Following the CES, Sony has decided to withdraw from its spring 2006 launch and while Sony has yet to officially announce the upcoming Playstation 3 pricing or a new release date, some analysts and developers estimate the pricing to be $499. This comes just a touch more than the estimated PS3 hardware cost of $495 back in the beginning of November. The high estimated pricing comes as a result of the PS3's Blu-ray drive, not to mention its sophisticated CELL processor.
Unfortunately, there are other analysts that are predicting totally different prices. As Sony previously announced that people seriously interested in the PS3 will fork out on it no matter what the price, some estimate a pricing of between $600 and $700. On the other hand, as the premium Xbox 360 is selling for $399 and the Playstation 2 launched for $299 (well below the estimated pricing of up to $500), there is also a good chance Sony will match the pricing to help both the brand and help push more Blu-ray players and Blu-ray media on the market to help compete against Toshiba's HD DVD format.
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The $499 is not the only price point that analysts and developers suggest. Several say that the cost could reach $600-$700, while others believe that the electronics giant will match the Xbox 360's premium price of $399. Historically, Sony has sold its hardware at a loss to recoup on software and accessory sales that offer a higher premium. Prior to the Playstation 2 launch, analysts suggested that the system may sell for as high as $500. Sony surprised press and analysts with a $299 price tag at an annual video games convention. |
As HD DVD players are expected to launch with a starting price of $499, the PS3 would potentially compete very well if it launches for $499. For example, for $499, a consumer would have the choice either of buying a HD DVD player that can only play HD movies or buy a PS3, which not only plays HD movies, but is also a games console.
In my opinion, I cannot see Sony going below its
estimated price as they will risk losing out a lot more on the subsidised price
by consumers simply buying it as a budget Blu-ray player instead of for playing
games! Even with its currently pricing, a clear indication of
this potential issue is the starting price of $1,000
for dedicated Blu-ray players; double the estimated retail price of the PS3. Oops… :p
Source: NewsFactor Network
