3 and Xbox 360.

[RandomDude655]

Jack has been so happy and carefree, since the announcement. Nervous Jack was a bit unsure of the PS3 I think.

[thehitman]

I dont think he was nervous.. just with the PS3 they had to try harder to overcome the obstacles of 1. Releasing 1 year later 2. At a higher price point 3. With a higher development learning curb than the competition. They took away all those negatives this time and he can prob sit back at his vacation home sippin some lemonade!

[SkippyPaccino]

Time to separate the men from the XBOYS

[riseer23]

Sony is taking a hit on the hardware.Also the fact that the Pseye or w/e it's called isn't included drops the price.I got my pre order now i am saving up.

[josephayal]

Once again, the PS4 looks completely unstoppable

[Rimeskeem]

Being cheaper, more powerful, amazing first party studios and f2p and indie games never hurt anyone.......... Well except for MS

[SillyYou]

BURN!

[ShwankyShpanky]

Why link to GameSpot as the source? Why not directly to the Bloomberg interview?
http://www.bloomberg.com/vi...

Nice note: Tretton says PS3 is at the middle of its lifespan. Probably doesn't have another seven years, but still has a ways to go.

[ivnheim]

Not only cheaper, but more powerful, not atroucious and with no forced cameras or other useless shit.

Definitely we have a total winner for the next gen. i already preordered mine and is only matter of wait till November 15.

[AceofStaves]

If any company has hard to learn that lesson the hard way, it's Sony.

[Bzone24]

Not only cheaper, but it costs less too.

[MotoDot]

umm.......

[Nocando]

I have the urge to smash his face in, just one of those faces, POW!!

[Otoshigamisama]

He's The Hulk don't ever make him angry!

http://imageshack.us/scaled...

[Devilbringer]

There is one game i want to play on xbox one though,Ryse.

RYSE looks awesome but then again it's the only reason i want the xbox1 so unless i can afford both, my good guess is i'm getting the Playstation 4.

Infamous second son looks INSANE Both Graphic and gameplay.
not to mention Killzone: SHadowfall.
And im really into Playstaion +, free games yes pls

My family wont get any present this chrismas sadly, spending everything on ps4 and games!

[Bhuahahaha]

"Being cheaper than your competitor is never a bad thing"

so true just look at those china wares

[Melankolis]

Consoles's success mainly because of the game library they have satisfied the customers by taste or quantity, price is not that important.

So if someone buy Xbox One just to play Titanfall or Dead Rising i can understand, just like i bought Xbox classic just to play Ninja Gaiden.

My deep respect Sony for supporting their console until the very end of generation.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Jack Tretton has to be one of my favorite execs. Always down to earth, humble and a great speaker.