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Console gamers need to recalibrate their pricing expectations from here on out

keefged4

Member
It's a mid-gen refresh. Sony want you to pay £700/$700 (for no disc drive and stand lol) that'll last ~4 years before it becomes obsolete and the next gen comes out. If it was the PS6 or a much MUCH bigger leap GPU/CPU wise then I reckon folk wouldn't be so up in arms about the 700 figure, But for what you are getting, its really not worth it imo.
 
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StereoVsn

Member
Guess he shops at WalMart for his guitars which is one of my passions, I have way too many hanging on the walls

My pride is a 1967 Gibson ES 355 on a nice Mesa Boogie amp
Eh, I don’t play guitar, but couple of my friends do and you can get a decent used acoustic to start for like $300. And acoustic with digital output (no idea what it’s called, lol) for $400-500.

It’s not going to be top of the line, but it will be fine till you actually get pretty good. At least from what they have been saying over the years. Mind you, they both have some stupidly expensive shit as well, but I don’t think it’s actually required to enjoy music.

For a lot of hobbies you can be fine for not a huge cost.

However if you enjoy golf, cars, watches and so on, that’s where it really gets pricey.

Also stuff like hockey, mountain climbing, hunting, and some of other similar unusual hobbies, that can get expensive.

Anyways, I still think Pro is overpriced and planning to buy a 5080 or a 5090 when they release. 😅

Edit: What really gets expensive are kids sports if travel is involved and for camps/coaching.
 
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In capitalism, pricing is based on what the market will bear

The reality is that people have been complaining about Nvidia pricing for more than a decade but since only Nvidia provides a product that meets most people's needs, most people pay what Nvidia charges

And yes, gaming is a dirt cheap hobby compared to every other hobby on Earth, I've been saying that for years too
 

Minsc

Gold Member
Wrong, if I wasn't to play football (soccer), all I need is a ball that costs like 10 quid. Take up jogging? A pair of running shoes, 50 quid. This arguement about it being the cheapest hobby is null and void.

There's definitely more restrictions placed on sports than gaming though, most tend to be seasonal, and when you start competing in leagues there's usually fees, at least for hockey anyway. I've heard from people that hockey is insanely expensive to have a kid pick up.

Plus once you get to be older soccer may not agree with your knees and there's definitely a higher risk of injury. Is it cheaper? Depends - does your brother or sister or friend have an old handheld they don't use? Do you already own a PC for whatever reason? Then both are free. There's no shortage of ways to obtain free games (not talking about piracy), or games for a buck or so.

Reading is another great free hobby - libraries can supply a lifetime worth of reading for no cost. Libraries actually rent out games for free too, speaking of them... sports do have a lot of health benefits though, at least until they don't and it becomes wear and tear on your limbs etc.
 
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whyman

Member
It is not a good value when it’s a closed eco-system and game prices are dancing around the 100 dollar mark. It is in fact a horrible value considering it does not even come with a disc drive AND you can not update the hardware.

The Sony PR team really are out in force. I hope everyone here understands that the consumers dictate the market, just look at concord…
 

StereoVsn

Member
There's definitely more restrictions placed on sports than gaming though, most tend to be seasonal, and when you start competing in leagues there's usually fees, at least for hockey anyway. I've heard from people that hockey is insanely expensive to have a kid pick up.

Plus once you get to be older soccer may not agree with your knees and there's definitely a higher risk of injury. Is it cheaper? Depends - does your brother or sister or friend have an old handheld they don't use? Do you already own a PC for whatever reason? Then both are free. There's no shortage of ways to obtain free games (not talking about piracy), or games for a buck or so.

Reading is another great free hobby - libraries can supply a lifetime worth of reading for no cost. Libraries actually rent out games for free too, speaking of them... sports do have a lot of health benefits though, at least until they don't and it becomes wear and tear on your limbs etc.
Yeah, hockey is expensive due to equipment that you replace every year for kids and traveling. Plus camps.

Horse Riding and fencing are also pricey. Tennis if you really get your kids into it is $$$ for training and travel.
 
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HeisenbergFX4

Gold Member
Yeah, hockey is expensive due to equipment that you replace every year for kids and traveling. Plus camps.

Horse Riding and fencing are also pricey. Tennis if you really get your kids into it is $$$ for training and travel.
Training can get super expensive

When I was doing it a lot I would charge $50 for 30 minutes on the first session and if they wanted to come back it was $200 an hour

Mind you I got a lot of kids full ride College scholarships which isn't super hard to do if the kid is willing to put in the work and several kids drafted
 

FoxMcChief

Gold Member
The price for a console doesn’t bother me. But that price for a mid-gen refresh is bonkers to me, especially for what has to be Sony’s absolute worst generation of exclusives, and definitely the fewest. I know that’s just my opinion, well not the fewest exclusives.

I just hope the $700-$900 PS6 has tech in it that’s actually worth the cost.
 

HeisenbergFX4

Gold Member
The price for a console doesn’t bother me. But that price for a mid-gen refresh is bonkers to me, especially for what has to be Sony’s absolute worst generation of exclusives, and definitely the fewest. I know that’s just my opinion, well not the fewest exclusives.

I just hope the $700-$900 PS6 has tech in it that’s actually worth the cost.
Thats the problem with many is Sonys output of games and like Topher Topher has mentioned the lack of a road map for 2025, I mean whats is coming that is known?
 

FoxMcChief

Gold Member
Thats the problem with many is Sonys output of games and like Topher Topher has mentioned the lack of a road map for 2025, I mean whats is coming that is known?
That’s not just a Sony issue. But it’s a bigger issue for them, if they really want to sell this product. Astro Bot and the Quest 3 exclusive Batman Arkham Shadow are the last two games that I really care about for quite a while.
 

Alebrije

Gold Member
If a premium Switch 2 comes at 500 US ,would be considered expensive? Oled, deck station.

What are people expectations for next S2 price?
 

Astray

Member
Thread title should be changed to gamers instead of just console gamers. Overall gaming equipment pricing has been insanely elevated since the RTX4000 series came out. Nothing gets a price cut unless things are super dire.

There are multiple underlying causes that no one can control:
  1. Moore's Law and how it degraded in recent years. Companies simply cannot rely on node shrinks to obtain power and yield efficiency gains anymore (this is what makes the slim versions possible).
  2. TSMC being the clear winner of the chip foundry business, companies are fighting each other for the right to get some manufacturing done, and the ineptitude of Samsung/Intel has added to this.
  3. Sea Shipping has become far more expensive since 2020, and all these costs get loaded onto the consumer.
Thats the problem with many is Sonys output of games and like Topher Topher has mentioned the lack of a road map for 2025, I mean whats is coming that is known?
This upcoming State of Play will be decisive imo.

Sony's cupboard of publicly announced things is running bare, even if you count the gaas stuff they have trailers out for. I can only think of DS2, Wolverine and maybe Venom?

I do disagree with the notion of a big roadmap tho, they shouldn't get dragged into the Xbox thing where they tell you all about the upcoming 3 years or so, and then proceed to blow all those deadlines. Look at 2024 and how it's turning out for Xbox 1P..
 
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HeisenbergFX4

Gold Member
Thread title should be changed to gamers instead of just console gamers. Overall gaming equipment pricing has been insanely elevated since the RTX4000 series came out. Nothing gets a price cut unless things are super dire.

There are multiple underlying causes that no one can control:
  1. Moore's Law and how it degraded in recent years. Companies simply cannot rely on node shrinks to obtain power and yield efficiency gains anymore (this is what makes the slim versions possible).
  2. TSMC being the clear winner of the chip foundry business, companies are fighting each other for the right to get some manufacturing done, and the ineptitude of Samsung/Intel has added to this.
  3. Sea Shipping has become far more expensive since 2020, and all these costs get loaded onto the consumer.

This upcoming State of Play will be decisive imo.

Sony's cupboard of publicly announced things is running bare, even if you count the gaas stuff they have trailers out for. I can only think of DS2, Wolverine and maybe Venom?
Not holding my breath that the upcoming SoP will reveal anything that Sony is working on
 

Astray

Member
Not holding my breath that the upcoming SoP will reveal anything that Sony is working on
I'm kinda ambivalent over them tbh. They have been very uncommunicative this gen and it's honestly very frustrating.. Maybe talk more to the people whose money you want?

But on the other hand we got Astro Bot out of the last SoP, that game is the truth, was playing it with my wife's nephews tonight.
 

Wulfer

Member
I'm fully prepared for this thread to piss a lot of people off, but it is what it is.

Gaming is one of the cheapest mainstream hobbies in existence. Virtually every major hobby out there is a larger monetary investment to the hobbyist compared to what the product cost to produce.

Whether it be:
  • Phones
  • Home Theater
  • Musical instruments
  • Figurines
  • Antiques
  • Jewelry
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Cards
  • Art
  • Technology
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • Boating
  • Cars
etc.. etc.. these are all way larger investments than gaming.

So when a PS5 Pro comes out at $700 and the gaming sphere acts like the world is on fire, it comes off as pretty whiny and entitled. The expected performance of the PS5 Pro will likely far outperform any PC anywhere near it's price range. It's undoubtedly a "good value" as far as what you're getting for your money is concerned. And if it's still too much for you? Great! Then just stick with your base model PS5 (which is also a fantastic value).


I'm saying this as someone that isn't buying a PS5 Pro and I'm not even particularly fond of Sony. It just feels like "gamers" need to be oUtRaGeD at literally freaking everything nowadays. Not every new game, accessory, or console has to be some perceived sign of catastrophe and the end of industry as we know it. It's like some of ya'll have a legitimate inability to just enjoy your damn hobby.


Alright, I'm going back to playing the Final Fantasy XVI demo. Good day!
Not Pissed off by your statement. However if you feel this way I have a solution for you. Quit calling these systems' consoles! It's really that simple because a console is a device made to be a cheaper option to a PC to do a specific and limited set of abilities. Either we have consoles or a new form of household entertainment switch is it? Retailers like consoles because consumers know they're cheaper and simple by design gaming system answer to PC.
 

analog_future

Resident Crybaby
Not Pissed off by your statement. However if you feel this way I have a solution for you. Quit calling these systems' consoles! It's really that simple because a console is a device made to be a cheaper option to a PC to do a specific and limited set of abilities. Either we have consoles or a new form of household entertainment switch is it? Retailers like consoles because consumers know they're cheaper and simple by design gaming system answer to PC.

I mean consoles haven't just been "consoles" for like 20+ years.

PS2 had DVD playback, PS3 has blu-ray playback, the ability to boot into a Linux OS, and streaming apps, Xbox One has video passthrough and a web browser, etc.. etc..

These haven't been "just" consoles since the PS1/N64 days.
 

ZoukGalaxy

Member
I will recalibrate NOTHING, PRO is useless when PS5 is barely exploited at its full potential with all these LAZY devs and I will just do better: VOTE WITH MY WALLET

Donald Duck Disney GIF

mister rogers middle finger GIF
 
Not holding my breath that the upcoming SoP will reveal anything that Sony is working on
I know they are supposedly taking place very close to each other but I wonder of TGS will have any announcements? maybe GoT2 will be announced there? The first game came out over 4 years ago, I would think they'd have something to show by now.
 

Skitso

Member
Tennis: racket for $100, you’re done
Court reservation for an hour costs 40-50€ where I live, a coach can cost 60-80€ per hour. You chose a wrong example there, buddy. You'll play maybe 4-5 months (twice a week) with the price of the PS5Pro.
 
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BlackTron

Gold Member
If they manage to sell a PS5 refresh for 700 why would they price the PS6 lower losing money at the same time?

If they manage to sell Pro at an equivalent rate of base PS5, then I would agree. But we both know that is not going to happen.

Pro just needs to be a more profitable side option. They don't need to sell like hotcakes to sell "successfully". If they did, they could discontinue the base option.

When PS6 hits it will be a base option for sparking the install base, not a hulking upgrade.
 

Cyberpunkd

Gold Member
Court reservation for an hour costs 40-50€ where I live, a coach can cost 60-80€ per hour. You chose a wrong example there, buddy. You'll play maybe 4-5 months (twice a week) with the price of the PS5Pro.
Point taken. In Paris you can rent municipal courts for 12€/hour, group class is 500€/year once a week.
 
I'm getting tired of having to think about the business side of the games industry honestly. That's their problem, not mine.

I probably wouldnt even mind paying more for consoles if it weren't for the fact that games these days are so safe, dull, and take forever to come out. Things were SO much better in the 2000s.
It was telling that the presentation was only 9 minutes long and almost 2 of them was talking about the base PS5 and after that talking about how older games ran on it. There was not one "banger" really showing the Pro off.
 
Price is obviously going to go up. I don't think anyone thinks a console will be $500 in 2100. Bread will probably cost that by then if it increases by the same rate as over the last 100 years. The issue is that wages have been stagnant since the late 70s so a games console is taking up a higher percentage of your wage. You could be eating $300,000 by 2050 but games console could cost $10,000.
 

the_master

Member
I agree. User base is not increasing, dev costs and life costs are.

Now the problem is how little performance increases now a days. Next gen improvement may be quite hard to notice. Worse with new graphics cards, ridiculous progress, massive consumption
 

PeteBull

Member
"I want a Nvidia 4070 equivalent and pay $€399 for it" - console gamers.
600€ with discdrive was what most of us were expecting, considering only 2x ssd capacity, 10% oc on cpu beside decent but not crazy big(+45%)jump in gpu perf, for comparision xbox one to one x was 5x gpu performance, aka +400% jump.
 

NahaNago

Member
PS6 will remain low priced probably at 499 without disc drive. Pro versions will cost more because a cheaper option is already available for those who simply want to get into the ecosystem and play games without the extra effects and frames.
Here I was thinking the PS6 was going to be possibly $799 by the time it comes out and you're saying that it will be $499. There is no way that console will be $499 after the massive jump in price for the PS5pro. I'd be happy to be wrong but with inflation over time I just expect the console to automatically cost more than $499. The question for me is will the ps5pro even be at $499 by the time the ps6 comes out? Folks are going to expect all of those extra effects and frames to be the bare minimum for the ps6.
 

ergem

Member
Here I was thinking the PS6 was going to be possibly $799 by the time it comes out and you're saying that it will be $499. There is no way that console will be $499 after the massive jump in price for the PS5pro. I'd be happy to be wrong but with inflation over time I just expect the console to automatically cost more than $499. The question for me is will the ps5pro even be at $499 by the time the ps6 comes out? Folks are going to expect all of those extra effects and frames to be the bare minimum for the ps6.
I think this generation will be very long and the PS6 will not be that much more powerful than PS5 Pro. But the PS6 will target a critical mass market and then the PS6 Pro will be very expensive.
 

Fabieter

Member
If a premium Switch 2 comes at 500 US ,would be considered expensive? Oled, deck station.

What are people expectations for next S2 price?

If if comes with the ability to read physical media, oled, dock station and the power is somewhere between ps4 and ps5 than yes it's much better value and would be fine compared to the ps5 pro.
 

Natsuko

Member
I'm getting tired of having to think about the business side of the games industry honestly. That's their problem, not mine.

I probably wouldnt even mind paying more for consoles if it weren't for the fact that games these days are so safe, dull, and take forever to come out. Things were SO much better in the 2000s.

That will make it easy for me to do without the Pro. There are hardly any games coming. Thirdparty / multiplatform is not interesting for me, I have a PC. What remains are exclusive games. The Nintendo Switch has been by far the most interesting for me in recent years. My shelf is full of games that have brought me a lot of fun. My PS5 and Xbox Series X are hardly ever on. And when it's often to play old games (again). Otherwise, it's mainly the kids who use it.

But I certainly wouldn't buy a console with accessories for them for 920 euros. Especially as they play stuff like Fortnite, Snowruner and Star Wars Battlefront most of the time. I don't need a PS5 Pro for that. As a Christmas present? Absurdly expensive. Not even for all the kids together. And in the end, they don't care whether there's a PS5 Pro or a PC or they get a tablet. They're happy if they can play games. And I think that's how it goes for quite a few children. I don't know whether the strategy of constantly raising prices will be successful in the long term. Many young people are happy to play games on their smartphone / a tablet. And most of them have a smartphone by the time they reach teenage years at the latest. Many already as children. When we were young, we only had consoles or PCs. Today, the variety is far greater.

At least here, schools expect a PC / tablet. If there is a need, there may be opportunities to get a tablet through the school. So the kids have one if not two devices that allow them to play games.
 

tylrdiablos

Member
I'mma play devils advocate here:

Would you guys take a free PS5 Pro (XBox Series X Pro, Switch 2 Pro etc etc) if it meant all games were now $130 (standard edition)?
Regardless of where you buy them. And, just for the sake of argument, let's pretend there's no used game market. Everything is digital/DRM controlled. Oh and, you still have to pay for Xbox Live/PSN.

This is not me saying what should or shouldn't happen etc. I genuinely don't care what you do with your time & money. I'm just interested in seeing what peoples limits/rationale are for a console/new game release price cap.
 

Edgelord79

Gold Member
Of course there are way larger investments than gaming lol. It’s still expensive.

Im and fisherman, hunter and camper. Gaming is also pretty expensive at $100 per, game multiple consoles and kids interested in computers.

I do wonder why people feel the need to justify that this hobby is cheaper all the time? It’s odd. $100 is $100 regardless of how rich you are. Sure it’s relative to the person, the monetary value is still the same.

Edit: and I have one kid in triple AAA hockey too. Now that shit is expensive.
 
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PeteBull

Member
I'mma play devils advocate here:

Would you guys take a free PS5 Pro (XBox Series X Pro, Switch 2 Pro etc etc) if it meant all games were now $130 (standard edition)?
Regardless of where you buy them. And, just for the sake of argument, let's pretend there's no used game market. Everything is digital/DRM controlled. Oh and, you still have to pay for Xbox Live/PSN.

This is not me saying what should or shouldn't happen etc. I genuinely don't care what you do with your time & money. I'm just interested in seeing what peoples limits/rationale are for a console/new game release price cap.
With inflation going the way its going u can expect 99$ standard edition games with next gen, standard gen on gen +10usd increase wont be enough anymore, especially if status quo aka microsoft shitting its pants keeps on going, sony wont feel any preasure to offer competetive prices.
 

HeWhoWalks

Member
No, they don't. Pro consoles have never been a driving force behind standard prices and why some of you continue to spin yourselves into this mindless oblivion is anyone's guess.

It's very simple. The Pro is $699. The new Series X is $599. Here's what you can do.......... don't buy them.
 
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PeteBull

Member
Isn't the Slim with a disc drive as it is close to 600 Euro?
Yup, and 2tb xbox one x is badly priced too, other propositions being terrible value doesnt make pr0 being good value either xD

When u see 3 cave trolls drinking at the club u dont hit up the one in the middle that somewhat resembles actual woman bit more compared to the other two, u move along coz all 3 are still disgusting af anyways, we guys reject in silence (except neogaf forum, here we can cry and fight a bit about our only true love :messenger_grinning_smiling:
sL0F8jG.jpeg
 

IDKFA

I am Become Bilbo Baggins
I'm fully prepared for this thread to piss a lot of people off, but it is what it is.

Gaming is one of the cheapest mainstream hobbies in existence. Virtually every major hobby out there is a larger monetary investment to the hobbyist compared to what the product cost to produce.

Hard disagree, but let's take a look at your list.


Whether it be:
  • Phones
  • Home Theater
  • Musical instruments
  • Figurines
  • Antiques
  • Jewelry
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Cards
  • Art
  • Technology
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • Boating
  • Cars
etc.. etc.. these are all way larger investments than gaming.

So when a PS5 Pro comes out at $700 and the gaming sphere acts like the world is on fire, it comes off as pretty whiny and entitled. The expected performance of the PS5 Pro will likely far outperform any PC anywhere near it's price range. It's undoubtedly a "good value" as far as what you're getting for your money is concerned. And if it's still too much for you? Great! Then just stick with your base model PS5 (which is also a fantastic value).


I'm saying this as someone that isn't buying a PS5 Pro and I'm not even particularly fond of Sony. It just feels like "gamers" need to be oUtRaGeD at literally freaking everything nowadays. Not every new game, accessory, or console has to be some perceived sign of catastrophe and the end of industry as we know it. It's like some of ya'll have a legitimate inability to just enjoy your damn hobby.


Alright, I'm going back to playing the Final Fantasy XVI demo. Good day!


Lol. No. Mate, a lot of those are hobbies for the super rich. They're not hobbies for the average person like gaming is. Some of them are not hobbies (Phones?!) or are vastly cheaper than gaming.

For example, sports. My son plays football (soccer for our US readers) for a Sunday league team and it's far cheaper than gaming.

Musical instruments. This year I started to learn the harmonica. The instrument cost me £50. After that it's learning in my own time watching YT videos.

There are many hobbies cheaper and more expensive than gaming. However, I don't see how this can justify the PS5 Pro being £700.

"Antiques can cost tens of thousands of pounds, therefore the PS5 Pro is value for money"

See how ridiculous the argument appears when you compare apples to oranges?
 

StreetsofBeige

Gold Member
Hard disagree, but let's take a look at your list.





Lol. No. Mate, a lot of those are hobbies for the super rich. They're not hobbies for the average person like gaming is. Some of them are not hobbies (Phones?!) or are vastly cheaper than gaming.

For example, sports. My son plays football (soccer for our US readers) for a Sunday league team and it's far cheaper than gaming.

Musical instruments. This year I started to learn the harmonica. The instrument cost me £50. After that it's learning in my own time watching YT videos.

There are many hobbies cheaper and more expensive than gaming. However, I don't see how this can justify the PS5 Pro being £700.

"Antiques can cost tens of thousands of pounds, therefore the PS5 Pro is value for money"

See how ridiculous the argument appears when you compare apples to oranges?
I agree. Weird poll.

Consoles are meant to be entertainment tech that is reasonably priced so tons of people can play it in their living room.

How or why that would be compared to buying a boat, who knows.
 
Things are expensive, more news at eleven. Gaming is changing, and I don't necessarily like or believe in some of those changes, hence I don't have the desire to buy in to these philosophies in gaming, with the possible exception of Nintendo (depending on where they go with Switch 2) and that's fine because I have so many games and systems already.

I simply will not have to get subscriptions or expensive hardware or top priced day one games, and that really feels good, and allows me to indulge in my numerous other hobbies, so good luck to those caught in the ever-changing dynamics and high cost of modern gaming.
 
The PS4 Pro only accounted for like 10 -15% of total PS4 sales. This isn't meant for everyone and they are obviously just targeting the people who WILL pay for it. That's also why the disc drive is separate and the stand as well. They know they can milk that higher price out of the people who will pay. They saw the scalping and the prices those people would pay for a system. I also think this is the real start of the end of generations. Tons of people are still just playing PS4 or Xbox One. PS5 Pro is just another SKU.

Everything here on out is gonna be backwards compatible anyway, they want to keep you in their ecosystem, so why do they care if you are on PS4 or PS5 or PS6 as long as you are pumping money into their walled garden?
 
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I Am not sure what the average age here is but if you have a job and pay bills you do know how much more everything else costs.
I dont think those people complain about the price.
And no sony wont throw you a bone on a niche console thats an upgrade and not a must.

This is not next gen you aint missing out on any games.

Didnt wr have people here getting such a hard on i had to replace my screen twice from their erection about how they want the next xbox to go all out for 1000 plus dollars but now when sony made the first move oh boy is it a big problem .

I cant i just cant. Way to many stupid people out there

I make lots of money, the pro is a rip off. Most of my time spent thinking about video games is how to get them at little or no cost, and figuring out which ones are worth buying at full price.

You could buy a fancy fish easily, but you will do life changing things just to catch the fish yourself.
 
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