Dissecting Sony's PS3/Xbox 360 price comparison
by Kyle Orland 
{ Oct 20th 2006 at 11:55AM }
Over at sister site Engadget, they've noticed that a recently released Sony fact sheet (relevant section pictured above) uses some pretty interesting math to make the Xbox 360 look more expensive than the PS3 once all the extras are added in. Let's go through their list and see what's valid and what's just obfuscation?
- Console: Starting with the lower system prices is a little misleading right off, since a majority of PS3s and Xbox 360s are sold in the pricier premium packages. Still, I'm sure that $499 looks a lot better than $599 from Sony's point of view.
- "Requires Users to Buy": This is misleading because none of the following items are actually required to, y'know, use the system. However, the items are required for 360 owners who want certain functionality that the PS3 has right out of the box. "Extras" or "Add-ons" might have been a better heading.
- HDD (20GB): Yes, this does cost $100 if you buy the core 360, but upgrading to the premium SKU gets you the HDD and extras like a wireless controller, headset and component cables for the same price. Highly misleading.
- HD-DVD drive: A fair comparison, but only if you want to play HD movies on your system, which is far from a valid assumption for all buyers.
- Wireless controller: This is possibly the worst item, making it seems like the 360 doesn't come with a controller at all. Buying the core 360 and a $50 wireless controller actually gets you two controllers -- one wired, one wireless -- compared to the PS3's $0 for one wireless. And, as stated above, using the premium pack comparison would change this $50 to $0 for an apples-to-apples comparison.
- Online Access/Xbox Live: Possibly the biggest argument in Sony's favor, the $50/year for full-featured Xbox Live balloons into even more over the life of the system (I'm surprised, in fact, that Sony didn't extend this cost to include a few years of service). However, the free silver subscription provides much of the functionality for free, making the comparison a little more complicated.
(Thanks to everyone who sent this in)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Martin @ Oct 20th 2006 12:06PM
I love how they also say online access for the Wii is free for the first 6 months. And if you notice it only says online access, it doesn't say anything about online gaming....
ill trooper @ Oct 20th 2006 12:05PM
Well, here's the 'CHOICE' factor we all hear so much about from defenders of Microsoft, and this paints it's worst-possible scenario - you CHOOSE to buy everything Sony forces on you, and it costs more in the long run. It doesn't really matter to me as I stupidly plan on buying all three systems.
CaptNink @ Oct 20th 2006 12:07PM
Dirty tactics. Funny, but still dirty.
November is going to be a great month.
Tim UF @ Oct 20th 2006 12:07PM
Well, its a bit unfair to compare the core system here, no?
Throw the premium up there, itll knock the comparison price down some.
and how functional is the PS3 online apps? if its just access and you have to ante up for individual games' online play, then thats also misleading.
Matt @ Oct 20th 2006 12:08PM
Look, I'm an xbox 360 fan, and probably won't get a PS3 for at least a year, but to scrutinize this sheet like it's part of their financial statements is just ridiculous. to the extent this obfuscates the issues and leads to more sales for the PS3, congrats to their marketers. god knows that microsoft has no problem doing the same thing.
vdeogmer @ Oct 20th 2006 12:08PM
What's this "free for the first 6 months" business?
> @ Oct 20th 2006 12:09PM
LOL .. xbots .. this is the same thing you've been pulling for the past year; the default comparison between the $300 xbox to the $600 PS3. Right back at you.
DJ_Nutz @ Oct 20th 2006 12:10PM
What is this ridiculous fanboyism? Who buys a Xbox 360 core system and then spends an extra $150 to add a HS and wireless controller for $450, when you can just by the premium system with both items for $400?
portorikan @ Oct 20th 2006 12:13PM
Wow! That's kind of a problematic comparison if you ask me.
I'm surprised people aren't jumping all over this like they jumped over Apple for their comments that took a jab at Microsoft about the virus found on a few ipods.
I think this is entirely unethical and misleading.
Gizmondo_hater @ Oct 20th 2006 12:10PM
One more thing...the 360 has Halo.
Beat that Sony.
Kestrel @ Oct 20th 2006 12:10PM
BIAS!
Badtz @ Oct 20th 2006 12:11PM
The point of the chart is that in order to get a core Xbox 360 up to the same level as the cheapest PS3, you need the things listed in the chart. That's why they list the HD-DVD adapter in there. They're not saying that you need those things to enjoy the 360. They're saying that you need them to match the features of the PS3. In truth, they could have included the $99 wifi adapter needed to match the PS3's built in wifi.
Even if you dump the HD-DVD and the Xbox Live, you're still only $50 less than the PS3. All the whining about the PS3's price seems kind of pointless when you do the math.
Loco Pollo @ Oct 20th 2006 12:12PM
But if this is a comparisson of what it takes to match a 360 sysyem to the PS3 feature wise, it is right on the money isn't it?
The way I see it. The 360 is a $400 console. Without LIVE and the HD the 360 is a door stop... IMHO :)
As for the whole HD-DVD drive. Yeah, who needs it? Not a single game will benefit from the added capacity of HD-DVD.
reguy @ Oct 20th 2006 12:13PM
i call bs on this article
oh wait this fact sheet came from sony?
arent they the same company that said the wii was too expensive
nevermind then.
i wonder if the ps3 guys will come in here saying 'joystiq teh bias' i know how much they love to do that
Keeko_ca @ Oct 20th 2006 12:13PM
One should factor in the 2 games you get for free nowadays with the REAL Xbox 360 console. That'll change this old and highly inacurrate list up a little bit.
For example: you can knock off $50 right off the bat if you get the $400 console option, as it ships with a HDD and wireless controller.
dsub @ Oct 21st 2006 1:00AM
whoever made this chart was clearly creating it with the aim of making the 360 look incredibly expensive in comparison to the PS3/Wii. Such dirty tactics indeed.
maximus @ Oct 20th 2006 12:15PM
Yeah, it's a little sneaky but no worse than the year long Pro Evolution Soccer exclusive MS touted or all that chest thumping about Grand Theft Auto, oh and Oblivion being system exclusive.
It's all part of the game, Sony and MS are as bad as each other, meanwhile Nintendo just sit back and let them squabble. In fact upto now i'd say Sony have been quite reserved in their spoiler tactics, pretty much letting the 360 hit the market and events like X06 go unchallenged. MS on the other hand have been very quick to try to scupper any good Sony PR.
rudimentalist @ Oct 20th 2006 12:15PM
I think they're confusing online access with web browser access, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for games will always be free, will it not? Opera's web browser will cost money after six months. Looks like they're comparing apples to orangutans on that last row.
Lou @ Oct 23rd 2006 1:22AM
I'm not really a fan boy of either, and 2 years down the road I may own both. They were trying to show the low end systems, but that is such a screwed up comparison because Microsoft has taken a markedly different approach to selling this gen console. PS is all in one, MSFT is buy what you want. Personally, I don't think it really matters, especially if you compare the 360 to the PS3, adding the HDDVD drive makes them almost the same system.
PS is just taking a lot of chances with a online system that a lot of first gen games won't even have, blu-ray, and the all in one approach. We'll see in a year or so if it really pays off.
BlindsideDork @ Oct 20th 2006 12:16PM
They forgot to add a GAME! So that is an extra $60 to xbox and ps3.
What are you going to do,just look at it and scroll thru menus all day long?
The Intangible Fact @ Oct 20th 2006 12:16PM
BOTTOM LINE!
Which has the better games? The 360! nuff said. And all you have to pay is $300 to experience the better games.
botdeluxe @ Oct 20th 2006 12:18PM
for the 360 they shoulda added the cost of modding the system to look like a PS3 to. Thats how pointless this is...
logikil @ Oct 20th 2006 12:24PM
Sony really just needs to stop. Look we already know you chose to add the extra tech in it and caused the system to cost more. Fact is that some of the stuff they are showing looks good, and this from an Xbox Fan but owner of all current and next gen consoles (handhelds and Dreamcast included). Just concentrate on showing games and quit trying to justify your existance. It's ANNOYING!!!
Martin @ Oct 20th 2006 12:22PM
"I think they're confusing online access with web browser access,"
Which really makes me believe they will charge for online gaming. Sony isn't that stupid, but they are that sly.
Fans: "Sony, you told us free online access!"
Sony: "Yes, online access to the interweb is free, but you have to pay for games, see how we even compared it to the Wii Opera Browser!!"
End.
Every day, I feel more and more like they are going to charge for online gaming just like XBOX's 50 a year gold compared to FREE Silver with online access!
Hamilton @ Oct 20th 2006 8:28PM
No wonder Sony is losing money I hope for there sake that it wasn't there accountants who came up with these "facts".
LoL
Bearxor @ Oct 20th 2006 12:28PM
I think Microsoft made a good choice going with two bundles on the X360 but with the PS3 out, they should go to a single bundle. If youo compare the Premium X360 bundle to the base PS3 bundle, you would get a PS3 price of $499 and a X360 price of 648. So it's $150 more and $50 more than the high-end PS3.
Whats not in the numbers?
Does the PS3 include a headset for online play? The X360 Prem does.
X360 Prem includes cables that will actually let you view your HD movies and games in HD.
X360 Prem + HD DVD drive inlcudes remote, sold seperately for PS3
Lets not even go in to the debate about King King vs. The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. Plus, if only the first 1/2 million get the movie, then in most cases the X360 gives you a quality $35 movie in the HD-DVD drive.
So, I'm just going to kind of guesstimate some retail prices here: HDMI Cable or PS2 component cables $20; PS3 Remote $30; USB Headset $25. That adds another $75 for the PS3 base, so your difference between the low-end PS3 and X360 Prem is a whopping $75. If you get King Kong with the HD-DVD drive and miss out on Ricky Bobby, your precieved value goes up another $35.
Sony's comparison is not untrue but is unfair. It's up to Microsoft to make it untrue. I have a feeling they probably will.
Wargazm @ Oct 20th 2006 12:27PM
People who try to defend the price of the PS3 by saying, "Look, the 360 is just as expensive!" seem to forget that the 360 is also a pretty damn expensive console (the only reason I have one is because I got it for free).
In other words: it's a pretty shitty defense.
Flit @ Oct 20th 2006 12:28PM
Wow, this looks like a political attack ad. Welcome to November folks. Lies fly freely here, and people on blogs have the same "logic" as sony. "see, all of these things 90% of gamers don't care about would be really expensive if you bought all of them."
Let's play sony's game:
Sony PS3: $499
REQUIRES USERS TO BUY:
Another wireless controller for your friend for our great multiplayer titles: $50
Sony PSP for "rear view mirror": $250
HDMI cable: $40
Wireless Router: $50 (to use our awesome built in wifi)
Remote Control: $25
TOTAL: $914.
Don't forget that your HDD size sucks and who knows what else they'll cut on the cheaper version of the console.
I can't stand misinformation and obfuscation. So many fanboys buy into it so easily.
Babu @ Oct 20th 2006 12:28PM
@ #20
149.99 to make the 360 look like a PS3.
Just drop it into a george foreman grill and close the top - voila.
XBOX 360 $TOTAL = 806.83
Dent @ Oct 20th 2006 12:33PM
Anyone care to explain the online access for Wii only being free for the first six months? I thought the online access was going to be free, forever.
seedaripper @ Oct 25th 2006 6:49AM
ironic how your 'sister' site is biased towards sony then??? also theres no mention of the cost of the wii controller..or is that because its bundled...er ...as
is sony's
ive been using ps2 online for yrs for free....not great but free!!
VampireHunter Z @ Oct 20th 2006 12:32PM
I also got a free remote when I bought a 360. You will have to buy the remote for the PS3. I'll believe their online system is free when I see it. If it's crap then they have a right to make it free.
Triden @ Oct 20th 2006 12:32PM
A few of problems with this.
1. We don't know what kind of online service PS3 will actually have.
2. Why not compare the Premium XBOX - since that's what they have basically choosen...but they cost it out to make it look "more" expensive.
3. The premium system doesn't even cost that much anymore...you can get the PREMIUM system for $299 now...that's with the wireless controller and Hard drive.
http://www.tanga.com/blogs/show/45
4. I DON'T WANT HD-DVD OR BLU-RAY!!! Geezsh. I'd love to see you PS3 guys load up a blu-ray game that is actually USING most of the blu-ray disk...
The blu-ray is SLOWER than the DVD drive - think about the load times!!! - oh...that would be fun.
No, the blu-ray will most likely be just dishing out movie content anyway.
DCSimian @ Oct 20th 2006 12:35PM
Lol...this is worse than a political campaign :p
Flit @ Oct 20th 2006 12:36PM
@30:
Opera (the web browser) has been said to be free for the first six months. No word on if they will charge after that, or what they'll charge. They just put a 6 month stipulation on the WEB BROWSER. Still, no word on the online service and what it encompasses.
gamerx @ Oct 20th 2006 12:38PM
PS3 20gb = $500 plus ~$32 for HDMI cable.
Xbox 360 premium 20gb = $400 including HD component cables, Xbox Live Headset and 1 month free Xbox Live Gold subscription
Wii = $250 including unlimited FREE online gaming
Sony you lieing whore.
DCSimian @ Oct 20th 2006 12:37PM
Dent, the access is free but I think they're getting at Opera being free for the first six months...after that you have to pay for it.
idesignit36 @ Oct 20th 2006 12:39PM
Did any of you actually read the whole document or just the part joystiq showed you....It is a very objective look at what comes in each version of each system including the controllers and all.
CaptNink @ Oct 20th 2006 12:39PM
I still can't afford a PS3. I'll stick with my affordable 360 Premium.
BIGGEN @ Oct 20th 2006 12:41PM
this is hilarious and sure to generate at least 100 comments. so basically we compare everything to the ps3, is that what this is getting at? the main thing IS the choice. if you want the HD DVD for it, that your choice, it's not forced on you. and you can buy it a couple months down the road when your paycheck has had time to recover from buying the system. basically you can add as you see fit. with ps3, there is two choices - expensive NOW and more expensive NOW. LOL the wii should be taken out of the equation altogether.
That Ni**a Stole my Yoshi! @ Oct 20th 2006 12:41PM
PS3 20gb = $500 plus ~$32 for HDMI cable.
Xbox 360 premium 20gb = $400 including HD component cables, Xbox Live Headset and 1 month free Xbox Live Gold subscription
PS3 20gb = $500 plus ~$32 for HDMI cable.
Xbox 360 premium 20gb = $400 including HD component cables, Xbox Live Headset and 1 month free Xbox Live Gold subscription
PS3 20gb = $500 plus ~$32 for HDMI cable.
Xbox 360 premium 20gb = $400 including HD component cables, Xbox Live Headset and 1 month free Xbox Live Gold subscription
PS3 20gb = $500 plus ~$32 for HDMI cable.
Xbox 360 premium 20gb = $400 including HD component cables, Xbox Live Headset and 1 month free Xbox Live Gold subscription
OK I'm done
DouggyD @ Oct 20th 2006 12:44PM
Not to mention that if you buy a 360 now, it comes bundled with at least one game and usually an XBL subscription and some MS points all for the same price as the premium console has been since the beginning. In fact , you can buy a 360 premium from Best Buy Canada this week with Splinter Cell: Double Agent, Call of Duty 2 and XBL Arcade unplugged all included for the regular price of $499. Don't think the PS3 will come bundled with 3 games for that price anytime soon...
FuzzyPickles @ Oct 20th 2006 12:43PM
Well, I don't think Sony is trying to misinform the customer here. I think Sony's head has grown so big it sincerely believes that each and every household requires some version of high-definition video and that a console simply isn't a console unless it does fancy things your PC already does, like being enabled with a browser. Sony wants the world so badly to think that the PS3 is a "computer, not a system", but it's not. I can't type documents on it, and more importantly, it can't play Starcraft, so it ain't a computer.
What Sony has been doing a horrible job at is convincing me, part of the majority of people on this planet that don't have any TVs capable of showing high-def, why I would want to shell out $600 for a system loaded with features that I can't take advantage of.
Marty @ Oct 20th 2006 12:46PM
Last I checked, the 360's HD DVD Drive is not required to play games... and last I checked, we were comparing two GAMING systems. Tacking on an optional peripheral to the 360's price is not only unfair, it's downright misleading, especially because the HD DVD player has nothing to do with playing games.
Pixelantes Anonymous @ Oct 20th 2006 1:01PM
I expected Sony to prorate the XBL cost over the lifetime of the console. Let's say 6 year lifetime for the XBox 360...
$300 to play online. Man, it's almost $1K! I'm buying a PS3 RIGHT NOW!
Ommitting that must've been just an honest mistake from Sony's part.
Keeko_ca @ Oct 20th 2006 12:58PM
Whatever...all that list really boils down to...is that the Wii is the very clear price winner! Hehehehe!
Steve2 @ Oct 20th 2006 1:00PM
First of all, it can't be false advertising because it isn't advertising. This is a sheet developed to send to sales people at Best Buy.
Second, if you read the sheet, the items are to be included for the purposes of the comparison. An "apples to apples" comparison that provides as close to the equivalent functionality as possible.
Yes, the wireless controller thing is just wrong. Big screw-up, Sony. It should have been "rechargeable controller pack", which is a lot cheaper.
And once you factor that in, the core system+HD thing comes out to the same price anyway, and it all makes sense.
Of course, if you don't want to play HD movies, you could make a
$399 high-end 360 + $18 charge n' play pack + $50 Live = $467 for 360
and
$499 low-end PS3 + $15 component cable or HDMI cable = $514 for PS3
That's probably the most relevant and accurate comparison for users who don't want to play HD movies. And it still doesn't make 360 look like a much better deal.
Why does everyone get on Sony for this? You think MS never makes comparisons pretending that a Core 360 is a reasonable system to buy? These sheets are designed to get sales people to recommend their product. Every company misleads with them.
Francois @ Oct 20th 2006 1:04PM
Most interesting of all is that they rightfully call Nintendo's console "Wii" and not "Nintendo Wii", unlike the majority of media outlets out there. Looks like Sony's press relations is better at reading style guides than most members of the press out there...
Mark @ Oct 20th 2006 1:06PM
I always get irritated with the argument that the PS3 is a computer O_o
All video game consoles are computers. But, who is going to use a PS3 for typing up documents, working on spread sheets, and creating fancy web sites? The PS3 is the worst kind of computer you could have. You can't upgrade it by installing new hardware cards, you can't have Windows, or other familiar OSes on it, and you can't hook it up to a standard vga monitor, or have MSN Messenger or other IM programs on it. Unless you are a programmer, the PS3 will not meet your computing needs.
It is a game console/blu-ray movie player, and that is ALL it is.
P @ Oct 20th 2006 2:54PM
I must admit, I was one of those poor souls who stood in the cold only to recieve number 168, which means I was 8 away from getting a premium system. I bought my core, I bought my HDD, later on traded some stuff in for the HD-cables and the wireless controller, and I got my Wireless adapter during that Kmart false sku thing for like 40 bucks.
So in the end I only paid around $450 for my 360, still cheaper than the Ps3 and I actually got one on the day of Launch. It'll probably be March before I will be able to go into a store and grab a Ps3 off the shelf. But I won't be getting one at least until the 2nd price drop... hey, it'll be around for 10 years right? I can wait until it actually is the same price as my Core :) which'll probably be 3 or 4 years.