Sony exec pegs PS3 at about 500 euros?
Vice president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe says 500 euros (about $615) is expensive for a game console, but cheap for a Blu-ray player.
While Sony unveiled a number of its upcoming plans for the PlayStation 3 last month at the PlayStation Business Briefing and in its Game Developers Conference keynote address, a few details are still conspicuously unannounced, most notably the price of the machine. It's been an increasingly hot topic of discussion since a February Merrill Lynch report pegged the manufacturing cost of the system at a whopping $900, but now Sony Computer Entertainment Europe vice president Georges Fornay has addressed the issue.
In an interview with Europe 1 radio program Générations Europe 1 yesterday, Fornay was asked about speculation that the PS3 would retail for $500.
"If we take into account Blu-ray, HD video with drives priced at around 1,000 euros and above, [the PS3] will be a bargain," Fornay told Europe 1. "If we only look at the game function, it's true that consoles were usually priced under 500 euros. We will be at this price point ["nous serons dans cette fourchette," or price fork]. It will be expensive if we only look at the game aspect of the machine, but it will be very cheap if we account for the set of technologies that it will integrate."
Even if the PS3 does hit shelves for 500 euros, that doesn't necessarily mean American gamers will be paying upwards of $615 for the PS3 when it comes out. Price points vary between territories, and systems are frequently more expensive across the pond. For instance, the Xbox 360 core and premium packages launched for $299 and $399 in the US, and 299 euros (about $367) and 399 euros (about $491) in Europe.
[UPDATE 4/6]: A Sony representative eventually returned GameSpot's request for comment, saying, "This interview was misinterpreted and at this time, there has not been any official announcement from Sony Computer Entertainment on pricing for the PlayStation 3 worldwide."
Hot Stories
Newsmakers
-
World of Warcraft target of latest suit from PSN plaintiff
San Jose man adds Activision Blizzard to growing list of courtroom opponents, takes issue with MMOG fees, alleges ill effects on mental health, seeks $1 million. Full Story
- Posted Nov 24, 2009 4:58 pm PT
- 882 Comments
-
Top US Nintendo PR exec resigns
VP of corporate affairs Denis Kaigler leaves after less than two years at Nintendo of America; no replacement yet named. Full Story
- Posted Nov 23, 2009 4:26 pm PT
- 122 Comments
Featured Stories
-
Assassin's Creed II slays 1.6 million in one week
Ubisoft says internal sales reports shows critically lauded sequel outselling original by 32 percent. Full Story
- Posted Nov 24, 2009 9:22 am PT
- 319 Comments
-
Microsoft patents in-game guide system
Researcher's 2008 patent for "User-Powered Always Available Contextual Game Help" shows Microsoft is considering an in-game guide similar to that of New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Full Story
- Posted Nov 24, 2009 5:13 pm PT
- 283 Comments
-
2 million Xbox Live users Facebooked, a-Twitter
Microsoft announces around 10% of its subscribers log onto social networks during first week of 360 integration; 1 million check out Last.fm, 1.7 million peruse Zune video store. Full Story
- Posted Nov 24, 2009 11:27 am PT
- 148 Comments
-
Datel suing Microsoft over memory-unit lockout
British maker of high-capacity, low-price storage units takes legal action against software giant, accusing it of antitrust violation. Full Story
- Posted Nov 23, 2009 5:28 pm PT
- 534 Comments
-
Modern Warfare 2 classification appealed in Australia
South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson says game allows players to be "virtual terrorists;" Classification Board says no appeal has been received to date. Full Story
- Posted Nov 23, 2009 9:05 pm PT
- 293 Comments


585 Comments
Sign in / Sign up