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[BuddyC]

WipeOut and Twisted Metal will be mine.

 

[xsarien]

But do you have 3D Monster Maze for it?

...Maybe. I have some games for it, but I've long since lost the RAM expansion, and hell if know where I can find a tape player with a proper counter.

 

[Panajev2001a]

3:1 = 75%. Are we nitpicking on 5% here?

Psssst.... PM.


Sorry, I do not mean to be annoying about it... just a bit of a SCE whore.

 

[xsarien]

Seems like the whole value pack idea is a smokescreen to charge consumers higher prices by packing in extra items to make it look more value friendly and hide the fact that they are really selling the PSP at a higher price point.

While a nice theory, I doubt it holds much water. Assuming Sony were to sell everything sans the PSP seperately, it'd add up to much more than $50.

 

[Deku]

Some of you guys are fucking nuts. The price point is in line with what we've been expecting for months now.

I think I would have been stoned to death if I suggested the price would be $250 yesterday.

Your rummy avatar is in line with changing the goalposts attitude at arguments however =]

While a nice theory, I doubt it holds much water. Assuming Sony were to sell everything sans the PSP seperately, it'd add up to much more than $50.

Not really a theory, several people just proved my point by mentioning the 32MB memory stick for example, costs less to nothing to Sony, and AC adapter, and all that other stuff are probably made in some 3rd world Sony sweatshop for two dollars a piece. The bulk of the unit cost for that 250 price tag is the PSP. A standalone might cost 230 which would just make it look terrible in comparison.

 

[Deku]

But... I might still get one at launch.

 

[xsarien]

Not really a theory, several people just proved my point by mentioning the 32MB memory stick for example, costs less to nothing to Sony, and AC adapter, and all that other stuff are probably made in some 3rd world Sony sweatshop for two dollars a piece. The bulk of the unit cost for that 250 price tag is the PSP. A standalone might cost 230 which would just make it look terrible.

Well, I'd imagine that even the base unit would come with a battery and AC adapter. But a case, headphones, a remote, a "cleaning cloth," a demo disc (which I'd assume Sony would sell seperately, as thery do the JamPacks), and a copy of Spider-Man 2 on UMD?

That's more than $50 at retail, buddy.

 

[Izzy]

...Maybe. I have some games for it, but I've long since lost the RAM expansion, and hell if know where I can find a tape player with a proper counter.

I feel your pain. I had a couple for ZX81, Speccy and C64 back in the day - God knows if some of them still work! :lol

 

[dark10x]

Not really a theory, several people just proved my point by mentioning the 32MB memory stick for example, costs less to nothing to Sony, and AC adapter, and all that other stuff are probably made in some 3rd world Sony sweatshop for two dollars a piece. The bulk of the unit cost for that 250 price tag is the PSP. A standalone might cost 230 which would just make it look terrible in comparison, and I wouldn't eventure to guess the number of people who would commit suicide for getting the PSP price so terribly wrong.

While most of that WOULD NOT cost Sony a whole lot, purchasing those products by themselves via a retail store would end up costing the consumer a lot more than what you are suggesting.

Prices for a 32mb memory stick seem to range from $20-30 at retail, for example.

 

[Deku]

While most of that WOULD NOT cost Sony a whole lot, purchasing those products by themselves via a retail store would end up costing the consumer a lot more than what you are suggesting.

Prices for a 32mb memory stick seem to range from $20-30 at retail, for example.

That's because of markups. Store takes a cut, Sony takes a cut and sometimes a distributor/wholesaler takes a cut. The unit cost + margin to Sony is a fraction of that. And I've not seen a 32MB Memory stick sold anywhere, and for that price you quoted. And if it is, it must be one of those price gouging high margin sales that electronics stores try to squeeze out by gouging the people who just happen to need one of these. Most people in their right might would pay about double that and get a higher capacity crowd, or better yet, switch to the SD standard and get more value.

 

[xsarien]

That's because of markups. Store takes a cut, Sony takes a cut and sometimes a distributor/wholesaler takes a cut. The unit cost + margin to Sony is a fraction of that.

So what you're saying is, "Damn Sony for wanting to make money!"

Right? Because that's kind of the vibe I'm getting.

 

[teiresias]

The carrying case and all that other crap I could do without.

No doubt so when you inevitably scratch or crack the screen you can make a thread on the forum about how shoddy Sony's build quality is.

In any case, the pricing isn't unexpected - I believe I abstained from making any pricing predictions - though the absence of a stand-alone PSP is to a certain extent. I think it's mainly an availability issue, and Sony really needs to try and be making money at some point on the PSP before the inevitable money-losing next-gen conversion begins.

IMO, I think Sony may just be trying to have too many technology launches too close together. The PStwo, the PSP, and the PS3 coming down the pike - two of which I believe are using some of the same fabs - are really starting to strain production capacity.

So what you're saying is, "Damn Sony for wanting to make money!"

Right? Because that's kind of the vibe I'm getting.

Well, duh!!! Didn't you know Nintendo's the only one that's allowed to charge high for SNES technology and make a profit??

 

[Deku]

So what you're saying is, "Damn Sony for wanting to make money!"

Right? Because that's kind of the vibe I'm getting.

I'm saying the value pack is basically an attempt to hide the real cost of the PSP, which wouldn't be much cheaper.

Throwing in carrying cases has a tendency to inflate value. Salespeople throw in cheap items into a larger package all the time to make a sale, like carrying cases, extra batteries, rechargers etc. Sony is basically doing the same.

If you find great value in that, it's good. But I'm merely pointing out that its an effective price hike over Japan, and not only that, the base unit portion of that $250 is likely over $200.

 

[jarrod]

Psssst.... PM.


Sorry, I do not mean to be annoying about it... just a bit of a SCE whore.

Psssst... secrets make the baby jesus cry. Or at least secrets jarrod isn't in on.

 

[Panajev2001a]

Psssst... secrets make the baby jesus cry. Or at least secrets jarrod isn't in on.

Well,, add not being there in the U.S. for launch at the time... then add that the EB bundle is $399.99... etc...

 

[xsarien]

I'm saying the value pack is basically an attempt to hide the real cost of the PSP, which wouldn't be much cheaper.

Which would just legitimize the price of the Value Pack. Your argument only works if, without those pack-ins, the PSP magically dropped to $150.

 

[quin]

If sony had only released a value pack in japan no one would be complaining about the price, and it comes with a memory card and a movie! This could be selling for 50 dollars and people would still find a reason to complain

 

[Deku]

Well, duh!!! Didn't you know Nintendo's the only one that's allowed to charge high for SNES technology and make a profit??

I'd pay a lot more for their $80 GBASPs, if they make a profit at that price, that's their competitive advantage.

If sony had only released a value pack in japan no one would be complaining about the price, and it comes with a memory card and a movie! This could be selling for 50 dollars and people would still find a reason to complain

I wouldn't really. But the damage control here is funny as just a mere 24 hours ago, no one would believe this story if someone hypothetically suggested this price.

 

[onion_pixy]

I think I've come to realize most people on GAF lack expendable income.

Which really sucks if you like video games.

I think this must be true. For most people who like gadgetry and techie toys $250 isnt a whole lot. I imported from Japan and am happy I did so. Three guys I work with (PS2s owners) placed pre-orders after seeing mine. That was BEFORE the annoucement. I think they're quite happy with the price point, tho they are bummed the games are gonna cost 50 bucks. They said portable Madden makes $250 AOK by them. How many people have spent waaay more than $250 in an iPod. $250? Sheesh, that's not even a days pay!

 

[soundwave05]

The other thing is, I don't know about you guys, but I'm definitely going to have to splurge on a 3-year extended warranty for this thing, which is probably another extra $50.

All the talk of button-design faults (on purpose no less), flying discs, dead pixels, and analog sticks falling right off the system kind of sealed that deal.

 

[koam]

The Canadian price is strange, it's pretty low actually.

The DS is $150 USD but in Canada, it's $200CND due to the exchange.. so $50.

The PSP is $250 USD but in Canada, it's $300CND due to the exchange.. so $50.

Someone sucks at math somewhere.

Edit: Performed the conversion with the current exchange rate:

$250USD = $310 CND
$150USD = $186 CND

Nintendo is ripping us off! Though I did get my DS on release day for $179 so i can't complain.

 

[Pedigree Chum]

You know what? I would pay upwards of four hundred canadian for this if I had to.

Considering I paid around $400CDN for the PSP, I would have to agree. This thing is awamzing people, and $250, even though it may seem pricey considering traditional handheld pricing, you've gotta remember this ain't no traditional handheld. It's at least a year ahead of its time, and the price reflects that. Want to jump on board? Do it, if not wait it out...cause this thing will still sell, it will be the hottest thing this year.

 

[btrboyev]

What people don't seem to understand is sony is using the extra $50 for something nobody wants. I guarantee most of us already have headphones that are much better than the junk sony is giving, and a 32MB card is worthless, especially if sony is pushing for music and movies. People wanted that extra $50 for games and memory sticks, not unwanted crap..thats the problem. In the end, your paying $300 for a handheld if you want to actually play a game....its a lot of money.

 

[VictimOfGrief]

What people don't seem to understand is sony is using the extra $50 for something nobody wants. I guarantee most of us already have headphones that are much better than the junk sony is giving, but a 32MB card is worthless, especially if sony is pushing for music and movies. People wanted that extra $50 for games and memory sticks, not unwanted crap..thats the problem. In the end, your paying $300 for a handheld if you want to actually play a game....its a lot of money.

So says the person that will buy one on launch day.

 

[Enigma]

What people don't seem to understand is sony is using the extra $50 for something nobody wants. I guarantee most of us already have headphones that are much better than the junk sony is giving, but a 32MB card is worthless, especially if sony is pushing for music and movies. People wanted that extra $50 for games and memory sticks, not unwanted crap..thats the problem. In the end, your paying $300 for a handheld if you want to actually play a game....its a lot of money.

Actually if you throw in a extended warranty (And you'd have to be nuts not to want one) and sales tax, you're looking at 300 without a single game. Throw in a single game and a real media card to utilize those multimedia features and you're well beyond 400.

 

[btrboyev]

Your mistaken about that..I can easily afford it, but I'm not gonna justify spending that much on a portable. I felt bad about spending nearly $200 for the DS and one game. Handhelds just aren't really my thing. Crap I have a $400 Pocket PC I haven't touched in like 5 months.

 

[Pedigree Chum]

What people don't seem to understand is sony is using the extra $50 for something nobody wants. I guarantee most of us already have headphones that are much better than the junk sony is giving, but a 32MB card is worthless, especially if sony is pushing for music and movies. People wanted that extra $50 for games and memory sticks, not unwanted crap..thats the problem. In the end, your paying $300 for a handheld if you want to actually play a game....its a lot of money.

Umm, the remote is essential if you want to play music in this thing. And the soft case is even more important. Wach of these would probably go for $15-20 separately (considering Sony peripheral price gouging)...so it works out anyways. One of the reasons I bought a PSP from one dude over another is because he threw in the Soft Case and headphones/remote with the standard pack, they are that important (to me, and I'm sure many others out there).

The biggest problem with all of this is that people went into this price announcement with preconceived notions of how much its going to cost, or thinking that there would be a standard pack and a value pack. The shock is making them change their tune about getting a PSP. But I bet you, come launch, and the "Official US PSP launch thread", there will be VERY few of them resisting.

 

[Justin Bailey]

Well regardless of how good a deal it is, not having a stand alone system for $200 is bullshit. Also $40 on the low-end for game prices doesn't have me excited either, makes me think 3rd party games are going to go for $50. Looks like I'll be waiting a while on the PSP.

 

[btrboyev]

Umm, the remote is essential if you want to play music in this thing

not if I'm using at home or just sitting at my desk, however the thought of somebody using it as a music player while they are doing something physical is just crazy..its just not made for that.


Your probably right about people not resisting, but I'm not one of em. Oh by the way the soft pouch is as worthless as the headphones. A $10 3rd party hard shell would do you better for protection.

 

[kaching]

For some, video games are a greater priority than others. I don't think it's crazy at all to expect the PSP to cost $150. For one, I've never had a handheld, and now it looks like I never will. Why? It's just not worth the premium to be playing what are basically crappier console games on the go. For some, it's a bargain...not me. $250 is a header, downpipe or high-flow cat. $250 is a bit less than a set of front and rear swaybars. $250 is the full chassis brace set (front/mid/rear) on my car. $250 if a complete set of new Kumhos. $250 is not handheld gaming to me. I went from love (first announcement) to hate (UMD-ROMs) back to love (first software, and JPN price) and now back to hate (retarded US price). Such is the rollercoaster ride that was the PSP. :lol Meh, won't be seeing me much in the weekly sales threads again until later on in the year I guess. :| PEACE.

As I've said to you before, Pimp, this has always been the problem with your predictions: they were based primarily on what you wanted to pay and then you tried to justify how the business model would fit that desire.

 

[Pedigree Chum]

Well regardless of how good a deal it is, not having a stand alone system for $200 is bullshit. Also $40 on the low-end for game prices doesn't have me excited either, makes me think 3rd party games are going to go for $50. Looks like I'll be waiting a while on the PSP.

1st pont: Agreed.

2nd point: Also agreed, but if the tie-in ratio is low expect price drops on titles (also a greatest hits line). The best way to show your displeasure is by not buying many titles, I'll be only getting TM at the american launch.

 

[Legal Step]

Sony expects us to pay more because we are all rich Americans.

 

[lachesis]

mmm... I could almost taste PSP now, but I am waiting. I am pretty much convinced that I should wait for a updated version for any Sony product, especially consoles, or just wait until things settle down when everyone has had their say.

I'm holding off on DS at the moment too - although I guess it's pretty much safe to buy it now, but I'll probably pick it up when Castlevania is available. PSP? Only thing interesting for me is Lumines for now..

lachesis

 

[Incognito]

well, sony can fuck off with that $250 asking price. even though as my good friend and nintendo insider hans said, "$250 psp is still a better deal than the $150 DS."

 

[dark10x]

Sony expects us to pay more because we are all rich Americans.

Yeah, except we aren't paying more...

 

[Pedigree Chum]

Yeah, except we aren't paying more...

A simple concept people just aren't getting. Plus we get a free movie thrown in as well, if there was a standard pack at $200 there would be little to no bitching (save for Pimpwerks, who expected this thing at $150 :lol).

Personally I was hoping for $200 for the value pack. Now that would be sick. Ah well, doesn't make a difference to me.

 

[jarrod]

PSP? Only thing interesting for me is Lumines for now..

lachesis

But what about Ys: The Ark of Napishtam?

 

[Deku]

I'm assuming the high cost of games is the result of the high cost of UMDs?

 

[dark10x]

But what about Ys: The Ark of Napishtam?

I hope the PSP port turns out to be decent. I really enjoyed the game and wouldn't mind replaying it on the PSP...but I'd expect a solid port. The first pics shown looked decent, but had a long ways to go...

 

[lachesis]

But what about Ys: The Ark of Napishtam?

Oops, forgot about it. I'm actually kinda half-half for that one though. Although I'm an Y's Fan, but I've already finished PC version - and I'm not sure that I like the small, polygonal Adol rendering. (I thought the sprite version looked just fine, to be honest.)

Unless they added additional dungeons, I might just pass this one up..

lachesis

 

[jarrod]

Oops, forgot about it. I'm actually kinda half-half for that one though. Although I'm an Y's Fan, but I've already finished PC version - and I'm not sure that I like the small, polygonal Adol rendering. (I thought the sprite version looked just fine, to be honest.)

Just an aside, the PSP version is keeping the SD sprites from the PC version. Yay!

I hope the PSP port turns out to be decent. I really enjoyed the game and wouldn't mind replaying it on the PSP...but I'd expect a solid port. The first pics shown looked decent, but had a long ways to go...

Well, I'm glad they're keeping the sprite based elements and solid 60fps from the PC version over the PS2 conversion. I think it'll look great on PSP's gorgous screen.

 

[NintendosBooger]

Another great ploy by Sony.

They know certain fans will be disappointed by the price and the value pack, and in the last minute, will make the base unit available separately. Sony fans will go ecstatic, and their jubilation will reach the ears of regular/mainstream consumers, resulting in even more hype and sales for their unit. Great strategy.

I plan on purchasing the PSP -- I'm a video game fan before a Nintendo fan -- but given Sony's reputation as a hardware manufacturer, coupled with the fact that this will be their first major/serious handheld, I think I'll wait until the phantom "second build" comes around. The price is nothing.

 

[neptunes]

Another great ploy by Sony.

They know certain fans will be disappointed by the price and the value pack, and in the last minute, will make the base unit available separately. Sony fans will go ecstatic, and their jubilation will reach the ears of regular/mainstream consumers, resulting in even more hype and sales for their unit. Great strategy.

if only that were the case, hey it worked for the n64 :lol

 

[dark10x]

Well, I'm glad they're keeping the sprite based elements and solid 60fps from the PC version over the PS2 conversion. I think it'll look great on PSP's gorgous screen.

Somebody who had played a much more recent version mentioned that the PS2 version is now 60 fps, interestingly enough...

 

[Miburou]

You people are acting like were they only releasing a basic pack, it would definitely be $200.

And again, you WILL need a case, a micro-fiber cloth and a memory stick (32MB is more than enough if you're using it for gaming only), and those would cost you around $50 anyway. The demo disc, earphones with remote, and Spiderman 2 are a nice bonus.

 

[DarienA]

You people are acting like were they only releasing a basic pack, it would definitely be $200.

And again, you WILL need a case, a micro-fiber cloth and a memory stick (32MB is more than enough if you're using it for gaming only), and those would cost you around $50 anyway. The demo disc, earphones with remote, and Spiderman 2 are a nice bonus.

I know this comes as a shock.... but everyone will not need a case.
A micro-fiber cloth? You mean the same type I use to clean my glasses with?
A memory stick? You mean like the two 512MB ones I already have for our Cybershot camera and our Sony camcorder?
Fuck the demo disc that lasts 5 seconds these days.
Fuck the earphones Ive got two hundred pairs of earbuds laying around the house.... oh wait they do have remote controls on them.... well I guess if I was going to use the PSP for something besides gaming that would be cool....and Spiderman 2? wow neato.... for some folks.

 

[shantyman]

This reminds me so much of the reaction when the iPod was first announced.

 

[Miburou]

The price is really $250 then, the lower 19,800 yen price point in Japan is really just a smoke screen since Sony ships mostly Value Packs.

Its kind of deceptive on their part, but whatever.

I was hoping for a basic $199 pack with a 32MB Memory Stick (c'mon these cost nothing these days). The carrying case and all that other crap I could do without.

I'm definitely getting a 3-year extended warranty on this thing from Best Buy though (personally I think anyone who doesn't is crazy, Kutaragi even admits one of the defects is on purpose, lol), so that means a real price point of $300 for me before even getting a game.

It's pretty funny how you "can do without" a carry case and micro-fiber cloth, yet will be spending $50 on an extended warranty.

 

[VictimOfGrief]

I know this comes as a shock.... but everyone will not need a case.
A micro-fiber cloth? You mean the same type I use to clean my glasses with?
A memory stick? You mean like the two 512MB ones I already have for our Cybershot camera and our Sony camcorder?
Fuck the demo disc that lasts 5 seconds these days.
Fuck the earphones Ive got two hundred pairs of earbuds laying around the house.... oh wait they do have remote controls on them.... well I guess if I was going to use the PSP for something besides gaming that would be cool....and Spiderman 2? wow neato.... for some folks.

I've come to the conclusion that you hate portable gaming.

 

[DarienA]

I've come to the conclusion that you hate portable gaming.

I've long since arrived at the conclusion that you don't know what the hell you're talking about... but I'm cool with that.