Amazon.com takes guess at PS3 price
by Ross Miller 
{ Aug 17th 2005 at 5:30PM }
UPDATE: Amazon.com has taken down the listed price of the PlayStation
3.
Hot off the heels of this morning's Xbox 360 pricing
plan comes this information regarding what Amazon.com thinks the price of the PlayStation 3, and the shocker is that it
is showcasing the price as only $299. $299? I thought Ken Kutaragi made it clear that this console would
cost everyone his or her first-born child? I doubt this price comes from any substantiated source, but if Sony's
console were to come out at such a low price competitive to Microsoft's bundle (which, at the current time, will cost
anyone from $300-$500), price cut or not, will seriously stagger the continued prosperity of the Xbox 360 as 2006 moves
through the seasons.
[Thanks, YM]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
vidGuy @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
if that article turns out to be correct, and the PS3 actually retails for $299, then I think we have a winner for the BEST marketing ploy ever. Say, oh it will be expensive, then wait for the competitor to up its price and make an official announcement, then strike on the same day with a cheaper console! Fantastic. If this is true, Sony needs to make it known, NOW!
Dralt @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
Ken played Microsoft for fools and he won. They got suckered into this weird packaging falacy.
Danny boy @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
This probalaby is a marketing ploy by Sony, make everyone think the PS3 is going to be cheat so that they Don't get a 360 at launch.
Maestro @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
I wouldn't put it past Sony to announce a cheaper PS3 price (no release date mind you) just before the 360 launches in the hopes of preventing people from buying it. Then at lauch they'll totally deny it and ship a $499 console.
Vagabond Artist @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
OMG I am so tired of the back and forth between MS and Sony :(
I dont see a $300 price point happening.
and if it were I would think they would keep it quiet until the week that xbox 360 launches.
but whatever... EB always jumps the gun :
Capn Ken @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
Yeah, it would be cool if this was a tactic to play with the minds of would-be XBox buyers. Or maybe mess with MSFT and make them drop the price and lose their shirts for six months before PS3 comes out.
calvinhobbes @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
do the same as MS offer a stripped down, 300 version, and a 400 version with the hard drive and such.. very possible... and would be a trump for Sony because of the many other added features.
Yep @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
Even if the PS3 retails for $299, I don't see the benefit of waiting... Will it be an equally good gaming machine? Will it be an equally good digital hub? Will it also be a mediacenter (extender)? Will it have an equally good Live! service?
Spartacus @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
This whole ordeal stinks of Sony's BS. Ken's lunatic ranting about the price of the PS3 smelled like BS, this DEFINITELY smells like BS, and their past history proves they're full of BS. Freakin just tell it straight and quit screwing the competitors AND THE CONSUMERS already. I'm starting to hate internet leaks- maybe I'll just hide in a closet until launch day so I won't be tainted or confused...
chill @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
Freakin just tell it straight and quit screwing the competitors
Thats funny...
Spartacus @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
Eh, lol, yeah, it is. That's a typo. It should read "screwing around with the competitors and the consumers".
vance @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
It's a ploy and it's happened before. This is to keep people from buying the 360. According to industry sources and everyone involved in the hardware production, the PS3 will be, at the very least, $100 more than the Xbox 360. (It may actually be more, but let's give Sony the benefit of the doubt here.)
At this point, there is no way that the Sony execs are going to let Sony lose so much money on the PS3 hardware. They've been doing it too much lately and it's really killing them.
Bryan @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
Hahaha. Sony already officially announced that it costs nearly $500 just to make a PS3 with all the high-tec stuff. If they sell it for $300 they're going to lose $200 for every system they sell.
What the hell's the point of that? There's no profit involved. It's like they're giving 200 free dollars to anyone who buys a PS3.
Ummm.. remember when Amazon guessed that Twilight Princess would be out November 14th?
Yeah.
Exactly.
Ross Miller @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
I don't know if it's a ploy or not, but I certainly could see either happening, and here's why (lot of these are simply repeats of previous said comments, I just happen to agree so I thought I'd state them again):
1. Most companies prepare to take a huge hit when selling a console. They lose a lot by pricing a console for less than they put in to make it. Why? Because they get money back for each game sold on the console, and they are hoping to create a fan base. Each company can afford to lose even more of a loss now that many are considering online services for a fee (which is virtually all-profit after about of month of subscriptions); so I could see Sony losing $200 for each console and making the money back via games and online services.
2. If they do price it at $300, just as powerful (if not more) than the 360, they have more value per dollar than the 360. The PS3 is claiming to be out of the box WiFi capable and backwards compatible - something that requires $150 or so for the 360 ($100 for HDD and $40 or so for WiFi, plus tax), making it more expensive by a bit.
3. More akin to 2, Sony could price it at $450 and be just as competitive; the Xbox 360 may drop the price, but still not to the point where Sony would have to go lower than the estimated Amazon.com price
4. It's all about an image: remember, most people were willing to spend more on the PS2 than the GameCube simply because it was hyped more as being more powerful; in fact, it's pretty much weaker in all aspects, but no one payed attention to the facts because, frankly, very few people look for the real data (or understand it when they see it; it really is a bunch of crap).
5. Most of the impact of the PS3 is gonna be in Microsoft's court. If the Xbox 360 puts out a lot of games, with a good one every so often, then the upcoming price of the PS3 won't matter as people will buy the 360. If MS's console sags in game quality and quantity, it will pull a Dreamcast. Price is negligible, in that respects.
OTAM @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
This makes me want to punch the people at Sony in their fat fucking mouths.
I have no more respect for Sony after the PS2's generation seeing how I was told it would have "Toy Story" graphics and all the only graphics I ened up seeing was a screen saying "Disc Read Error". I've had to take my PS2 apart 3 times and my girlfriend's apart twice to get discs to play. Now before you Sony fanboys open your mouths,I treat my consoles like gold. They arent cheap pieces of equipment and I treat them like they should be. I own all 3 current gen consoles and have never once had a problem with my Gamecube or Xbox,but boy oh boy everytime I even think about turning on the PS2 I get some kind of bullshit. If they want to put out shitty hardware than they can go outside and play a game of hide and go fuck themselves.
They need to realize they arent going to be number one forever and can't hold a death grip on the gaming community. They need to realize that gaming goes through phases and evolves. Nintendo and Sega used to once be on top and in it all,but now Nintendo isnt in the console wars and Sega doesnt even put out hardware. Sony needs to understand that people are sick of their shitty hardware and lie after lie. I don't think the PS3 will be more powerful than the Xbox 360 by the specs put out,I think Microsoft is being honest and showing what they really have instead of showing unreal specs like Sony only to disappoint the fans once again. But idiots will buy Sony's products no matter how faulty they are and how overpriced.
This honestly is the last straw with Sony and their bullshit.I am actually extremely pissed off with them trying to lie to get people to pass up the 360 and Revolution and them BAM! hit us below the belt with a $500 pricetag.I was planning on getting a PS3 down the line when it became cheaper but it looks to me that the Revolution will find a nice home next to my 360 this upcomning generation. Sony can go get fucked,i'm tired of all their lies and bullshit trying to jerk the consumers around like little puppets so they can put out more mediocre crap just to brag they have the largest library.
Fuck you Sony,right in the ass,you arent getting a fucking penny from me anymore.
Sorry for all the language in my post,but i'm extremely pissed off after reading this article.
Christopher7xii @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
Why are you pissed at a site listing a speculated price...? Especially a site that has no connection what-so-ever to Sony?
"Now before you Sony fanboys open your mouths,I treat my consoles like gold. "
I don't type with my mouth open, but anyways, I still find that hard to believe. You're not a smoker or anything? Out of everyone I've known, most initial release buyers, have never had a single problem with their PS2. I've NEVER heard of Disc Read Errors either. Then again, you're convinced MS is beautiful and their systems are flawless. I've had friends where their hard drive has gone corrupt and rendered their box useless. I've had friends who've had plenty of disc read errors on the xbox. GameCube is the only system I've never heard complaints for, online or in person.
The best part of your whole post, OTAM...
"I think Microsoft is being honest and showing what they really have instead of showing unreal specs like Sony only to disappoint the fans once again."
Yeah, MS was real honest with their "our system will be backwards compatable" and "wireless controllers will be standard" with their E3 demonstration of the X360. Let's not forget this whole ordeal of "there's no need for next-gen optical drives", which was later changed to "we'll switch to HD-DVD later on when it's needed, rendering early adopters of the X360 pissed off and helpless."
Yeah, MS is *REAL* honest. Fact of the matter they all want your money and have no problem pulling the wool over your eyes. I'd fucking laugh so hard if the PS3 launched for $400 or less. I think game support at PS3 launch will be lacking compared to the X360. Then again, "40 titles within the launch window!" seems like bullshit to me. Guess only time will tell on that lie too.
Stephen @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
To #14 OTAM"
"I have no more respect for Sony after the PS2's generation seeing how I was told it would have "Toy Story" graphics and all the only graphics I ened up seeing was a screen saying "Disc Read Error"."
To be fair, I think you should know one thing. MS also say they can deliver "Toy Story" graphics with the first XBOX
"One of the basic premises of the Xbox is to put the power in the hands of the artist," Blackley said, which is why Xbox developers "are achieving a level of visual detail you really get in 'Toy Story.'"
Source:
http://news.com.com/Microsoft+got+game+Xbox+unveiled/2100-1040_3-250632.html
In my opinion, I don't think they acheive that Toy Story level today.
And regarding about the disc error, Sony actually will fix it for free if you call them. There's even a guide on Gamefaqs that teaches you how to call them on the Playstation guide section. I did that before. You only have to pay the shipping to send it to them (would be nice if they don't charge it). It was really simple. I was close to their repair depot so I don't even have to pay the shipping. It only took them 2 days to get it back to me.
I am not sure if you know. Some XBOX also have problems with their DVD drives too. I believe the drives made by Thompson has problems.
I find a lot of people using these points to attack Sony and praised MS. I don't think it's valid. Both companies are just as guilty in my opinion.
soco @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
most people i've seen, including myself, only bring up the issue of the DREs and such to point out that the companies are the same. they both release the consoles without properly testing them, but that's typical first adopter shit.
the whole PS3 price game is obviously a psychological tactic. the PS3 will come in a more than normal range, and they'll still charge you out the ass for add-ons. they're gonna play the same game as microsoft has just played and they're gonna under deliver and over charge in a way to keep it profitable. i think the system will probably land at 399-499$/E. at which point, microsoft will lower the price of the 360 by 100$/E.
Joe @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
I love read the comments for these articles.
I totally agree with post 15 from Christopher7xii. OTAM doesn't know what he is talking about. Microsoft is more honest?? Give me a break. Just take a look at the $299 and $399 Xbox360 announcement. Where is the standard "wireless controllers" and "backwards compatiblity". All I know is when something isn't included on the base model its called an option, not standard.
I've bought a Playstation and a Playstation2 at luanch. I have never once seen a DRE with either console.
Back to the article , I highly doubt that the PS3 is going to cost $299. Just sounds like Amazon taking a stab in the dark on pricing. Everybody is getting too jumpy over nothing. We just need to wait and see. I wouldn't listen to pricing rumors until it comes out of Sony and Nintendo's months. I honestly doubt that Sony would release the PS3 at $500. I think thats suicide. I'm guessing it will be $400.
I for one am looking forward to the launch of these new consoles. I have my eye on the PS3 and Revolution. I don't care about digital hub or media center crap. If I want that I'll go and use my PC. I want a video game console for playing video games.
JASPER S @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
ps3 is better than the xbox360 because if people like more music when playing the games but i have heard that more people want the xbox360 more than the ps3. i want the ps3 more than the xbox360 because i like more music than other people do.
luke pickard @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
ps3 = pwned
Gino @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
I love when Nerds write especially long nerdish posts and then in them feel the need to mention they have a "girlfriend". I don't know which is more pathetic.
Eskimo Bob @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
#21 I assume you're referring to the statement: "I've had to take my PS2 apart 3 times and my girlfriend's apart twice to get discs to play." He was making the point that Sony has sucky hardware. If he's had to take his girlfriend's apart to fix it, it only helps his point, so what do you want him to say?
aaman @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
What is the ASIN for the product? How do we know this is not a Photoshop job?
Ayres @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
This is really an irresponsible anouncement from amazon. The blueray drive costs thousands of dollars nowdays... or maybe PS3 will bereleased only in 2007´s xmas...
OTAM @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
"Where is the standard "wireless controllers" and "backwards compatiblity?"
I don't know what to tell you with the wireless controllers,maybe they didnt think things through and saw that it would be a bigger draw for the $399 version to offer the wireless controller with it. The backwards compatibility is there though. They said that the games will have basically an emulator for each game to run it stored on the harddrive. The harddrive,on the other hand,is OPTIONAL for people who don't have mp3 players,cameras,all the high tech gadgets and computers to link up to.So they can go get a memory card and be done. Again,you think some 12 year old kid is going to have his PC rigged up and stream over videos and music? It's getting close to it this generation with technology but not quite yet.So why should his parents have to spend 100+ dollars on stuff they won't even use? They are marketing towards the casual gamer too remember not just the tech savy videogamer.I never once remembered anyone at Microsoft saying "the Xbox360 will be fully backwards compatible with all Xbox games out of the box by default" although.
The console will still be the same any way you look at it. I don't own a high def television to use the cables,maybe I don't go on Xbox Live and don't want to pay for a media center and whatnot,so now I get the option not to. Then maybe when I get connected on Live and want to start getting into music and video media and whatnot THEN I can purchase the harddrive,but how do I know what I will do in the future so why should I buy shit that I might not use?
And you're a prime example #18.You said "I don't care about digital hub or media center crap. If I want that I'll go and use my PC. I want a video game console for playing video games."
Which is why you go out and buy the $299 version,because you don't WANT all the other shit,but if the time comes you do,then you go and buy the harddrive and call it a day.Same thing you do with the PS3 seeing the HD is optional.
If anyone actually expected the harddrive and whatnot to come at a $299 price,I laugh. This is a new generation,every console span prices increase. They need to make a profit and that's the way it is,they can't just basically give the shit away for free.They have already lost enough money with the first Xbox.
#14.I understand Sony will fix my PS2 for free,but the point is I shouldnt have to send it to them,it should just work from the start.My PS2 has sat in the same spot since the first day I bought it back when it first came out and got Twisted Metal Black with it so I take care of it considering how much of an investment game consoles are. Now the thing has a heart attack everytime I even attempt to put a game in it.
Wraith @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
I have to agree with OTAM about the disk read error problem. I get this problem consistently lately, and it's beginning to piss me off. I've had mine for about 2 years now, so it's not a problem with "early adoption". I don't smoke - heck, I even dust the thing off once a week. I keep it in a cabinet, not out in the open. The only person that uses it is me, and I'm still getting the error. It really just boils down to a lack of craftsmanship.
That being said, let us get to the topic at hand - the price wars. Microsoft is smart. Release one version of the console at a price people expect. Then have a second "better" package for just $100 dollars more. This does two things. First, many people will buy the more expensive one without even thinking just because it is "better". Then, as stated earlier, people will go out and by the accessories on their own. Chances are most people that buy the harddrive later will get it because their friend has the upgraded version that came with the harddrive, and is always talking about how awesome it is, and how they can't believe you anyone could call themselves a respectable gamer without one. It's brilliant, and I'll bet my last dollar that Sony never saw it coming.
As for this speculated Sony price, the operative word here is speculated. Who's to say Sony is even the one behind that price. Notice the lack of the letters "MSRP" before the pricetag? That means that Amazon is suggesting that price - not Sony. Or it could be photoshop. It's not that hard to do.
Regardless, I can't believe how bent out of shape people are getting over this. Remember - it's all rumors and speculation at this point. They haven't even made playable demo's availble to the general public yet, and people are already choosing what they are and aren't going to do. That's just plain stupid. Whose to say Sony won't fix the problem they were having with the PS2 because of all the complaints they got. Or that MS will not adequetly test the 360 due to the World-wide launch (God - that's gonna make somebody's day busy). We won't know till we play it. Until then, just keep an open mind.
Sorry about the long post. I'm just long-winded.
Ross Miller @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
Just to clarify the origins of the post image, I screen-capped that picture myself when it was still up. As of now they have removed the price tag and I am about to edit the post to clarify that.
RYU @ Dec 18th 2005 10:08PM
What's all that bullshit about microsoft being honest and clear, we're talking about "microsoft the creator of the windows" if you dont remember, and anyone using windows really understands how honest they are.They really dont care about videogames but only for the money they will make from videogames bussines.Im not saying that sony hadn't made mistakes but at least they are in the videogames industry for at least 20 years (from msx era if you remember)and its the company that made videogames popular to the mass.The only respected rival to sony for me is nintendo (the most experienced company of all but with so many wrong moves and mistakes).Microsoft is only a bad copy of sony with nothing too special to make you buy xbox360 except of the fact that is the first of the next gen machines.Where is TEKKEN,GRAN TURISMO,DEVIL MAY CRY,JAK AND DAXTER,METAL GEAR,FORMULA 1,ONIMUSHA,GOD OF WAR,WRC,ICO,FINAL FANTASY (and i don't mean FF XI),KINGDOM HEARTS,RESIDENT EVIL,ACE COMBAT,BALDURS GATE...and so many other i might forgot right now.What are the best games of xbox except ninja gaiden and halo?? The answer is nothing the only you can find are some FPS games (if i want to play fps games i'll play them on my pc with my keyboard and mouse and not with xbox joypad)and all the thirdparty multiplatform games that already exist on ps2.So dont blame the majority of gamers who buy ps2 or even gamecube to play some original or exclusive games for they're machine.Thats the reason why microsoft rushed out to bring the xbox360 because the original xbox sales was crap.Know for the question about which one is the most powerfull machine i'll tell you that: how can you compare a system (xbox360)that is almost here with a system that is not yet ready (ps3) its like compare recent technology with future technology.It reminds me the time that some people compare the dreamcast with ps2 it was so funny.Know all of them have a ps2 because dreamcast is dead.Prepared to be suprised.AND MOST IMPORTANTLY BUY CONSOLES FOR THE GAMES NOT FOR THE SPECS."""LONG LIVE AMIGA"""