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Sony Exec Defends High Price of Blu-ray Enabled PlayStation 3

Wed Jun 28, 2006 at 02:09 PM ET
Tags: PlayStation 3, Sony (all tags) Despite growing flack from gamers over the perceived high price tag of the upcoming Blu-ray enabled PlayStation 3 game player, Sony earlier this week came out swinging in defense of its "high risk" strategy and is already claiming victory in the next-gen console wars, reports gaming site NewsOr.

Addressing a Toyko conference this past Sunday, Sony CEO Howard Stringer admitted to attending members of the gaming industry and press that, "[Yes,] the price of the PS3 is high," but then went on to assess that "[the consumer is] paying for potential. Obviously, it's a higher-risk strategy as all new inventions are."

Stringer's remarks come one month after Sony officially announced a two-tiered pricing strategy for the PlayStation 3. Both $499 and $599 models will be available when the console officially launches worldwide this November. In comparison, Microsoft's current Xbox 360 retails for $399US, and Nintendo has announced it expects to market its upcoming Wii console at a family-friendly under-$300 price tag.

Stringer also stumped for the high price tag for the PS3 as being due in large part to the Blu-ray player built into both versions of the console, with the pricier $599 version also sporting a larger hard drive and full 1080p-capable HDMI outputs geared towards the new generation of HDTVs.

"When you buy into new technology, do you go for a cheaper transitional [product], or do you take a chance on future-proof, higher technology which will keep you going for many, many years?" Stringer asked.

The CEO also claims the major Hollywood studios are already "beginning to sense, in Blu-ray, that the pendulum is swinging, and swinging for a clear reason, namely that Blu-ray discs can store more data," adding that the issue of price will be largely irrelevant once the dust settles. "If the PS3 lives up to its total potential, then I don't think anyone will be worried about Nintendo or Xbox's cheaper price," he said.
Related links:
Stringer Claims Victory Despite High Price Tag [NewsOr]


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