Can Sony Get Away With Another $600 Price Tag For PS4?

Yes, I know. The vast majority are just screaming the word "No!" right about now.

And for the most part, I agree with that majority. I probably wouldn't shell out $600 for a new console, either. But just to play devil's advocate here for a moment...

Sony has started to learn that when it comes to video game hardware, great software is an absolute necessity. In fact, it's #1 on the list. This is why they delayed the launch of the PlayStation Vita; they wanted to give this new unit the best start possible by giving us over 20 titles to choose from on launch day. And the result was the biggest and most diverse PlayStation software launch lineup ever. It still wasn't mind-bogglingly amazing, but it did give the Vita a decent start out of the gates.

Furthermore, two other things to consider- Besides Resistance: Fall of Man, there was virtually no reason to own the PS3 on launch day. That $600 price tag just didn't give you much; what it really gave you was a bagful of promises and although I would argue they delivered on those promises, one still had to wait. The software just wasn't there to justify such a large purchase. But what if the PS4 launched with a flat-out crazy lineup? What if we were looking at the likes of Killzone 4, Gran Turismo 6, and Uncharted 4 on the first day of the PS4's availability? What we're willing to pay goes up, yes? We have to admit that much, at least.

Secondly, the electronics industry doesn't really appear to be getting cheaper. The iPad 3 will cost what again...? Tablets and smartphones aren't cheap endeavors and it really seems like both are selling remarkably well; i.e., the world still has money to burn on purely luxury items. That means $600 isn't necessarily a hurdle for the majority of consumers out there - or at least a fair portion of them - and if that's the case, it simply means the product in question isn't appealing enough. If it were, the price tag wouldn't look quite so nasty. So if the PS4 released with enough positive hype and a monster software lineup, why couldn't it fly off the shelves with a $600 retail price? Inflation is always a consideration as well.

Of course, I'm not predicting anything and personally, I do believe the PS4 can't cost that much. I have my reasons for that but for the time being, I just wanted to argue the other side of the coin, if only to shed some light on the concept of "true product value" in the eyes of the consumer.

Tags: ps4, playstation 4, next generation, next gen consoles, new playstation

4/29/2012 8:52:52 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (100 posts)

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ZettaiSeigi
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 9:21:49 PM
Reply

Sony might be able to justify a $600 price tag for a new console with all its bells and whistles, but I doubt they'd be willing to take that risk. The PS3 launch was rocky as it was, and I'm sure that Sony would like to avoid that.

The Vita launch was a sign that Sony is learning from its missteps. The hardware was solid and the launch library was indeed diverse. They should repeat that with the PS4, but the most important thing is to not attach a price tag that will have most people dismissing it as a piece of high-end tech that they cannot afford.

13 up, 2 down

Phoenix
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 12:51:24 AM

You know, I think it's going to come down to what they keep with the PS4, if it comes with full BC, then sure, I could see a $600 price tag, but if not, I wouldnt wanna see it for anymore then $400 tops. Also, we'll have to see what they do with the PSN with the ps4, if we've gotta pay to play online, then again I wouldnt wanna see a $600 price tag. Either way, PS4 wont be a D1 pickup for me, I'll wait for a price drop and a nice bundle.

Just PLEASE sony, give us full BC, I dont wanna have 3 playstations hooked up >.>

8 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 8:20:51 AM

Since the competition doesn't really do it either, I have a sneaking suspicion that BC is a thing of the past.

The age of BC is gone, and now we are in AD. (Backwards Compatibility and After Dlc)

4 up, 0 down

Coffeya
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:24:02 PM

@underdog, no the competition does still do it. Which is just one of the reasons nintendo's handheld market does better than sony's. The wii (excluding family edition) is fully bc and the Wii U will do the same. Heck, if playstation move would have been fully compatible with all ps3 games. Then for most people it would be justifiable to buy it and the sales wouldn't be low right now.

0 up, 0 down

Knightzane
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 9:26:22 PM
Reply

Id pay 600$ for another playstation. The ps3 may not have had many games at launch but i saved alot of money compaired to my 360 which i needed so many damn acessories for (i know i spelt it wrong) and in all honesty the 360 ended up costing more than the ps3. The wifi adapter alone was like $150.

10 up, 0 down

JackDillinger89
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 9:30:17 PM

You forgot to add the $50 a year to play online also.

8 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 10:51:22 PM

that 360 pay for online was a buzz for me and the RROD, that's why I shied away from the 360.

5 up, 0 down

JackDillinger89
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 9:27:36 PM
Reply

No. If a 249 vita isnt selling i doubt a ps4 will. Times are different now, $600 consoles wont sell when you can get a ps3 with outstanding visual capabilities and a massive library of great games available now for pretty much $200-249. How much better graphics wise will ps4 be and what better features will it have compared to the ps3 to justify $599?

11 up, 0 down

Qubex
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 9:27:21 AM

The PS4 is likely to treble the graphics power of what we have now in the PS3... but whether that is worth investing in a new console for is the real question...

I have such a huge backlog of games to purchase and play through, my PS3 could, quite literary, last me another 5 years.

Why do I honestly need a PS4 today...

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

2 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 9:32:32 PM
Reply

I have a feeling that the new generation of consoles will probably cost around the same as this generation was on launch day. But then they may even cost more seeing as how they are even closer to being a PC then they were before going by the specs that have been released thus far.

0 up, 0 down

Heartless Angel
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 9:33:38 PM
Reply

Even if it would have a crazy load of titles at launch day, a $600 price tag would be a deal breaker. Patience is a virtue and I'm willing to wait for a price drop just like what happened to the ps3.

1 up, 0 down

Palpatations911
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 9:42:51 PM

I agree. I have no problem waiting for a deal especially when I already have a PS3 to hold me over and they will continue to support the PS3 through much of the PS4's early life.

I bought a 2 week old slim PS3 with 2 controllers and 8 games for $200 bucks back in 2009. The guy needed rent money and I was happy to accommodate and I'm sure I can get another steal like that if I am patient :)

1 up, 0 down

Palpatations911
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 9:34:22 PM
Reply

From what we know so far, Sony and Microsnots new consoles share a lot of similarities in the raw power department so I believe that much of Sony's success will be dependent on how Microsnot prices their console.

Gamers who have no fanboy affinity to either console may very well just purchase whichever is cheaper and has Call of Duty.

2 up, 0 down

Palpatations911
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 9:47:14 PM

I almost forgot that if the PS3 does not support used games, that could really damage Sony's ability to warrant a high price tag.

6 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 10:16:56 PM

I don't think we know anything concrete about the kind of raw power the next gen of consoles will have.

4 up, 1 down

Jed
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:32:26 AM

I highly doubt the reports about the new consoles not playing used games. But we will probably see online passes on everything.

3 up, 0 down

Qubex
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 9:30:05 AM

World... with nVidia releasing their GTX690 GPU card that contains 3072 Cuda Cores... the PS4 will have quite a mountain to climb in order to include that type of power from the outset...

The GTX690 card costs $1000 dollars alone... this tells me a PS4 may release as out dated technology from the outset... pretty scary thought...

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

2 up, 0 down

VampDeLeon
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 9:45:51 PM
Reply

Well at the time, the PS3 at $600 was offered as a discounted Blu-ray player when they were introduced at a much higher price, along with the full backwards compatibility, and the potential to have an OS running on it. It was hefty, but with their target of future-proofing the system, the pricing made sense. I can't see the PS4 releasing at $600 again unless they're pushing another disc media even greater than Blu-ray like the HVD, or going the whole 20+ year future proofing plan.

Last edited by VampDeLeon on 4/29/2012 9:47:04 PM

7 up, 2 down

Killa Tequilla
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 9:48:33 PM
Reply

Yea, i'd do it as long as i get my moneys worth. I did it once and ill do it again. Besides like Jawknee once said, "There was a time when PS3 was too expensive for kids" it would be just that for a little while for the PS4.

1 up, 0 down

Alejandro562
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 10:58:21 PM

600 big ones again? For the same technology?

1 up, 5 down

UbiEaActisuck
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 9:55:03 PM
Reply

I believe $600 was a reasonable price for the PS3 and would be a reasonable price for the PS4. Name one gadget or computer that gives you at least a 6-7 year life cycle and with no real hardware cost after the initial price. This time around I think Sony will try for a $450 to $500 launch though since they won't have to worry about alienating partners they are launching a new format with. Nonetheless, whatever the price point, without a serious launch line up I think they will have a hard time moving systems initially after so many earlier adopters really had nothing to do with their PS3 for almost a year and a half. I just hope Sony brings it like the Vita, but at the same time has good games to keep the momentum going.

3 up, 0 down

karneli lll
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 10:16:53 PM
Reply

$600 is a lot,even if there are 20 launch games. Personally i dont think i'll join the train for the next generation of consoles,at least not on launch day.

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 10:20:31 PM
Reply

It's amazing how people shell out for a new apple poop-pod-phone-tab every six months but still moan about consoles.

It IS a high price to drop in one sitting and I don't think that will be the case. Would I pay that much straight away? Only for an FFVII remake on day 1.

8 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 10:59:13 PM

I doubt many of those iPad fanatics even play games on consoles.

6 up, 3 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 12:11:43 AM

But I bet they think the price of them is outlandish. Forgetting what they pay for mobile devices.

2 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 12:44:07 AM

Before long the US flag will have Apple icons in place of stars. Them some years after that, just one big apple on the flag. All your base r belong to us.

4 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:12:40 AM

I just think iPads sell so well is because there are a ton of other reasons to own one besides gaming. Business' buy them, schools buy them, I'm sure government buys a ton of them. Gaming consoles have a certain demographic they aim for that is much smaller than the one Apple aims for. A wide veriety of people use iPads for many different reasons while only gamers buy consoles to game. Gamers are just simply out numbered by iPad users. Comparing sales of iPads and other tablets to game consoles is like comparing PC or laptop sales to game consoles. It's apples and oranges.

Last edited by Jawknee on 4/30/2012 2:15:51 AM

9 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 8:23:18 AM

An FFVII remake day one would definitely make me buy it right out of the gate. Heck, I'd probably pay $1000 for it, then.

1 up, 2 down

Snaaaake
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 9:49:43 AM

Please guys, the iPad ain't the best thing since slice bread but it certainly is useful to prove that you can afford something expensive.

That's what many of my friends does.

0 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:23:16 PM

It's just that theres no reason to upgrade your ipad every time a new one comes out, they are barely incrementally better. The people who need that update are kind of strange folks.

0 up, 0 down

inkme101
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 10:30:59 PM
Reply

i bet the new consoles will release at a 399.99 price point. i don't know y i think that i just do. although it doesn't matter ill buy sonys new machine no matter the price point.

3 up, 1 down

Alejandro562
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 10:57:19 PM
Reply

I do not think they can because the ps3 was worth so much due to new hardware such as blu ray when they were really expensive, and from the rumors it seems there will not be such a huge hardware leap,but hey if sony charges me 80big ones for a 32gb card for my vita,hey then i'm sure they'll find a way.

2 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 10:58:34 PM
Reply

Also hope to inkme101, I hope it's retail price is not more than $400. I hope the PS4 utilizes quad layer on each side of a blu-ray, years ago I heard in the newspaper, that I think toshiba made a 200gb blu-ray disc, something like this could be the future for the PS4.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 4/29/2012 11:05:26 PM

0 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 11:43:41 PM

That 200gb disc was just a prototype way back when blu-ray was in development. It was 8 layers too. When/if those will be available for retail is anyone's guess. TDK has also made 200gb blu-ray discs since then. Of course all of this was 6-7 years ago. 128gb discs just started coming out about 1-2 years ago.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 11:00:33 PM
Reply

Nope. I would have to wait until the price drops or until I found a sale of some sort like I did with the PS3. $600 is just too much to spend on anything that isn't a necessity at this point in time.

3 up, 0 down

mehrab2603
Sunday, April 29, 2012 @ 11:37:50 PM
Reply

Little good the launch lineup did to the Vita. It's breaking records for low sales in Japan. The 3DS was doing terrible too until its.pricewas dropped and look at it now. Even with fewer good titles than Vita, it's flying off the shelves. Launch linup plays a role, but price is the main factor of a console's initial success.

2 up, 0 down

SnipeySnake
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 12:14:08 AM
Reply

I'm probably not gonna ever buy a console over 300$....

1 up, 1 down

AcHiLLiA
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 12:15:03 AM
Reply

yah I mean, that's what held me back from the PS3, the damn retail prices and the fact that Sony's blu-ray was still in battle with HD-DVD, and not a good lineup of games.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 4/30/2012 12:15:42 AM

0 up, 0 down

gumbi
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 12:35:17 AM
Reply

In all honesty I'd probably shell out $600 again for the latest Sony console.

However, to answer the question of this article; No, Sony cannot afford another $600 launch tag. They also cannot afford to be a year late to the race again. If Sony doesn't release PS4 parallel to the new xbox, then they had better wait at least 2 years before they do. Otherwise they're gonna be in for the same slog next gen as they were with this one. And I don't think they have the resources to 'suck it up' and take a loss on it for a few years before PS4 starts really turning a profit.

A great launch line up will help, no doubt. But not enough to justify dropping the better part of $1000 on a new console and a couple games. Not for the vast majority of consumers anyway. Early adopters is all Sony would get, again. Release PS4 parallel to the new xbox, at a competitive price, or don't bother with it at all.

I'm not being negative. Just realistic. I love the Sony brand, and I want their next generation to succeed. For that to happen, they have to learn from past.

3 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 12:50:47 AM
Reply

Pffft only if it has blast processing, 64 bits of something, cooks toast and cures cancer. Otherwise, no deal! Oh yes, and trillions of dot products, need them dot products =p

Oh and a catchy ad campaign like Playstation does! But Miscrosoft-don't! Playststion does! But nintendont!

=p

3 up, 0 down

Sunni_Boi
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 1:12:17 AM
Reply

Sir In My Opinion Gamers Are Becoming More Every Now And Then Players Than Play Everyday Players. So We Are Less Willing To Pay More For Something We Only Use Every Now And Then. But Really For Everyone Gaming Gets More Expensive Every Gen, From The Price Of Accessories To Games To The Consoles Themselves. So To Answer You Question, The Only Way Sony Can Get Away With This, Is If Microsoft Have An Very Similar Price Point. Nintendo Console Price Should Be Lower Than Both. No Matter Which Console Is More "Powerful" It All Comes Down To Price. On An Person Note, This Has To Be The "Perfect" Gen Cuz This May Be My Last One For Atleast 10 Years Out.

Last edited by Sunni_Boi on 4/30/2012 1:14:46 AM

0 up, 7 down

Beamboom
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 3:16:25 AM

Ok, I'll bite.

Why do you capitalize every word you write?

5 up, 0 down

Sunni_Boi
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 9:28:01 AM

Its Lyk My Signature. I Guess Whoever Thumbs Me Down Didnt Agree With Ish I Said, But I Feel Lyk Most Of Every1 Should Agree About How Expensive It Gets Every Gen

0 up, 9 down

coverton341
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 10:44:35 AM

I think people thumbed you down because your post is difficult to read and unnecessarily so, only due to your need to....sign(?)....it by capitalising every word.

5 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 10:58:05 AM

Yea, you want people to read your posts, cool it with th caps. It's uneasy on the eyes.

2 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 12:39:37 PM

Really CAPS, it's not that big of a deal, it's not that he was using exclamation points. But in general u should not type in CAPS.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 4/30/2012 12:42:09 PM

0 up, 0 down

Sunni_Boi
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:13:17 PM

Last edited by Sunni_Boi on 4/30/2012 2:14:11 PM

0 up, 0 down

Sunni_Boi
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:13:25 PM

Last edited by Sunni_Boi on 4/30/2012 2:14:50 PM

0 up, 0 down

Sunni_Boi
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:13:33 PM

Okay if it makes it easier for everyone to read, then watever ill do that but getting an gem out of an rock is not easy either. Anyways back to gaming.

Last edited by Sunni_Boi on 4/30/2012 2:16:52 PM

5 up, 1 down

Sunni_Boi
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:15:27 PM

Sorry didnt mean to post so many times

0 up, 0 down

killerbee12
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 1:16:58 AM
Reply

be realistic guys, the xbox360 is just as good as the ps3, Microsoft have always delivered (PSmove complete fail, kenect complete sucssess) sony just don't know what there doing anymore the vita was a complete fail, even though the xbox does not have blue ray they have always been on the same level.
All you fan boy are just really stupid and ignorant to not realize that cough(ben dutda)cough

4 up, 17 down

gray_eagle
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 1:46:23 AM

fan boy? as long as i've been a member here, i don't
"ever" recall anyone sounding like a fan boy.

you do "know" that this site "is" about sony news etc don't you?
so you're bound to run into a fan boy now and again.

5 up, 0 down

Advent Child
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 1:51:28 AM

Seriously? Wow. Where did you get that move is fail? It has sold what about what Sony predicted? The only person in my family who enjoys kinect more is my 2 year old because kinect has a sesame street game she can play. And how the heck can you call the vita a failure? It's been out for like a month! If anyone I see is sounding like a fanboy it's you.

8 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 1:57:47 AM

uhh, nobody is fighting the "which console is better?" battle anymore dude. We're looking at the future consoles.

8 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:13:39 AM

Flame harder.

5 up, 0 down

FxTales
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:22:22 AM

Hey killerbee12, remember when nearly a third of xbox 360 launch consoles died past their warranty? You have a rather selective memory.

5 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 3:20:51 AM

I'm more than willing to give MS credit for their achievements with the x360. They've put up a good show indeed.

I'd never want to own one myself, but that's for more irrational reasons (I simply do not like Microsoft) and aesthetic reasons (I think the xboxes look fugly. Sorry).
But as a gaming machine? Sure. Can't go much wrong either way.

5 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 8:27:30 AM

@killerbee12

If you're going to call someone out, at least spell their name right.

This article has nothing to do with 360... *scratches head* Talk about your flame bait.

Heck, that baiting was so hardcore, you could probably call him a master-baiter! I hope he never has children, because they will grow up to be asses.

Last edited by Underdog15 on 4/30/2012 8:29:12 AM

2 up, 0 down

JackDillinger89
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 10:41:09 AM

In ways yes but the 360 is showing its age and flaws. I just cancelled my xbl sub im tired of shelling out $50-$60 a year just to play online. Also same level as blu-ray? More games are coming out on 2-3 disc on 360. I cant count how many times playing Mass effect 3 i had to swap disc in game i do a mission "insert disc 2" complete the mission. Then "insert disc 1" then play a few more missions then "insert disc 2" play some more missions then "insert disc 1".

It was a joke and a steaming pile of mess the way bioware handled the 360 version of me3 and the back and forth disc swapping. Even now im playing witcher 2 on 360 its 2 disc. 360 has the capabilities to make great games but at a cost. And weres the exclusives coming out besides halo4? Microsoft is obviously in dire need of a new console.

1 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 12:18:51 PM

killerbee12, I can see ur immature about this, do lot more research about this stuff before a post like that.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 4/30/2012 12:21:43 PM

2 up, 1 down

Ignitus
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 1:19:01 AM
Reply

No.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 1:28:55 AM
Reply

I'd *gladly* pay 600 for a next gen gaming and media computer. The ps3 has been such a vital part of my livingroom entertainment that I even think $600 is cheap.

Especially with the latest news about the change of architecture, with the embedded promise of less hassle with the multi plat releases and not another wait of five YEARS before we can start to enjoy the full potential of the machine, well then $600 is flying out of my wallet in an instance.
Bring it on. And obvious D1P.

Last edited by Beamboom on 4/30/2012 1:32:43 AM

1 up, 0 down

Advent Child
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 1:53:33 AM
Reply

Personally I don't want a ps4 for a long time regardless of how much it costs. Ps2 to ps3 was a huge leap in capability. I really can't see the ps4 being anything close to such a large jump. Which means I don't need it yet.

0 up, 1 down

gray_eagle
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 1:57:13 AM
Reply

$600 sounds like alot but when you stop and think for a moment
about what you can do with the ps3,
play games, watch movies (dvd & blu ray) or a digital copy, listen to music, view pictures, surf the net.
and i think the same will be said about the ps4.

all that without needing extra hardware or software.
compared to a pc, how long can you go before you need to upgradethe pc to
continue playing games?

Last edited by gray_eagle on 4/30/2012 1:59:00 AM

0 up, 1 down

Beamboom
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:29:00 AM

Well, I can still easily play games on my 6 year old PC so I'd say this "you have to constantly upgrade your pc" is just a myth amongst the console gamers.
You will have to constantly upgrade if you want to always own the cutting edge, but if you do have that craving then consoles is no alternative for you anyway.

But $600 for a machine that in addition to play awesome games also works as a very good blu-ray player and a media station to show streamed movies on your TV in decent quality plus whatever they got in store of additional features in the ps4 - well this just is not a bad deal. It just isn't!

Last edited by Beamboom on 4/30/2012 2:43:13 AM

2 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:50:32 AM

PC's can go longer without actually having to upgrade to continue playing games. PC developers are able to make games that cater to a wide variety of systems old and new. My 7 year old PC I still use from time to time can play the newer games. Granted they won't look as good since I haven't upgraded that system in a while, but I can still play the games. Consoles on the other hand, you're forced to buy a new one when the new generation comes along. They all have their pluses and minuses. Personally I prefer playing on the PC but my PS3 fills the niche that my PC isn't able to primarily due to exclusivity.

4 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 9:32:40 AM

No, you don't have to constantly upgrade, but you have to wait a decade for any new installment in a franchise. ;)

5 up, 3 down

Temjin001
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 7:24:59 PM

Im going to have to disagree Beamboom and Geo. I remember the last computer I built was one just before the X360 released. At that time, games like Tomb Raider Legends and Oblivion ran fine on my Athlon 64 with a 7900gt, better even on my platform over the 360. But games today, like every single high profile game, would struggle greatly to even meet the console standard of performance. Many modern games now have requirements that far exceed my processor and GPU as stated right on the box of console to PC ports. As devs learn to optimize and get more mileage out of a console's static hardware archecture, it would seem they make little to no effort to translate that efficiency over to PC's, instead just heaping all of the console optimizations tasks onto the raw power of newer graphics cards with insane fillrates and memory bandwidth.

0 up, 2 down

Beamboom
Tuesday, May 01, 2012 @ 7:24:01 AM

It is absolutely true that a hardware setup that remains unchanged for many years (a console) gives the developers plenty time to optimize their code for that particular platform, without the need of taking into consideration how the rest of the hardware world evolves. That "freeze frame in time" has its advantages.

There are pros and cons for all solutions, but you *can* run a game on a PC for quite some years after you bought it, it will just not necessarily run at max settings. However the newer games will highly likely look better than the games released when your old PC were new simply cause the engine they are built on are better, and that effect can dribble down also to older hardware. Most proper made games on decent engines are able to scale performance pretty well.

Also, with a PC you get backward compability - you don't have to start on scratch again when you get a new machine. That's also a good argument pro PC.

Last edited by Beamboom on 5/1/2012 7:50:08 AM

1 up, 0 down

THEVERDIN
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 3:09:44 AM
Reply

Well I'm retired on a fixed income so I won't be a first adopted no matter what line-up comes out. $600 I can't justify it.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 3:27:13 AM

Start saving now! :)

0 up, 0 down

ProfPlayStation
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 4:48:02 AM
Reply

For the people who play their consoles day in and day out, Sony can absolutely charge that much. Those are the people who bought PS3 at launch. It's worth that price to them, because they'll get thousands of hours of enjoyment from it.

For the people who play Madden and Need for Speed for a few hours every week and watch Netflix to unwind, no way. Like it or not, these are the people who are driving pricing and hardware decisions today. That's why the PS3 stumbled out of the gate, and why PS4 won't make the same mistake.

2 up, 0 down

Sunni_Boi
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 9:31:48 AM

Thats Wat Im Saying!

1 up, 4 down

parasitic
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 4:48:28 AM
Reply

I hope it doesn't cost that much because at the moment I can't see PS4 bringing out any 'new' technology and completely surprising us. I feel like it will be just a better graphics card etc. (everything is better and faster, but not new).
I am only willing to pay a high price if PS4 blows me away with something amazing- new and never seen things..not upgrades. :)

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Rogueagent01
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 4:52:54 AM
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Honestly if it was like the PS3 I would have no issue with a $600 price tag. Though the PS3s library was very limited it still had one of the largest gaming libraries in history if you were a PS1 and PS2 owner. I never complained about not having PS3 games for the first year in fact I enjoyed it! I was still finishing up my backlog of PS2 games. And I am hoping I can do the same with the PS4, though it probably won't happen. Essentially if it is the Cadillac version of the PS4 I would definitely pay $600. But if it is a stripped down version like the current PS3s it will aggravate me. I am an early adopter when it comes to Sony products for at least the last 20 to 25 years, so I will buy regardless. I just hope I don't look back after buying a PS4 in say 5 years and have to rethink when I will buy my PS5.

I am still hoping they will take an approach that is similar to PCss and give us a couple versions to choose from. If they gave me the option for a fully backwards compatible system and had all the bells and whistles like the 60gig had I would be willing to pay just about anything, seriously. And then give an economy version as well so that families and those who are on a tight budget can also afford it, to me that is a win win.

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___________
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 6:05:16 AM
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MOST people hell no simply because no one bought it back then and the economy was in a MUCH better shape then it is now!
so if people could not afford it then than even less will be able to afford it now!
but for me personally that depends.
IF the ps4 is as big a leap in technology as the ps3 was then yea id be happy to pay 600 bucks.
not 1000 the ridiculous price $ony charged here on release simply because the AUD has gained allot of strength against the USD so our prices should be allot closer now then what they were!
but yea IF the leap was as big as it was then yea id bite.
but if the rumours are true it wont be, i seriously doubt the ps4 will be as much of a advance as the ps3 was.

simply because 1 $ony came off a MASSIVE high!
they went off the highest selling system of all time, the ps2 was a freaking animal!
so they had a shed load of cash to make the ps3 as amazing as possible.
but now, well, $ony has not posted a FY profit in 4 years!
so yea there not swimming in dough like they were in production for the ps4.

second reason being $ony pissed off allot of developers with the ps3 being so alien like to develop for so i cant see them doing the same.
so not only will the ps4 be less of a advance because of financial issues on $onys side, but also because of a attempt to keep things simple in the sake of developers being able to keep costs low.
not to mention there is really no need for the advancement we saw.
current gen consoles needed the leap in power for HD visuals, but what will next gen systems offer that warrants so much extra grunt?
as ive asked many times before, i just cant see the point of releasing a big leap in tech when its simply not needed.
not saying it wont be used, if they release a 5K gaming PC in consoles there will be 1 or 2 developers that use it to its potential.
but then there will be 58000 who dont, so whats the point?
its like hiring a crane to lift a pencil!
thats the biggest reason why i cant see the ps4 being as much of a leap as the ps3 was, simply because its just not nessessary.
do we really need games that look better then uncharted 3?

1 up, 1 down

raptassassin
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 6:13:11 AM
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Hell No. If sony releases the Ps4 with a six hundred dollar price tag I will either stick w/ my Ps3 or get the WiiU while I wait for the price drop of about half of that. I refuse to buy any microsoft gaming device after going through 3 Xbox-360 this generation.

Last edited by raptassassin on 4/30/2012 6:15:17 AM

1 up, 1 down

DVE2k
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 6:18:00 AM
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If 600 dollars again, Well I already am getting a WiiU, but im happy with my PS3 for now. Im not getting a PS4 until 3-4 after its launch.

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79transam
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 8:20:22 AM
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I don't agree at all that a good launch day lineup is justification for a higher price. I would be a buyer at no more than 400.

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slugga_status
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 8:39:18 AM
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Just depends..if the software is there to back it up then it's a high possibility that I'd pay $600. Yet, I just don't see Sony shooting themselves in the foot. I think the PS4 will be around $400-$500.

A $400 would be the sweet spot b/c after buying another controller and a few games I'm likely to be well over $600 spent anyway..No way I'm breaking over $700 total in one day.

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Dancemachine55
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 8:40:41 AM
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I honestly don't think so.

In today's economic climate, the cheapest console is generally the one that wins in sales. Look at the PS1 compared to the price of a Saturn or N64. Look at the Xbox and Gamecube prices compared to the PS2's price and sales.

Price, date of release and number of AAA games are the three big factors that determine sales of a console, but this generation has brought in a fourth factor....

Social trend!

Whatever console is more popular at first tends to be the one that many others pick up in order to play multiplayer with friends!! Why do you think the 360 continues to beat the PS3 in sales most months even though its hardware is inferior and it doesn't have nearly as many games!!! 360 came out first, it was cheaper, it had many great exclusives in its first 2 years, Xbox Live is still considered the better service (even though PSN has matched it lately, minus cross game chat) AND most of the multiplat games played better on it!!! (okay, you'd think the red ring of death debacle would've dented sales, but as the PSN outage demonstrated, people are quick to forgive and move on)

For the PS4 to succeeed, I believe it needs to do the following:

1. Come out cheaper ($399 would really make the competition sweat)

2. Have a feature that shows a big leap up from the PS3, 360 or Wii.

3. Release within 3 months of the competition, whether it's before, same time or after.

4. A few AAA exclusives, like Uncharted 4, or Killzone 4, or LBP 3 at launch. Too many at launch could tire the market, and sales would suffer. All 360 needed was Gears of War, Mass Effect and Halo 3, and look how well that went!

5. Make the PSN THE online gaming service of choice, even if it means paying for it!! $40 each year really isn't much to many consumers. cross game chat, flawless video streaming, a single service that encompasses everything!!

If Sony can pull all of these things off with the PS4, I'm in from day 1. Killing bakcwards compatability might hurt sales initially, but if the PS4's architecture means making it future proof for the PS5 in 2020, I'm all for it.

0 up, 1 down

CrusaderForever
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 9:11:52 AM

I agree with you. I also think, call me crazy, but the trophies play a part here too. I for one feel like I am building something with my PSN trophy ranking. I am sitting at level 13 and looking forward to 14. Every trophy that pops I get all happy inside! LOL! For some gamers once you start building that gamer card on one console you stick with it.

I use to own an X360 and just didn't like the interface compared to the PS3. Also, I couldn't stand the controllers. I started to play my PS3 more and more and then before you know it I was hooked! Exclusives had a HUGE part in me switching over to the PS3 exclusively.

1 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 9:03:13 AM
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No, they cannot do a $600 console. It will more than likely be $400. Even with a stellar launch line up. Ben's pseudo line up sure looks good to me! I would definitely spend $1000 if that was the line up!!!

Also, the PSVita isn't over priced in the least. The hardware is amazing! It's the memory cards that have gamers up in arms. They should have raised the price of the Vita and added a memory card. $350 3G with a 16GB card and the Vita would have sold better. It's just the fact that gamers need to buy the Vita AND a memory card that has non-buyers so pissed off. Also, they need a new KH or MH or equivalent game that cannot be bought on another console or handheld. The Vita will be fine but it's going to take time. Looking forward to Mortal Kombat Vita tomorrow!! D1P for me.

1 up, 1 down

duomaxwell007
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 9:32:43 AM
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well with the economy the way it is now plus "Vita's price remains a stumbling block" the answer is obviously.. no Sony couldnt get away with another $600 console

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Highlander
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 12:22:09 PM
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If it were selling to the PC crowd, $600 would be an amazing price point for a console that should be several times more powerful than the PS3. But, it's not selling to that crowd.

The PS4 will be selling in the Consumer Entertainment market. That market has distinct segments of buyers that respond to pricing in different ways. Early adopters will but the thing, even at $600. Affluent buyers of premium electronics items might justify that initial cost as well, so long as the thing has a 'premium feel'.

However, neither of these types of buyer will turn a profit on the initial sales from Sony. Sony needs the hardcore gamer market, and then the casual gamer market. I think that the hardcore gamer market is less price sensitive than the casual gamers. So they are likely to follow the early adopters and premium buyers, but will probably need either a lower priced SKU, or a price cut to really drive sales. The casual market most definitely will need a lower priced SKU and will probably not factor into the purchasing numbers until year 2 after launch.

PS3 suffered heavily from the perception that it was uber expensive and way pricier than the 360. The fact that it was not was neither here nor there. No where in the media was there a story except complaints about the price.

So, I think Sony needs to learn from the PS3 and find a way to produce a high powered console for under 500$ all-in. That means the top SKU has to hit the $500 mark. But the core unit must be no more than $400. I like the two SKU approach because having a premium SKU let's Sony add value to that premium model and charge a higher price, which may be more profitable. With PS3, I would have preferred that Sony keep a model with full BC, the extra USB ports, and even the card reader, for that additional $100 up-charge.

Sony knows all of this of course. Sony learned some harsh lessons with the PS3. In my opinion Sony need to offer a two SKU launch. Sony need the early adopters and premium buyers to pay for the initial launch systems and top SKU, so that model must have a good reason for them to buy into it. Hardcore gamers must be engaged within the first 6 months of launch. Then in the second year of it's life, Sony needs to be able to reduce the price of the units to allow the mass market more casual gamers to buy into it.

I think that if Sony can somehow put out a Premium SKU that in some fashion facilitates BS with PS1, PS2 and possibly PS3 games, it would be easy for the early adopters and premium buyers to justify that more costly model. Even if PS3 BC was provided through an accessory (say a CellBE + XDR memory on a card), as long as the top SKU was the only model that could handle the accessory, it would preserve that differential from the core SKU. Then the core unit is purely PS4 with limited BC for PS2 classics through the ones on PSN, and support for PS1 classics (and possibly PSP) through emulation.

I have no idea what they will actually do, but my hope is that 2 tier approach with a premium model and a core model. I think the pricing will most likely be no more than $500 for the premium and $400 for the core. Personally I do think that Sony should keep the premium models for direct sales from Sony and only put the core unit into retailers.

Feature wise, it should essentially be similar to PS3 with better graphics, and the most recent version of BluRay technology. Graphically all games should render at 1080p60, and 3D in 1080p30. I don't much care about specific memory stats so long as they are a major improvement over the PS3 and support the requirement for 1080p60 rendering. the internal HDD should continue to use a standard SATA type interface, and support SSDs if a consumer wishes to retrofit. Vita should tightly integrate with the PS4, and things like Home must work right out of the box, no messing around. continuity of services is vital, so anything that is a SNE based service that is on the PS3, must work on PS4 at launch.

Last edited by Highlander on 4/30/2012 12:26:12 PM

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Beamboom
Tuesday, May 01, 2012 @ 7:56:14 AM

A two tier model would be excellent.

I'm even hoping for a super deluxe-version with a ps3 integrated in the hardware for true backward compatibility. Yes, I'd gladly pay for a "new PS3" on top of the PS4 if that means I can sell my old PS3 and continue with just one console underneath my TV and still be able to play my old PS3 games. Easily.

Last edited by Beamboom on 5/1/2012 8:55:26 AM

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PS360
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 1:19:38 PM
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I wouldn't be surprised if the ps4 launched at $499, $449 for a lower end model. I also wouldn't be surprised if it cost $599 at launch. I'd say probably the same for the "720"

Last edited by PS360 on 4/30/2012 1:20:14 PM

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ethird1
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 1:24:53 PM
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If Sony comes out with another system over 400 bucks, you can kiss Sony Corporation goodbye.

If you cant learn from your mistakes you deserve what you get. The single reason Sony flopped early on was the original price of the ps3 when it came out.

I dont care if Sony would buy Nintendo out and put Mario, Zelda, and Metroid on the PS, if it cost too much the MASSES will not buy it.

I could name names, but there was a few here, when the ps3 came out, that said the PS3 would rule when it first came out because it was so powerful and had all these games. It flopped in the beginning.

Then Sony put tons more games out for it, still with the high price tag. It still flopped.

Then Sony dropped the price to the 400 dollar range. It started selling. Simple.

So there you go. I will go to Nintendo if Sony makes a 600 machine, because I know THE MASSES will not buy it, and if the MASSES dont buy it then the game companies make NO MONEY and it all dies.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:16:15 PM

The 'masses' never buy into a console generation during the first 6-12 months. Didn't happen with PS1, PS2, PS3, PSP, PSV, Xbox, Xbox360, etc...PS4 won't be any different. The first 6-12 months systems are bought by early adopters, premium buyers and hardcore purchasers.

That said, price matters for PR, so nothing over $500. Two tier pricing with the main model at $400 would be good - IMHO.

Last edited by Highlander on 4/30/2012 2:16:33 PM

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PharaohJR
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 2:58:34 PM
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purchased a thick 60g ps3 feb 2007 & payed a total of $712 dont regret it all. when it ylod i repaired it numerous times with ease untill i broke a primary part inside. recently purchased a 320gslim bundle with move that cost $500 & i dont regret this purchase either.

when it comes down to the 3 consoles currently available PS3 is acknowledge without favor but facts its the best console overall. the system does everything the wii & 360 does & more at a reasonable price.

ps1 & ps2 ran on standard definition TVs PS3 runs on HD & 3d aswell PS4 will to.... i dont want to do a long paragraph post so i will sum this up. what im saying is look at how sufficient the PS3 has been this run. its not a out dated console with Sony primary studios showcasing the performance of ps3 & entertainment features available outside of gaming.

look..... my perspective the nintendo is kids microsoft is boys & girls PS3 is grown folks. if i get a PS4 next gen thats just a microsoft or nintendo console with Sony brand on it i will return back to PC gaming. if Sony drop a remarkable console again that withstand time cause its quality made & might have back compatibility i easily throw down 5-6 bills on it again so they can cover the expenses of time they put into it to deliver & gain a profit to invest in there future releases.

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MyParentsRN00Bz
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 3:13:33 PM
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The main thing sony needs to work on is customer feedback. Re-implement backwards compatibility, 4 usb ports and to not rely on the customers to buy their product. I believe they got cocky with the ps3 due to strong ps2 sales and thought that their fanbase was so loyal that it would buy anything, even anything with a $600 price tag. Also, even if the price is justified, people won't see that. For example, all people saw with the ps3 was its $600 price tag, not the free online or unneeded accessories. For xbox 360 people saw a $400 (correct me if I'm wrong) price tag, not the $150 wifi adapter, the $50 a year in subscription fees, and the massive amount of money needed to be shelled out to buy new controllers. (I have both 360 and ps3 and I've never had to replace a ps3 controller, I've had to go through numerous 360 controllers a they eventually defect.)

0 up, 2 down

Cuetes
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 4:54:04 PM
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I'd pay that and more!

1 up, 1 down

tes37
Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 6:15:45 PM
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I waited for a price drop when the ps3 came out. I picked one up when the price hit $400. I'd probably do the same with the ps4 if it launched at $600.

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Rogueagent01
Tuesday, May 01, 2012 @ 8:21:21 PM
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I am so on board with your post. I have been saying similar things for a long time. I want a premium model and yes we have to have a core model as well. If they want to move a lot of consoles early that is without a doubt the best approach.

And if they sell the premium model through there website and stores they can cut production costs as well since they won't have to make more then are sold. I really hope Sony takes this approach but I fear they will not, since they don't offer a fully BC system currently I am not sure if they understand how much players are willing to pay for them now, let alone next gen.

EDIT: this was supposed to be attached to Highlanders post submitted April 30th at 12:22, this keeps happening and it is driving me nuts!

Last edited by Rogueagent01 on 5/1/2012 8:23:51 PM

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ricksterj
Thursday, May 03, 2012 @ 10:22:43 AM
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To whom wrote this article.....Who Got To You to justify paying this much? Granted it IS going to decease in time.

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darthadv
Thursday, May 03, 2012 @ 10:31:51 AM
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There is definitely a niche of "early adopters" in almost any tech product category that will pay virtually any opening day price, and I'm willing to bet that Sony will try to price the PS4 as high as possible to grab that group at the highest price possible, and maybe limit early production to create a buzz that the item is selling out even at an inflated price. What always amazes me is when people who truly can't afford to buy such things will find a way to cobble together the money for such an item and then be scrambling for the rent (or other necessity).

Then again, Sony may not want to create a situation where they are perceived to have fabricated such a shortage of product and try to create buzz a different way by pricing the console in the $400 - $500 range, have it as a loss-leader in the beginning and hope to recoup the difference on paybacks from the games themselves and volume later on as parts become cheaper, as they did with the PS3.

Side note: I know a lot of people argue against the need for BC, but as someone noted above, no one wants to have three generations of PS's hooked up on one tv. Although the likelihood of going back and playing an older title probably becomes less likely over time, it's a nice option to have and an inexpensive (relatively speaking) option to include on a console like this.

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Tanker9111
Thursday, May 03, 2012 @ 12:25:35 PM
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Bought my PS3 first day full price, and i would gladly do it again. Playstation always comes equipped well. Always will be loyal Playstation Fan no matter.

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Ather
Thursday, May 03, 2012 @ 3:22:47 PM
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$600 for a system. $60 per game. 3 listed here. Figure 6 must haves. Is $960. Memeory card maybe? Extra controller? Close to $1100. Even if you only buy 2 must have games, don't need a memeory card or controller, it's still $720. And for what? No BC? No used games? At least PS3, overpriced as it were, played Blu-Ray, which was new. Now it's expected, players cost much less. Paying $600 for a BR Player that also plays games is no big deal. It'd have to have a lot of bells and whistles to argue that price. Not sure it can have enough. Not protable like tablets and phones. So, that's a poor comparison right there. Best to keep it under $400.

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PHOENIXZERO
Thursday, May 03, 2012 @ 6:12:32 PM
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There's zero reason for the PS4 to be even close to $600, even if Sony wants to sell it at a profit on day one. The primary reasons for the PS3's high price was the cost of a Blu-Ray drive to Sony in 2006 (which IIRC contributed around 25% of the hardware's cost to produce) and to a lesser extent, Cell.

If the rumored hardware is what is actually going to be IN the PS4 then there's absolutely ZERO chance it'd be $600 or $500. $400 will be the max for the PS4 just as it will be for the next XBox.

Last edited by PHOENIXZERO on 5/3/2012 6:13:54 PM

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Grathan
Thursday, May 03, 2012 @ 10:57:21 PM
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$1000 graphics cards aren't even producing remarkable looking games. I would say it would depend on how mW4 looks comparative on each console. Also DVR functionality could be important this time.

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