PS4 will debut below $400 says analyst
Sterne Agee's Arvind Bhatia says Sony has learned its lesson from PS3, believes Nintendo in a "tough spot."
The PlayStation 4 will debut later this year below $400, Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia said in a note to investors today ahead of next week's Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.
He said Sony was negatively impacted from launching the PlayStation 3 at an "extremely high" $600 and that the company will not repeat this pricing.
"Given that experience, we believe Sony will aim to keep the price point for PlayStation 4 below $400," Bhatia said.
He added that because Sony's PlayStation Network is free, the company is missing out on an opportunity to subsidize the next-generation system through a subscription model.
Still, he believes Sony will stick with a sub-$400 price point, even if it means losing money on the console itself.
Concerning Nintendo's showing at E3 next week, Bhatia said though the company is in a "tough spot" and expectations are low, it is unwise to bet against the Mario maker.
"Never write-off Nintendo," he said, noting the company has the potential to surprise gamers.
Last week, Deus Ex and Epic Mickey designer Warren Spector said, "You underestimate [Nintendo] at your peril."
Though Nintendo is not holding its traditional media briefing this year, the company is launching a Nintendo Direct on June 11 to discuss the future of Wii U and 3DS. The first trailer for the upcoming Wii U and 3DS Super Smash Bros. game, among other things, will be shown at the event.
Lastly, Bhatia discussed expectations for Microsoft, saying the company will use its E3 2013 showing to continue to emphasize the Xbox One as an all-in-one entertainment device. At the same time, he said he believes Microsoft will also refocus attention on the power of the device as a gaming console and will show off numerous platform exclusives.
Microsoft has 15 Xbox One exclusives in the works, eight of which are all-new franchises. The company is expected to announce some of these at E3 next week and more during Gamescom in August.
Bhatia does not believe Microsoft will share pricing information for the Xbox One at E3, instead leaving those details for a later event. A sub-$400 price point would be a "pleasant surprise," he said.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League | Season 1 - Meet the Joker Trailer Modern Warfare III & Warzone - New Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Bundles Trailer Call of Duty: Warzone - Exploring Rebirth Island Trailer Predator: Hunting Grounds - Official "The Hunt Begins Again" Reveal Trailer Pepper Grinder GameSpot Video Review Wild Bastards Is More Than Just A Void Bastards Western Top New Video Games Out On PS5, Series X/S, Switch, And PC This Month -- November 2020 Top New Video Games Out On Switch, PS4, Xbox One, And PC This Week -- October 25-31, 2020 Top New Video Game Releases On Switch, PS4, Xbox One, And PC This Week -- October 18-24, 2020 Top New Video Games Out On Switch, PS4, Xbox One, And PC This Week -- October 11-17, 2020 Top New Video Game Releases On Switch, PS4, Xbox One, And PC This Week -- October 4-10, 2020 Top New Video Games Releasing On Switch, PS4, Xbox One, And PC This Month -- October 2020
Please enter your date of birth to view this video
By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Join the conversation