PlayStation 3 will cost $500?!
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Jun 2nd 2005 at 1:01PM }
Yes folks, it's the latest and greatest rumor surrounding
Sony's next-gen entertainment box. And at this point, it looks like it might be close to the truth. Let's face it, the
technology the PS3 will be packing (i.e. BluRay and Cell) is simply not yet widely distributed—BluRay will not have
been implemented into enough electronic devices to warrant a PS3 launch price that will presumably compete with the
Xbox 360 ($350?). The PS3 is going to cost at least $400, if not closer to the $500 mark. Of course, in the estimated
five-year lifespan of the next-gen console, the PS3 will certainly see a series of price drops that could help Sony end
up on top in the long haul. Time will tell.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
swarmster @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
This is by no means conclusive. I mean, he starts out with a straw man: no one thinks the PS3 will cost the same as the PS2 does _now_. Just that it'll cost what the PS2 did when it came out: $300. This is in line with what Sony's been estimating.
Secondly, Blu-Ray drives have been out for nearly a year in Japan. The Cell is a new processor, but Sony, IBM, and Toshiba are not companies that are likely to screw up all at once.
Basically, the fact that Sony owns Blu-Ray and the Cell processor means no licensing fees. They can sell it for whatever they want. Which will likely be under cost, because the PS3 will be launching three of the company's platforms at once in the face of competition: Blu-Ray (vs HD-DVD), Cell (vs every other processor, from embedded to Intel), and of course PS3 games (vs Xbox and Revolution).
Steve @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
There is absolutely no way it will cost $500. Sony knows that it is much more important to get as many systems out total rather than to sell each PS3 at a slight profit. It is the same strategy they used with the PSP. The PSP is undersold by alot of money, and Sony makes that money up with Games and Accessories.
Boo, Joystiq. Stop posting rumors and start posting news.
Efren @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Profit? You've gotta be kidding me. Even at $500 per console, they would still take a loss for each one sold.
Me @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Why don't you guys post some real news and quit posting b.s. rumors? If someone told you that it was rumored the PS3 would cost $2000 you'd probably post it...
swarmster @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Hey, give Joystiq some credit. At least they didn't run that fake story about the PS3 not having a hard drive, like Engadget.
Domino @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I'll still pay for it. Call me a sucker...
Or maybe I just want to show MS fanboys how much prettier the graphic are and see what they say.
Nothing against the Xbox itself of course.
Efren @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Hey #4, if you don't like what Joystiq has to report then stop reading it.
When they do giveaways and such, that isn't news, but I'll bet you weren't complaining there, were you?
Stirky @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
...Which is why I love Gratis-esque websites.
spike @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Sure the ps3 will have price drops....so yeah they will sell more consoles in the long-run, but you have to remember that the Xbox 360 will also have a series of price drops to go along with it, this generation is a very good example of that.
Matt Baron @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I'm sorry, but this source is just completely illegitimate. It claims that one rumor is that the PS3 will cost the same as the PS2. Please, tell me, who is saying that?? I've hear that the PS3 will cost what the PS2 did at launch (about $270), but to say it will cost what it does now is just too crazy for even joystiq to believe.
I don't see how this source adds anything to any argument of the price of the PS3. It is just more speculation (and not very good speculation at that).
One more thing that seems incorrect... They claim that Microsoft can throw billions away on the console when Microsoft has already stated that they have drastically changed there marketting model for the 360 and are now planning on making money on the console itself. To quote Steve Ballmer from his engadgetand JOYSTIQ interview:
"We'll make money. And it will be a lot of money! As opposed to not making any money! We will make money, and a lot of money in this next generation!"
http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000597043723/
I don't know why stuff like this gets posted. It is a complete waste of time.
Eran Hawke @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
This is simple. Sony's marketing spins hype about how much the system will cost ($4892) and when it comes out priced under $300 everyone thinks they are getting a deal.
Come on people.
Mariofan14 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sorry i don't see the purpose of paying 150-200$ for a PS3 when you can get almost as good proformance out of the 360. If this is true than Sony dosen't stand a chance. Alot of the PS2's out there were bought by parents for their kids; Try convincing parents to shell out 150-200$ for PS3 than the 360(cause we all know if you howed a parent graphics from the 360 and PS3 they would barely be able to tell the difference)Of course it might not be true!But if it is true then i 100% im gettine a 360!!!
robotplague @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
no matter what they charge they're going to lose money, i guess a lot of people don't understand that still. thats how the console business has been since day one. if it does cost 499 or whatever i wouldn't be suprised, that thing is a beast packed with incredible technology. i personally wouldn't be getting one until an extreme price drop (300 dollar range) but thats me. i don't think they're going to announce an official price until microsoft does, it's too early in the game to be speculating prices for a console thats more then a year away and when no one else has announced anything. if 360 is 299 ps3 will be 399, is my guess.
nod @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Posting rumors now, are we?
What's next? Gaming Gossip Columns?
Lame.
Brandon @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
The gal who runs Joystiq and the guy responsible for Engadget, Torrone (sp?), are a couple I believe.
Aero @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Re: the PS3 hard drive
It was specifically stated in the E3 press release that the hard drive will be 'sold separately'.
Don't believe me?
http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/050517e.pdf
Scroll to the very end, to the list of asterisks.
Mariofan14 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
#10- The site seems ligit to me!
ropadope @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
the current UMC on the PS3 is approximately $325, which can be lowered between now and release - expect it to launch @$300 (w/ hardrive!)
swarmster @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Huh, Aero, that is an interesting note. Though like Sony said, they're still 'evaluating their strategy.' Hopefully they'll do the right thing.
Domino @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
They may be setting the price high now so when it comes out it is much more of a value when the set the price at $350.
stupid101 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
haha playstaton fans
CaptSnuffy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
you get what you pay for.
OtakuCODE @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I heard Sony will be giving away the PS3 for free.... if you send in 3 game UPCs within a year of the original purchase date. Online activation of titles can be used also. Apparently they understand they'll lose cash on the box, just like they did with the PS2, they just want to be able to establish their proprietary technologies early. Sure they'll make loads from game licensing fees, but imagine how much they're going to make on top of that if Blu-Ray wins the format battle and Sony demands $25/disc licensing royalties?
The1 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I always said there is no way SONY can sell the PS3 for less than $450 dollars. You all may think its easy to take a loss on all products. However, for SONY to sell the PSP and PS3 at a significant loss is not good business sense. SONY does not have DEEEEEEEEEEEEEP pockets like MS. Sony may own Blu Ray. However, other manufacturers may think that if SONY sells Blu-Ray on the PS3 at a loss to gain market share in their favor and start supporting HD-DVD. Who knows? I know if SONY tries this PS2 selling tactic it may hurt them. I will get a X360, PS3 and Rev. However, most families may not spend money on that $500 preminum.
Chris K @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
#11 is correct, and even the Sony fanboys are falling for it.
I'd like to make some proposals. Tell me if I'm crazy:
1) No more price speculation. Nobody will be able to buy these consoles until launch day, so there's no point in guessing.
2) No more claiming to be an impartial console buyer (ahem, #6). I have an XBox and a PS2. I like the XBox better. If you are truly part of the 1% who has no preference, great. But none of us believe you, just like we don't believe the other 99% that lie about their impartiality. So don't bother.
3) No more speculation on performance. MS has games running on hardware that isn't even final, and Sony doesn't even HAVE any playable hardware to show. So lets just say both consoles are really really fast, and decide which one is more powerful when games are released that push their respective console to its limits. All analysis until launch day is BS.
We are free buzz marketers for Sony and MS, and they are using us for all we're worth. Take a deep breath, everyone. If you're going to become raving lunatics over your favorite pop culture brand, do it over something that matters. Like Coke versus Pepsi. (Pepsi sucks!)
Mariofan14 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
This sucks for the future PS3 owners; heres 2 parts from a Gamespot article;
"When asked if the there was a possibility the design of the prototype PS3 controller--already derisively being called the "batarang"--might be changed before launch, Chatani replied that there may be some "minor changes." However, he said that its form factor will probably stay the same"
"However, while Microsoft's console will come standard with a 20GB "outrigger" hard drive, meaning developers will be able to incorporate it into their game designs, it's unclear if Sony's console will have the same functionality."
So the PS3 will indeed have that stupid controller design, and it might not come standard with a hdd!! And all this for $400-$500...Ha!!
Link: http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/06/02/news_6126832.html
bertram @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
where's the price-drop speculation on ps2 and xbox? i can't wait for the next-gens to launch so i can run out and get an xbox and four games for under $200.
Tetrachromatic @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
And, thus, Joystiq loses its last thread of credibility.
Raydeen @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I would be completely shocked if PS3 hit any where in that $450-$500 price range. That is just far too much even though the unit is packed with all kinds of tech goodies.
Lucas @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
#1, Blu-Ray drives have been out for a year in Japan? I live in Japan and I haven't seen ANY for sale. Plus I live in an area known as a test ground for new products. I always check out the electronics stores too. Maybe if you special order one I guess. Haven't seen any Blu-Ray discs for sale either.
Conde @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
too bad sony inveted pretty much everything in the ps3.
so the way i see it is that when they make it they wont have to play lisencing fees witch means it will be much cheaper to make it = lower price.
Rocket Punch @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
$400 is about right, but $500 would kill A LOT of sales. It will be interesting to see what the final price will be.
Kevin @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Great post, Chris K. (#24) Fanboys of any stripe just plain suck.
Patrick @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
"I would be completely shocked if PS3 hit any where in that $450-$500 price range. That is just far too much even though the unit is packed with all kinds of tech goodies."
$449.99 ;D
Jon @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Why is this article even on Joystiq? This is the most rediculous non credible rambling. I'm an Xbox fan and obviously so are the Joystiq folks, but this is rediculous. Even for a rumor site this is pathetic.
Singe @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
The PlayStation 3 is over a year away from release. The price won't be that high.
Boeing787 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
#29, might want to check this out:
http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/blu-ray/
Its a recorder for Japanese satellite broadcasts (the BS standard). I records BS through FireWire, and can record analog video from VHF/UHF as well as line inputs.
Mike @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
This is not the latest and greatest news, this rumor has been around for about 3 years now! If these people paid attention to what Sony said at E3, they would know that it could cost anywhere from $250 to $600 or $700 and that the higher estimates would more than likely include more functions for everyday household uses, ie. internet phone, tivo, and other stuff like that. Come on people, you can do better than this!
Knight37 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Don't forget that $500 in 2006 is going to be worth less money than $500 now. I figure by the time Bush wrecks the economy some more and drives down the value of the dollar some more, $500 will not seem like so much money. At least not to the Europeans and Japanese.
sscooterguy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I think some are too harsh here. This is a tech news blog, to be competative, you follow up leads and publish what you can as soon as you can before someone else does. These site are for speculating future products and introducing current new products. Stop reading tech blogs (as well as any other news) if you can't except the trade offs of balancing reliable news and being first to publish.
In any case, I'm a PS fan. I don't think the price of the PS3 will have much to do with how much it actually costs to build each unit. I'm willing to guess it will be about $100 over whatever the xbox2 sells for. If xbox2 goes for $300, ps3 will probably go for about $395. People don't tend to pay attention to the last two digits in the price and will think, oh, its only a little more.
These consoles cost tons to R&D, but once they get a foothold, they will get cheaper and cheaper to make as parts are more available and less expensive, new versions develop, new hardware contract agreements are made, and more games come out. Also, since ms has learned tons and has taken manufacturing more into their own hands, they will be able to competatively price while still making money.
Whatever happens, I'm going to wait until they both come out. By the time PS3 comes out, Xbox2 will probably have at least one revision and more third party hardware available. Hopefully Xbox2 will make tons of money during the holiday season, and by the spring will be able to make a price cut to coincide with whatever price Sony has for the PS3. I'm probably going to go for xbox2 even though I'm a play station fan, unless Sony can make it affordable (i.e. under $300 with basic necessities aka hard drive, controllers, hdmi/dvi cables, etc).
Eran Hawke @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
...just like the PSP was going to cost $499?
This is a load of hype so people feel like they are getting a great price.
gamer. @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
$500 that is a little pricey bout i dont care what the cost is im going to get it the day it comes out.
PS3 is going going to be far better then the "XBOX 360" (which is a bad name)
gamer. @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
$500 that is a little pricey bout i dont care what the
cost is im going to get it the day it comes out.
PS3 is going going to be far better then the "XBOX 360" (which is a
bad name)
1313titan @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
i over paid for my ps2. i over paid for my xbox that i brought from a big electronic store (cc). If the games look as good in real time then the system will be well worth it. I do wish for a cheap price however i will pay to get a great system. Just like now i will buy the x-360 and ps3.
Daniel @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
These prices are considerable due to the technology implemented. The graphics look amazing and I hope it will be a lot more stable.
master J @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
personaly, i couldn't honestly tell anyone the expected price of the PS3 and niether can anyone else. Until SONY themselves tell us the exact price, noone can tell that. But sony does have a rep for giving the press rediculous expected prices. truly, this price is either a sepeculated rumor from some moron or info from the inside, but i wouldn't trust a word of it until the product is released in Japan (or where ever it's being released first) and estimate from that, like we all did with the PSP. seriously, you people are way too gaulable. all I can say is save up every penny you can, and if you save up too much, buy a few games for it. If you save too little (or your dirt poor), then you'll just have to miss release date. boo hoo, you'll get over it.
eric @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
everyone stfu and read masterj's post (#46). Actually, read it about 50 times so you get the idea. There is no point in fighting over the price of a console when you dont even know if your words are accurate.
Rob @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
That is fucking outrageous! If the PS3 comes out between $300-$400 I will hunt down the maker and stab him to death. Hell I'm only 15 where the hell do you expect me to get that kind of money. What do you think Krogers is going to give me a 40 year pay-check advance or something?! And it's not going to be one of those moments where "Hey mom you look REALLY pretty today!" "What do you want?" "$500??" My ass! Fuck that!
Sheena @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I'm sorry but all you people saying that it will cost up to $500 dollars your wrong. When the PS2 came out, it was $300 dollars. (I bought mine the first week it came out at a toy store.) So why would Sony up a price when they knew they had trouble with the prices of the Ps2 and had to lower it. I'm sorry butnthe PS3 will be at least $300 dollars or $350. Because it just doesn't make sence. Think about it, if Sony was to up a price, they would gain profits. But their stock would gain profits also and no one would want to buy one. I'm 14 and I know this. So consider your rumors.
Rick @ Dec 27th 2005 1:07PM
Robotplague, when most things are sold, they are sold less then what the company actually payed for. BECAUSE, the parts they get are of a higher quality and other stuff. People by a few, give it awesome reviews, and then as time progresses, that's when they start making the Playstation or literally any other electronic device with cheaper parts thus making it cheaper quality. This is when they start making the money, including the games they're selling they will make even more than that. Iv'e been waiting for a playstation 3 for a while now and I know alot about it. I watched numerous videos on it's statistics and the Cell and the RSX chip. The point is, if you want it to last, by it as soon as possible. You might be paying a few hundred dollars more, but the parts are higher quality.