Japanese PS3 price cut, as Kutaragi talks technology

By Tom Bramwell Published 22 September, 2006

TGS: No new games though.

Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutaragi bucked expectation on the opening day of the Tokyo Game Show by delivering a keynote address almost devoid of major game announcements - but he did reveal that the Japanese 20GB version of the console had been repriced.

During his address, Sony's "Father of PlayStation" focused on the technology that underwrites the PlayStation 3 offering, explaining that advances in computer hardware and Internet technology would enable a range of previously inconceivable services over the course of the next decade.

In a Q&A session at the close, Kutaragi also apologised to software creators for delays in PlayStation 3's over-ambitious production schedule, but said the company is now focused on ensuring no further delays occur.

But the response that won applause from the largely Japanese crowd concerned the inclusion of an HDMI port on the 20GB version of the console, and a repricing for Japan. The 20GB version will cost 49,980 yen (EUR 335 / GBP 225), down from 62,790 yen (EUR 421 / GBP 283), Kutaragi said.

He also said that there would be 200 playable consoles available on the show floor during the three days of the Tokyo Game Show.

Kutaragi showed trailers for previously announced titles including Ridge Racer 7, and announced plans to allow users to play emulated PSone and PlayStation 2 games directly over the Internet - initially offering games that place a relatively small burden on the network, but expanding the offering as technology progresses.

The console's online service will also offer Mega Drive and PC Engine titles, he said - a line-up for which will be decided in conjunction with the specific games' respective publishers.

Users will also be able to exchange data and videos, and Kutaragi revealed that PlayStation 3 will offer something called the Global Mapping System (GMS), which will allow users to upload photographs and data about their surroundings, creating a detailed view of the world around them.

It's Kutaragi's hope that through this system, and direct interaction with developers, consumers will be able to play an active role in future game development - although he offered no hints as to when the high-concept service would come to fruition.

Kutaragi's Tokyo Game Show keynote had been considered by many to be Sony's last chance to make a big impression on an international audience prior to the November US and Japanese launches of its next-generation games console.

But while Ridge Racer 7 was confirmed as a launch title and shown running in high-definition, and there were also spots for Mobile Suit Gundam: Target in Sight, Virtua Fighter 5, Final Fantasy XIII and Afrika, the company's decision to offer a focused technological discussion rather than specifying new products and features is likely to come under intense scrutiny.

Especially from you lot. You're quite testy.

Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (142) Latest comment 5 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Toonster #1 5 years ago

    Wooah, first!

    Once again, Kuturagi is a complete and utter shitface. It's like he doesn't even care anymore.
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 04:07

  • ecureuil #2 5 years ago

    Well, the 20GB model HDMI and Japanese pricecut to from 60,000 yen to sub-50,000 yen seems like good news to me.

    I like some of the ideas they have for the console, but I can't help but feel a lot of them will never see the light of day.

  • alpha-0ne #3 5 years ago

    At a minimum i was expecting a demostration of the playstation online service, worst TGS keynote ever
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 04:13

  • spongebob #4 5 years ago

    What the.. Oh well.

    Xbox fanboys, it's your day. PS3 will fail, right?

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #5 5 years ago

    Bizarre that they stuck that PS3 price cut in at the end of a Q&A session - quite a lot of people had already left, and the headset translation didn't cover it explicitly.

  • alpha-0ne #6 5 years ago

    I would probably wait for 'clarification' from sony PR as ken has a habbit of coming out with statements that turn out to be his personal view and not the actual reality..

    It would be good for me though if the basic model had HDMI though as i was only getting the expensive one for that i dont need wireless, memory slots and a bigger HDD..

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #7 5 years ago

    I agree he runs his mouth a bit, but the AP's reporting the Kyodo News Agency saying the same thing.

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #8 5 years ago

    Famitsu's reporting it too.

  • Steroyd #9 5 years ago

    Bet ya this price cut doesn't happen in the US and EU because we didn't complain enough...

    That said why did they announce the PS3's price 6 (10) months before launch.

  • AusFreelancer #10 5 years ago

    Wow Japan gets a price cut, when it was already the cheapest place to get one. They could of easily done it for Europe instead....oh well their loss.

  • Fubdub #11 5 years ago

    While I think it unlikely given Sony's record, it could still happen in Europe, but they wouldn't announce it prior to the US launch anyway (I reckon)

  • dk_rare #12 5 years ago

    "PS3 price cut"

    lol, Sony ARE scared

  • TripSkyway #13 5 years ago

    Crikey that's starting to get cheap enough. Is there an anounced price for the 60gb system?

  • alpha-0ne #14 5 years ago

    "Crikey that's starting to get cheap enough. Is there an anounced price for the 60gb system? "

    Uk is though to be around £425

  • TripSkyway #15 5 years ago

    Luckily I live in Japan :p

  • Kalinin #16 5 years ago

    Since we're only getting the 60Gb model (unless that changes) I don't see the price going significanly enough below the £400 mark to change the general feeling it's too expensive.

    If the Japanese 20Gb model is going for ~£225, by the time you factor in the increased pricing of the larger disk and whatever else and then slap on the tax-man's cut... Well, put it this way, a £225 Japanese RRP would probably hit the UK at £300 anyway, so I'm not hopeful for any change to that £425 RRP unless Sony take a bigger-than-average hit on their revenue from the hardware here.

  • gingerlink #17 5 years ago

    is it me or is that price drop actually quite significant...it also reinforces the phrase "rip off britain". no price cuts here....

  • spongebob #18 5 years ago

    HDMI on both models now, globally.
    Price drop affects only Japan, for now.
    We'll see if Europe gets cheaper "Core" PS3 in March.

  • Xerx3s #19 5 years ago

    Good news for the ppl, paying less is always good. \0/

    EDIT: I'll read this when I get to work.
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 07:29

  • Scimarad #20 5 years ago

    How much was the 'core' version before? If they would only make that price cut worldwide it would pretty much destroy the major downside to getting a PS3...not to mention deflating all those idiot fanboys for about 5 minutes:-)



    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 07:29

  • Tiel #21 5 years ago

    What don't you get on the cheaper one?
    A smaller hard drive..what else is missing?
    I predict we will get a cheap model, and with hdmi that sounds ok. IS the cheapy wireless? Controllers? What's that about memory slots?

  • Moogrose #22 5 years ago

    oooh, look - he's making it up as he goes along!
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 07:34

  • Biggles #23 5 years ago

    maybe it was all a cunning tactic to make people say, like, 'whoa ps3 sucks cos it's so expensive' then they can be all like 'well, actually, it's not any more' and then people will be like 'oh, right, well i guess i better buy one then' then they'd be like 'excellent. so... what did you get up to at the weekend?' and we'd be like, 'oh, i went to my nan's for tea and buscuits.' then they'd be like, 'cool'.

  • lambtron #24 5 years ago

    lol @ Biggles ^_^

  • lambtron #25 5 years ago

    Actually - no new games and a big price drop before launch an APOLOGY from Ken (of all people) to developers. Hmm not looking like the launch line up is going to be very promising. Maybe its a good thing Europe has to wait - there might actually be something to play by March.

  • spongebob #26 5 years ago

    Weeellll... More games are confirmed to be native 1080p (Lair, Ninja Gaiden Sigma etc), HDMI support for all...

    And there's a Sony event for journos starting in 2 hours at SCEJ.

    Yes, I know, PS3 and Sony suck. It's hard.

  • NAC #27 5 years ago

    If Sony made this kind of gesture towards Europe I'm sure that many people in the "too expensive" camp would reconsider. £280 is not bad for a console supposedly more powerful than the 360.

  • Avaloner #28 5 years ago

    Price cuts are always a good thing especially for people who plan on buying more than one console. While I do not think the next PS will fail I do believe it will lose the edge it once had over the market. Sony is not going through a good time at the moment as a company and if the games section fails to make the needed cash then it might spell the worst for the japanese manufacturer.
    Anyways we gamers win since, for the first time, I believe, we got three consoles and every one of them has potential to excel in one particular area.

  • Bill_Gates_Bitch #29 5 years ago

    What? I wouldn't believe this until $ony officially confirms it. Kutaragi has made statements before that the higher-ups at $ony later backtracked on. As for the price cut, I highly doubt we'll see it over here because they knows that the mindless fanboys will buy it whatever they charge.

    edit: forgot those $
    Edited by 4 at 22/09/06 @ 08:26

  • ProdigyBE_OPM #30 5 years ago

    Euhm... MAgic Box claims Kenny dopehead also said that the 60GB version wil have two HDMI ports, and will be able to render a second screen. Can anyone confirm that?

    All in all, they should lock him up and let the games do the talking.

  • bauhaus #31 5 years ago

    Whos testy?

  • Bluetooth #32 5 years ago

    Does it even matter? So they'll be wasting 50,000 yen for a Foreman grill that doesn't cook, as opposed to 60,000. And a HDMI port included, that affects approx. 5% of everyone here, fantastic!

  • repairmanjack #33 5 years ago

    "Bet ya this price cut doesn't happen in the US and EU because we didn't complain enough... "

    He should have a read around here.

    Sony are the new Atari!

    /grabs pitchfork

  • #34 5 years ago

    "but said the company is now focused on ensuring no further delays occur."
    So they weren't focused on this before? Lazy tards.

    And Yes, more games, and some new ones, would have been nice, especially because I thought the PS3 was supposed to be a games console.

    Exactly what games at launch are
    i) Worth playing
    ii) Not already out on one platform or another?

  • Downside #35 5 years ago

    "Soon GPS data will be used to make real worlds for games" like Test Drive Unlimited then? Gee, the guys a visionary. Glad to see the base model get HDMI - though how you put an expensive chip on the board, cut the price AND not go bust is beyond me.

    I'm not so fussed about the "cheap over there" element, because it's not like Microsoft are shy of doing it - £89 for the HDDVD addon in Japan, £200 here. Go figure.

    Show me the games..

  • #36 5 years ago

    You also have to wonder about this timing! They would have surely sold the 100k units available in Japan at launch anyway, no matter what the price. It is so few that you know people are going to pay well over the odds to get their hands on one.

  • moggsy #37 5 years ago

    The price cut and spec increase on the lower spec PS3 is good. We just need this in Europe as well and then Sony may just about pinch victory from the jaws of defeat. ;-)

  • Ignatius_Cheese #38 5 years ago

    @ moggsy- Mwaaahahahahaaaaaaaaaaa! You're serious right...? Price cut in Europe? Tsk tsk. Will you never learn?

  • Psi #39 5 years ago

    just over £200 would be the magic number to make me think of buying one.

    they'll squeeze us like a teenage boil however.

  • zErOb_cOOl #40 5 years ago

    I think people here in Europe should protest the price, especially people in the UK who already pay top dollar for everything already. Everyone should refuse to buy the console until the base model is reduced to £225 here too. That would get Sony to respect Europe a bit more.

    I'm sick of Europe being the place that things are sold at a high price, if and only when the product has been successful in every other part of the world. How can waiting longer for a product AND paying a higher price than every other part of the world ever make sense, whatever the reason?
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 09:18

  • toy_brain #41 5 years ago

    "Especially from you lot. You're quite testy."

    You got that right.
    Christ, they announce the inclusion of HDMI in the core model (the only irreversable downside to getting one previously) and a price-drop to something far more in-line with regular console launch pricing, and people still find a way to complain!

    No, I doubt we'll get a £225 PS3 over here thanks to import tax, VAT and shipping costs, but something just below £300 would put them in the same position as the PS2 launch and therefore back in-line with what most consumers expect and can aford.

    Well, I hope anyway.........

  • bloodflowers #42 5 years ago

    Too many people talk about protesting over a price.

    Too few actually do it.

    You need to fix the idiotic sheep-like nature of European consumers first - this is why Americans don't get taken for a ride, they actually complain, instead of murmuring vaguely on the internet and then buying anyway. Write a letter to Sony. Go on, get off your arses and actually do it - if you really care. Don't use the old "it won't make a difference" excuse. Certainly it won't if everyone sits there, grazing on the high prices. Baa. Now get your pen and paper.

  • Dizzy #43 5 years ago

    Looks like Sony is running for the hills!

  • Arnold__ #44 5 years ago

    I think you will often find that its the regional companies themselves and nothing with multinationals trying to rip off consumers and gamers. For example, European companies will be benchmarked against other European companies in terms of revenues and profit, and if other electronics companies in Europe have a 50% profit margin (versus perhaps 25% in Japan) then then Sony/Microsoft/Nintendo need to remain competitive, they can't be benchmaked below Samsung/Toshiba etc. in Europe. If not, the market will react negatively and the share price will reflect this. So Europe is ripping Europe off, and no-one else. It will be very hard, if not impossible, for companies in Europe to break this circle.

    Furthermore, with regards to staggered games and console release dates, a lot of this also has to do with financial reporting, and not 'making europe wait 9 months for a release after America'. Listed companies need to report on a quarterly basis, and if you are a developer with a single game that you will earn revenue from in a year, then you cannot release it at the same time worldwide, for example your Quarter 1 revenue will be $100m, and Q2 -Q4 will be nil. The market likes a stable revenue stream. Therefore Companies will release in one location in Q1, another in Q2, another in Q3 etc and revenue will more equal, $25M in Q1, $25M in Q2 etc. The market likes that. Stable revenue and revenue growth equals stable growth in share price.

    I am therefore often amazed when I read some gamers ramblings on here about how Europe is ripped off etc etc. I put this down to the low standard of education in Britain these days.

  • Salubrious_K #45 5 years ago

    Why on earth did he wait till the Q&A at the end to announce the price cut and inclusion of an HDMI port in both models.

    That's pretty damn strange... isn't it?

  • kangarootoo #46 5 years ago

    @Toonster

    "Once again, Kuturagi is a complete and utter shitface. It's like he doesn't even care anymore."

    How, HOW did you manage to glean that nugget of wisdom from that article. A complate and utter shitface? Where does this come from? Get some friends, get some hobbies and get yourself out in the fresh air, ffs.

  • Valver #47 5 years ago

    Is anyone else very disturbed that theyre *still* making basic hardware changes like adding an HDMI port - shouldnt they have been manufacturing the base model for a while now if theyre launching soon?

    Odds on not meeting 500,000 units for launch. High!

  • Drakron #48 5 years ago

    Yes, seems only for Japan ... well for the 100,000 people that get to buy one anyway.

    Honestly, this really does not afect old europe because Sony does not give a damn ... sorry to say we are better off with Nintendo and Microsoft that with those idiots.

    Perhaps in 2008 the PS3 might be a choice for consumers in europe.

  • Kafeen #49 5 years ago

    Why is it that when Nintendo charges less its because they're cool and when Sony charge less is because they're scared?

  • sonmi451 #50 5 years ago

    that's a far more competitive price for the 20gb version. if they do the same for the UK launch then i'll definitely be interested.

  • LarryLoxley #51 5 years ago

    So. Is that a HDMI port and price cut on just the Japanese consoles? Thanks Mr Sony. Shall I bend over now?

  • kangarootoo #52 5 years ago

    @Valver

    That sort of change is pretty minor. The support is already there, its simply a matter of whether you stick the port on the system board or not. A well scaled production line can accomodate that sort of thing at very short notice. If it were a new component it simply wouldn't be possible at this stage, as you suggest.

    @Kafeen

    Because some people are just mad fantasists, plain and simple.

  • kangarootoo #53 5 years ago

    @AdamOfEternia

    Yes he did. All companies have been saying their products are good value for money.

  • EGBartonFink #54 5 years ago

    Wow a price cut and it hasn;t even launched yet. They must be bricking it ;)

    Great news for the consumer though.

    How about a massive cut on the premium too Sony?

  • Carrybagma #55 5 years ago

    Do Sony actually feel their home market is under threat - from Nintendo?!

    Are they actually starting to panic?

    I'm starting to think that Ken has been cut loose and left to fend for himself. Have they forgotten PR?

  • Drakron #56 5 years ago

    Nintendo is building their console using older tech and so its cheaper as Sony is builing their PS3 using new technologies and so its more expensive.

    Nintendo is making a profit with the Wii hardware sales on launch as Sony is making a loss with PS3 hardware sales at lauch.

    Besides this price cut is as a reply to Xbox 360 price cuts in Japan, of course Xbox 360 sales in Japan are horrible even after the price cuts so it makes it even more odd that Sony decides to make a price cut that shows that Sony priced the PS3 at a range few people are willing to spend.

  • Les #57 5 years ago

    "Are they actually starting to panic?"

    I guess this is just a reaction to MS's price cut for the Core system, also Japan-only. That's the beauty of competition.

  • tonynibbles #58 5 years ago

    This is good news, Sony apparently seem to be responding to feedback.

  • Perry #59 5 years ago

    Lucky I just got offered a job in Tokyo. Might be an added perk....

  • BadBoyBonner #60 5 years ago

    Isn’t this complete spin? I mean, if you change your target launch price (i.e. ya have never sold a single unit) for whatever reason is it actually a “price cut” at all?

    The arrogant “bad cop” (people will have to work harder an earn more money) to “good cop” lets put the stuff on [the PS3] that clearly we always knew was going on (as it probably costs just/almost as much to have different tools to produce the one without the HDMI port) and put it at a price that people [i.e. non fanboys] may actually buy it. Clearly won Sony vital column inches when in reality had nothing to report [over the summer] with the bonus of now seeming to care about the consumer, when in reality nothing has changed, nothing has happened and Sony got to steal the limelight. I am sure they shudder at the fact that the story ended up with great credibility due to the battery fiasco with Sony “going down the pan” (which will probably never happen in the next 50 years unless they invent a cooking device that mistakenly cooks it’s owner instead of the food or something.)

    Can’t see 425 being a launch price, in fact I have yet to see a main stream electronic product of any kind launch at a price point of 425 ! lol £299 & £399 would seem good suggested prices although I am sure Toy R US and Game will have that much shit with the launch consoles that you’ll be doing well to get one for less than £425.
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 10:15

  • avtar #61 5 years ago

    Does anyone else think that this doesnt make sense, unless they have been frightened by the negative publicity?

    Japan is already only getting 100K at launch, so every one is going to fly of the shelves, and initally at least the price is not going to be Sonys problem.

  • Fallen_Angel #62 5 years ago

    I'm suprised nobody's picked up on this:
    "...announced plans to allow users to play emulated PSone and PlayStation 2 games directly over the Internet - initially offering games that place a relatively small burden on the network, but expanding the offering as technology progresses.

    The console's online service will also offer Mega Drive and PC Engine titles, he said - a line-up for which will be decided in conjunction with the specific games' respective publishers."

    Thats sounds...similar...to something else. For some reason the letters V and C come to mind.
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 12:35

  • Xerx3s #63 5 years ago

    Oh, just read, the price drop is only for the japs? :\

  • chupachups #64 5 years ago

    "If not, the market will react negatively and the share price will reflect this. So Europe is ripping Europe off, and no-one else. It will be very hard, if not impossible, for companies in Europe to break this circle. "

    Margins aren't the be-all and end-all though, volume is very important too, and volume suffers when prices are kept artificially high.

    Supermarkets make pathetic margins, maybe a few percent, but they have gargantuan volumes so they're very wealthy companies.

    If an already-popular console maker started selling hardware and games at American price levels in Europe, they could build up much higher volumes than their rivals, and that would be appreciated by shareholders, and of course by the people actually buying the games.

    That's what I hoped Nintendo would do with the Wii, or at least keep the margins the same as others, but instead they've actually increased the margins considerably to the point where they're making a profit on the hardware and an even bigger profit on the games (which cost very little to develop compared to 360 or PS3 titles, yet are priced almost identically).

  • Scientist #65 5 years ago

    "I'm suprised nobodies picked up on this"

    That's a bit harsh on the people who commented.

  • space_ace #66 5 years ago

    vaporware.

  • zoidberg #67 5 years ago

    Sony is really running for the hills right about now.

    HOW COULD THEY NOT SHOWCASE THE ONLINE SERVICE?!

    The console's launch is less than a month away and they are STILL adding PORTS to it?! So they haven't really produced any? Or are they changing the back/front of it to accomodate a NEW PORT and a NEW CIRCUIT BOARD (to power the port)?!?!

    THEY ARE IN TROUBLE.

    BTW, a Tokyo PS3 is PAL-ok?! Can I import one?! I really have a chance of getting... like 3 of them :)

  • Stormflood #68 5 years ago

    HDMI in all consoles is great news and suddenly the cheaper PS3 is the one to get.

    +1

    And are there really people here whinging about the price drop and HDMI output of PS3 20GB which makes it better value than the premium Xbox 360 due to HD movie playback?

    I mean... what the hell is the problem? Just because Xbox 360 just officially died in Japan, there's no need to get all upset. ;p

  • kangarootoo #69 5 years ago

    @AdamOfEternia

    I'm not going to split hairs with you over the detail of a company saying their system is good value. Your original comment on this subject included.

    "yes its expensive but youll epreciate it more if you have to save to buy it, coz its like soooo worth it"

    Which is clearly a quote from yourself rather than any actual staff member at Sony. Plus the other posts you have made on this thread show that you are clearly far from objective. My real point was that were making a fanboy comment, using a pointless playground-insult quote.

    Now we could debate the exact semantics of what each company has said over the past year and no doubt you would find a way to "score some points" against Sony that way, or we could just move on.

  • kangarootoo #70 5 years ago

    @chupachups

    Strictly speaking its turnover that rings bells in shareholder meetings, which I think is pretty close to what you meant by volumes. In the weird world of big business, having loads of cash moving through your accounts is more important that how much of it actually stays there. If turnover is increasing and you aren't making a loss, your profits (although important) can sort of take a back seat. Christ knows why, if I was a fund manager I might have better answers.

  • captainrentboy #71 5 years ago

    It's true what stormflood said,the 360 is pretty much dead in Japan and always has been from what I can gather.....So why in the fuck do ony feel the need to just drop the ps3's price in Japan,it wont have that much competition anyway,the 360 sells possibly 2 units a month over there doesn't it?

  • lambtron #72 5 years ago

    @Kanga

    Although you are often a voice of reason on these here pages I'm afraid you're wrong on this one. Kutaragi quite clearly previously said something along the lines of PS3 is actually dead cheap and you should be grateful to be allowed to buy it you ungrateful plebs.

    So fanboy or not I think Adam is actually right on that particular point.

  • kangarootoo #73 5 years ago

    Maybe it isn't just a matter of selling more unit than XB360. They may actually have a plan that is concerned with selling a number of units regardless of their competitors.

    A company shouldn't just react to its competitors movements, it needs a plan of its own based on its own goals. This price cut will be in line with that plan.

  • kangarootoo #74 5 years ago

    @lambtron

    Thanks for the compliment, don't make it too common or I'll get all big headed :)

    "is actually dead cheap and you should be grateful to be allowed to buy it you ungrateful plebs. "

    Really? "something along the lines of" is a dangerous group of words as it can leave things wide open for exageration. I've never been one to stubbornly deny fact, so please someone point me at a quote so I can make my own mind up.

  • bungalooBunny #75 5 years ago

    --Xmas 2006--

    XBox 360: 199.99 GBP
    Nintendo Wii: 179.99 GBP
    PS3: Priceless

    There are some things money can't buy. For everything else, there's MasterCard.

  • SergioAguero #76 5 years ago

    On the one hand Sony appear to be flailing. Wii buzz: fantastic, PS3 buzz: criticism all round.

    As we know Xbox is not a brand the Japanese like anyway.

    Everybody in Europe keep complaining, complaining, complaining - don't defend them. Then maybe, (but hey probably not) they will realease the "Core" version over here for an equivalent reduction, say £249. With HDMi (even thoughmost mofo don't know what the hell that is anyway) that's actually a good deal.

    As people have been saying, all three of this next generation might now offer something for gamers: you pays your money you take your choice!
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 11:12

  • Dizzy #77 5 years ago

    "It's true what stormflood said,the 360 is pretty much dead in Japan and always has been from what I can gather.....So why in the fuck do ony feel the need to just drop the ps3's price in Japan"

    Not 360... Wii. DS is totally destroying PSP and Sony is afraid that Wii will just build on the momentum of the DS to sell the Wii like crazy. It is quite serious actually... DS mania is all over the country...

    If Wii gets some RPGs PS3 might really be in trouble (luckily for Sony I doubt that Wii will get the big killer non-nintendo RPGs)

  • darkmistx #78 5 years ago

    "It's true what stormflood said,the 360 is pretty much dead in Japan and always has been from what I can gather.....So why in the fuck do ony feel the need to just drop the ps3's price in Japan,it wont have that much competition anyway,the 360 sells possibly 2 units a month over there doesn't it?"

    I think it's to do with the fact that the xbox 360/HD-DVD bundle MS are planning to sell over there will cost around £225. Seems like Sony are cutting the PS3 price to bring it into line with that.
    Edited by 2 at 22/09/06 @ 11:16

  • The12thMonkey #79 5 years ago

    What Ken said was I think more along the lines "people will work harder to afford one." And yes, I'm going along the lines of, because I don't have the quote to hand. But I do distinctly recall him saying the PS3 wasn't expensive enough.

    http://ww w.gamesindustry.biz/content_pag...
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 11:27

  • MaxiSleep #80 5 years ago

    Good news that sony appear at last to be making sensible decisions. My gut fealing is they have realised that Blueray is under threat and they need to ensure that they go amss market as early as possible. Blueray suceeding is probably as imprtant to sony as the Ps3 in the longer term. The liscening revenues will be huge.

  • Carrybagma #81 5 years ago

    Yep,yep - what Dizzy said.

    The Japanese just won't buy the 360 'cos it doesn't have the games they like. The Wii will be choc-full of the odd stuff they like. They could make the 360 less than the price of the Wii and it still wouldn't sell - not until the HD-DVD/BD format war is over, anyway. The highest priced console is in direct competition with the lowest priced console. How odd!

    So. Nintendo wins the next-gen console war in Japan...?

    ED: Err. Or the PS2 will outsell them all. :0D
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 11:26

  • Rambaldi #82 5 years ago

    So, Sony's "people will be prepared to work harder to buy the PS3" attitude has turned into: "shit, we'd better reduce the price in our most loyal territory because people seem really pissed off".

    On, Writing, Wall...

  • kangarootoo #83 5 years ago

    @The12thMonkey

    Thats a good article. It does seem as if some odd stuff has been said. I'll try and find more info.

    I still think it is important to differentiate between someone saying something a bit odd and them telling you to "f'ck off" (which seems to be the standard assumption of Sony's standpoint of late).

    Ken may have said some daft stuff, but thats not the same as some of the made up quotes would suggest "so by dropping the price in Japan Sony are basically saying a big f'you to everyone in Europe, and their mums, and their grans" etc.

  • Rambaldi #84 5 years ago

    @Kafeen

    "Why is it that when Nintendo charges less its because they're cool and when Sony charge less is because they're scared?"

    Because Sony are all "ooh look at all this unproven technology that you NEED. You'll work harder to pay for it won't you because it's got our badge on the front hmm?" wheras Nintendo are like "nah, can't be arsed with that. Here's some old technology with a funky interface. Enjoy".

  • The-Bodybuilder #85 5 years ago

    >"Which is clearly a quote from yourself rather than any actual staff member at Sony"

    Where have you been for the last two years?

  • Weezer #86 5 years ago

    Sony says XBox 360 is stupid having two SKUs - then does two SKUs.

    Sony allegedly includes motion-sensing joypads at the last moment - just like Nintendo

    Adds Mega Drive and PC Engine games for download - just like Nintendo

    Sony's online service is basically a carbon copy of Xbox Live

    Doe anyone here feel that this isn't quite the innovative and unique product Sony would have us believe? And I've yet to see anything that makes me think it's more powerful than X360 by a margin any sane person would care about.

    Certainly by March I wonder just how many potential buyer's Sony will have lost in Europe... assuming Microsoft can get its raggedy-ass in gear (it seems to be doing very little to capitlaise on Sony's fuckwittedness)

  • chupachups #87 5 years ago

    "Not 360... Wii. DS is totally destroying PSP and Sony is afraid that Wii will just build on the momentum of the DS to sell the Wii like crazy. It is quite serious actually... DS mania is all over the country..."

    Yes, the DS has 60% of the entire games market there, considerably more than all its rivals (including home consoles) put together. This incredible success came out of nowhere, and Sony might be afraid the same will happen with the Wii.


    "If Wii gets some RPGs PS3 might really be in trouble (luckily for Sony I doubt that Wii will get the big killer non-nintendo RPGs)"

    If the Wii sells well, the RPGs will come, publishers go for platforms with large userbases.

  • septimus #88 5 years ago

    Not sure why anyone here (apart from the blatant Sony apologists/fanboys) think this is a good idea?

    It's not going to affect us, we are still being shafted by these cheeky tw*ts.

    Never buying a Sony product again if at all possible... not just because of this, my wife has to work with them, and the stuff I hear from her makes me dislike them and their business practices even more.
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 11:59

  • kangarootoo #89 5 years ago

    I've found some more info on ken's various quotes.

    I agree that him saying stuff like "PS3 is too cheap" and "If you can have an amazing experience, we believe price is not a problem." is rather arrogant. It shows a disconnection with the public at large, many of which can't afford to shell out £400+ on a games machine, whether they think they will have a great experience or not.

    I still don't agree with the exageration and distortion that some posters apply to the various quotes. Saying something daft (and I agree, many of the comments were rather ludicrous) makes you guilty of saying daft things, not being malicious.

    I think Sony have had a period of basing "some" of their marketing on talking about their competitors products unfavourably (the "next gen starts when we say it does" comment was a grave mistake in my book). All companies do it to a degree, if indirectly at times, but I don't personally think it is the way to proceed. I think Sony have probably learned a hard lesson this time around about how the public respond to perceived (perceived, not necessarily actual, which is a confusion I think people often make on here) arrogance. Hopefully that lesson will translate into action in the not too distant future.

  • bionutz #90 5 years ago

    SO EG, are you crying or laughing, it's one or the other as you said in the pre-TGS article?

  • nickthegun #91 5 years ago

    Just to add a bit of perspective here...........

    A) Europe have always been treated as a shanty town by everyone. How is this news suprising? Japan is arguably Sonys most important market, so they want to make damn sure they are no.1. And there isnt a damn thing you can do about it. Want to be considered more important to them? Buy some more fucking games!

    B) Microsoft did almost exactly the same. They almost gave the 360 away with a box of cornflakes in Japan. Did we see any savings? No.

    B) The Nintendroids seem to have an incredibly short memory. I know championing them is a great passtime, but can anyone tell me of a time when nintendo actually did anything that wasnt exactly the same thing? Nintendo, if anything, has treated Europe more badly than any major industry player. How many hardware/software delays have we experienced?

    In summary, Japan is a market that execs would kill their first born to ensure first place in.

    Plus le change, plus le même chose, you fucking idiots......

    The only thing of any note in this is that they have made a seemingly large hardware revision to something that has supposed to be in mass production for a while now and even thats not such a huge deal.

  • chupachups #92 5 years ago

    "And there isnt a damn thing you can do about it. Want to be considered more important to them? Buy some more fucking games! "

    Europe DOES buy more games than Japan, much more. It's the second largest games market in the world after the United States.
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 12:23

  • Psi #93 5 years ago

    yeah europe is a shantytown, but at least this time round the releases are closer to each other.

  • holloguts #94 5 years ago

    A price cut? on something that isn't even on sale yet? And of course a lot of gullible people will accept this as a price cut. It will be for sale at a lower than expected price when released may be true, but it certainly is not a 'price cut'. More Sony hype marketing.


    It's a bit like saying 'we sell things cheaper when they are out of stock'.

  • #95 5 years ago

    2 months from launch, and the SKUs' tech spec sheets are still changing.

    Crazy.

    People expected big things from Sony at this event (after the snubbing of the European one). Did they get them?

  • kangarootoo #96 5 years ago

    Did Sony actually call it a cut? Seeing as how everyone seems to be arming themselves with dictionaries and talking about how you can't price cut something that isn't on sale yet, we should probably be sure they used that exact word.

    Anyway, they announced a price a while back, we all knew what the price was, now in Japan they have changed that price.

    Who frankly gives a f*ck whether it should be classed as a cut, a re-pricing or a bloody easter-bonnet-price-remechanising. The essence of the news is still the same, i.e. "the cost of a 20Gb unit in Japan will be cheaper on laucnh than previously stated".

  • captainrentboy #97 5 years ago

    I have a feeling that Sony will officially announce the PS3's launch price for Europe soon,as it's all still speculation at the moment isn't it?And I have a lil feeling that we might get it in March for a lil less than expected,maybe £399,y'know as an apology of sorts for royally fucking us over again,and get in our good books.It would make sense,and it would deter some of those converted PS3 to xbox 360 customers and bring them back to their side again.
    Or it'll come out at £450 in May and i'm talking a lot of crap :)

  • nickthegun #98 5 years ago

    "Europe DOES buy more games than Japan, much more. It's the second largest games market in the world after the United States."

    If (source?) that were true, why is the industry not fighting tooth and nail for domination of the european market?

    Surely if europe, as a territory bought more games than Japan, we wouldnt be acknowledged as the ginger step child of the games market?

    Admittedly, the gap seems to be closing, but even so, i think thats a bit of a stretch, given the clear motives that are driving this generations launch strategeries.

  • kangarootoo #99 5 years ago

    The costs are higher in Europe. Lots more languages and a SHIT load more distributors. Those extra costs probably offset some of the unit volumes sold in Europe, making us a less profitable market (and therefore, sadly but reasonably, a less important one).

  • nickthegun #100 5 years ago

    Yeah, I thought as much. So, my point still stands.

    Europe isnt as important to Sony, so we will get non of the adopter incentives that Japan and, possibly, america will.

    Its fairly basic economics. Play to your best market and, at the moment, it isnt us.

    Sony dont have to please us, they dont have to offer us incentives.......anyone who thinks otherwise is, quite frankly, deluding themselves and getting pissed off at them is like getting pissed off at Apple for running a rebate scheme in america or McDonalds for offering their Breakfast Menu all day in Asia.

    It is, quite frankly, retarded.

    Yes, its annoying to see others getting better deals than us, but there is a reason for it and, like I said, if Europe wants a bigger slice of the cake we need to buy more games.

  • jiveguy #101 5 years ago

    I think its because europeans are a bit more fickle when it comes to buying games, while in japan they will buy the same old rubbish RPG again and again. This is an obvious troll :)

  • urban #102 5 years ago

    good news

  • Lawlost #103 5 years ago

    It amazes me. A price cut before the actual launch that sounds like a very worried Sony. Sony know the UK by a different name 'Treasure Island'. Once again we get screwed on price and the launch.

  • Jesus: Action Figure #104 5 years ago

    "Nintendroids"

    Genius - that's the next multi-million system seller then! =)

  • #105 5 years ago

    Sony doesn't care about europe so much because, generally, the Japanese are racist f**ks, including when it comes to business. ;)

    Flame on that bitchaaas!

    ED: This is a joke! This really isn't my POV. However, the converse is also untrue.
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 15:15

  • Rambaldi #106 5 years ago

    Oi, Bates, see that ^^

    Sick him rudeboy ;)
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 13:58

  • ConsoleCowboy #107 5 years ago

    @toy_brain: The US have VAT, Import Tax and all that too... still cheaper. To import the consoles from the manufactoring plant (china or wherever) to Nippon - import tax it is again. And VAT and on and on.... And no, it's not lower there.

    @Arnold__: Nice try in economics but you miss some points. First, Ninty, Sony and MS are all there is in console producers. So they only have to compete with semselves and not with the local grocery or coca cola or whatever in profit rate. And with the "constant revenue stream" - where you got that fairy-tale from? I have a game. I want to sell it. I want money. Now. The more the better. If i could chose between 3 Mio. € now or 1 now 1 in 3 months and the next in 6 months, every businessman choses the three million now, because you lose interest and get vampirised by inflation if you don't. So no, it does not make any sense to deliberatly launch your game at different times under these premises. Stretching a launch can make sense, if you want to test the acceptance of the product (e.g. how many copies to produce), or rethink your advertising. But your revenues - you would love to have them all right now.

    So in a keynesian way: sure we are ripping ourselves off! They give us a bad price and we pay it. But Ninty and MS get sexier every day. Now Sony needs no BS-Web 2.0 stuff for their online service. They need games. And they need em quick.

  • jimmyboo #108 5 years ago

    When they have only 100k consoles available for the Japanese market at launch, the price cut won't hurt them too much. Hence no planned price for US and EU (yet).

    However, coupled with the inclusion of HDMI, this is the first positive sign that Ken's people are learning from their mistakes. Will it be enough? Who knows. But.... Krazy Ken has a habit of telling barefaced lies. I would not be suprised if this all turns out to be less than true.

  • ConsoleCowboy #109 5 years ago

    @kangarootoo

    Language problems increase production price by 20-30%? Why is that just on consoles (and apple products) then? We live in 2006 man, 5-10% okay - the rest is a profitable myth. I would agree on RPG Games tho...

    BTW: the more distributers you have the better: No damn Walmart dictating the prices like in US, less discount for mass-orders. How efficient it's distributed is not Sony's problem as long as they provide enough consoles.

  • MrAtheist #110 5 years ago

    @nickthegun

    ELSPA released a report a while ago regarding entertainment software sales. According to their worldwide breakdown, USA represents the largest chunk of the pie at 39.4%, Japan is next at 14.7% with the UK third largest market at 12.2%.

    UK on its own represents one third of the total Western European market.

    http://ww w.elspa.com/assets/files/0/2006...

  • Lovemoose #111 5 years ago

    Réellement, l'expression est plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.

    Fucking idiot.

  • #112 5 years ago

    @ kanga

    I knew someone would take offence. Yes, the Japanese people I know too are not racist, or at least don't seem to be.

    And with regards to your linked cartoon, who is the one here not going by a pseudonym?

    The point about the flame what that I wasn't being all that serious, but I guess that just skimmed over your head. Perhaps a more appropriate slogan would be:

    internets-intelligence=misunderstanding + argument.

    ususally liked your comment on EG. Not today I guess :)

    ED:"I know several japanese people who aren't racist. How does your wisdom accomodate that?"
    And I have to say, this is the most overused argument EVAR. I have gay friends, therefore I am not a homophobe. I have black friend therefore I am not racist etc etc ad infinitum.
    ED2: spleling
    Edited by 2 at 22/09/06 @ 14:33

  • zoidberg #113 5 years ago

    They (Sony) made a huge mistake with this "price cut"... Why? Because every other territory will expect one.

  • kangarootoo #114 5 years ago

    @ConsoleCowboy

    Language alone doesn't increase production costs to that degree. But language differences are a factor.

    "BTW: the more distributers you have the better"

    Simply not true when it comes to the final price to the customer. I can't provide you with a source unfortunately or I'd get in trouble, but scour the web. A large company like Sony can cut deals with big distributors that they could not make with many smaller companies. Also, a huge corp like Walmart can discount software off their own back, knowing they will shift a large volume of units. This again is something that a number of smaller distributors cannot do.


    @jamesphilp

    "I knew someone would take offence. Yes, the Japanese people I know too are not racist, or at least don't seem to be."

    Well then what was your post all about? Of course someone would take offense. Are you supposed to have tricked me in some way because you don't actually believe in what you said?

    I referenced the comic out of anger I admit. I don't think I have ever conducted myself on here in a manner I would not use in person (including when I call people out). So I guess I was wondering whether you would have made such a comment in person if we were all in a room together (hence my use of the PA strip ref).

    If you weren't being serious, or were writing "in character" (as I do often when talking, but not on here because it doesn't translate) then I apologise. But without the usual ;) and similar how am I supposed to know.

    Yes I suppose I could have noticed that it was an out of character thing for you to write, but there are a lot of posters on here and its hard to keep a record in my head of who believes what.

    So anyway, if I read you wrong I apologise. I'm going to delete my previous post to you. But ffs, use some puctuation and emoticons in future dude :)

  • kangarootoo #115 5 years ago

    @jamesphilp
    "And I have to say, this is the most overused argument EVAR"

    Errr, if I were being accused of being racist then you are right, the "I have japanese friends" angle would be a weak one to take. But that isn't actually what was going on here was it. So you seem to have things the wrong way round.

    I was asking you how your general statement could accomodate my specific facts. I wasn't defending my own stand point was I? I was trying to challenge a bigoted (or as I thought at the time) generalisation with some logic. There is nothing new in that and it works just fine most of the time thankyou.

    Now chill out. I regret attacking you, but for crying out loud, your post was bound to get a response wasn't it.
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 14:47

  • old_skool #116 5 years ago

    I miss the days when you could have a reasonable , intelligent and logical discussion...

    Maybe someone will make a game about it...

  • #117 5 years ago

    @ Kanga

    "So I guess I was wondering whether you would have made such a comment in person if we were all in a room together (hence my use of the PA strip ref). "

    Yeah I would have, but you would have know from my face that I wasn't serious.

    Le sigh. I probably should have put a smiliey on there.

    But I have heard a lot of things from a lot of people (including some Japanese people) about how this is true.
    This is a mild example, because I really like this person, but she won't buy a Samsung etc. TV and wants a Sony because Samsung is a Chinese company, not a Japanese one. And she says how Jap peope can be racsit.

    "Errr, if I were being accused of being racist then you are right, the "I have japanese friends" angle would be a weak one to take. But that isn't actually what was going on here was it. So you seem to have things the wrong way round. "

    Yes I did realise at the time of writing that they wern't 100% applicable, but the general "I know people who are X, therefore Y is untrue" argument is what I was going for.

    Misunderstanding all round perhaps. Nothing against you mate. Someone should have called me out I guess. Bit of a dumb comment on my behalf I guess, though there is some truth to it. Of course, you can never generalise like that and it be a true statement .

    If I add a smily will it help?

  • nickthegun #118 5 years ago

    Réellement, l'expression est plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.

    Fucking idiot.

    And thats one of the reasons why Europe gets the shaft. Even its natives cant speak each others languages. Fucking Idiot.

    Why everyone doesnt just bite the bullet and speak English, rather than passing retarded legislation about 'Native Language' quotas I will never know. I mean, Jesus, if countries allowed more than three English language songs in a row on the radio, we might have got the PSP sooner...........

    Its a dying language for a reason, ya know!

    /jk

  • ronuds #119 5 years ago

    It's not too difficult to fathom why Sony would do this, given the fact that they have to be worried about people's reaction so far to the product, and it's being released much later than the 360, yet at a much higher price. Plus, of course, the competition from Nintendo is looking fierce over there. I'd expect a cut in Europe too... especially since you're not getting the thing until the xbox720 is due to hit store shelves.

    Unfortunately, I'm just not seeing why I need to have this machine over the 360. Can someone tell me because Sony sure isn't? In ten years what will happen doesn't really help me figure out what I should buy today. He gives no timeframes as to when any of this downloadable content will be available and they still can't show me what the online interface will look like. So, it's like I'm going to buy a 360 for nearly double the price. They should call it the PS360 because it's really offering nothing more.

    You have to commend Ken on his Nostrodamus-like predictions, though. In 10 years it seems we'll really be able to get our money's worth out of the PS3. What's going to make me want to buy it now, though?

    Think Ken consulted the cell processor before predicting the future of gaming? "Coming up... the cell processor predicts the next world war!! Stay tuned!!"

  • kangarootoo #120 5 years ago

    @jamesphilp

    I'm happy to have a discussion on the cultural differences of Japan when compared to the UK (for example), and how perceptions of other races differ in Japan from other countries. I accept there are differences and the example you gave of your friend is not a big surprise to me (I've been around a bit, I'm not some sit-at-home PC blanket champion of causes I have no understanding of).

    So I am aware that differences exist, some of which are negative. But I tend not to like generalisations, especially those that present them in an excessive negative light, and especially those that appear to be fighting fire with fire ("they hate us so we hate them" as many a bigoted C18 loony has said). So I jumped rather hard when I read your first post and was a bit too grumpy to see that it might not have been serious.

    Anyway, its all good now so lets forget about it.

  • old_skool #121 5 years ago

    @jamesphilp

    Nationalism isn't the same as racism .People seem to get confused between the two and many nations are just like the Japanese .

  • ronuds #122 5 years ago

    Maybe the Japanese don't hate other countries as much as they are just loyal to their own. I do doubt they see American electronics as equal to something made by a Japanese company, though. I mean, I even thought that way until recently -and I don't even live in Japan!

  • Les #123 5 years ago

    "this is the most overused argument EVAR"

    Well actually the "They do it too" argument is the most overused argument EVAR...

    "many nations are just like the Japanese"

    E.g. the USA: their "Buy American" slogan is quite scary. Or all that shit since 9/11 about the Patriot act.
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 16:11

  • #124 5 years ago

    @ old skool

    Yes of course there's a difference.

    Go to Japan and call Japanese people Chinese. They will be pretty offended. That's not being proud of one's own nationality, that's being insulted by inferring another's.

    @ Kanga

    I find the cultural differences between the west and Japan fascinating and celebrate them - what would be the point if we were all the same!? It's a very complicated issue, and I did promise myself that I would never get into a discussion about race on the internets again because (i) it never goes anywhere (ii) often you can't write what you're trying to say, and even if you could it may come out wrong, and the issue deserves better.

  • old_skool #125 5 years ago

    @ronuds

    It is the sum of culture + social identity + pride + loyalty + trust + social acceptance + heritage and some.
    The Japanese may be viewed by Westerners as practising it to the extreme , but that's only because western culture doesn't put so much emphasis or importance ( if any ) on those values .

    Just let the Japanse be Japanese .

  • old_skool #126 5 years ago

    @jamesphilp

    I'm pretty sure a Scotsman will be insulted if you'd call him English...

  • Les #127 5 years ago

    "I'm pretty sure a Scotsman will be insulted if you'd call him English... "

    Or any Northern European when he's called a German... ;)

  • kangarootoo #128 5 years ago

    There is an article over at the BBC website about the Japan PS3 price change/cut/reduction/reimagining.

    There is a vote option on whether you think the change ashould also apply to the US and UK. Unsurprisingly, at the time of writing, 93.4% of voters say it should.

    http://ne ws.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/53...

  • old_skool #129 5 years ago

    I believe my wallet to be a more stronger vote

    /flicks a wad of cash in front of KEn Kutaragi's nose

    Anyway , voted on the BBC and I won't be suprised if the prices for US/EU came more in line with Japan rather soon .

    /edit grammer gremlins
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 16:25

  • #130 5 years ago

    The important thing is that they're calling it a "price cut" though.

    Works every time.

    old skool, I think it's more than that in some cases (the experiences of a black person from these very forums based soley on the colour of his skin for example). But let's not go further with this, see previous posts for rationale.

  • ronuds #131 5 years ago

    @ old skool

    I wasn't criticizing the Japanese for their loyalty to homemade products. I think that's a good thing. Like I said, for a long time I thought the Japanese electronics were far superior to anything American. The gap has closed a lot in recent years, though... in my opinion, anyway. But they are a proud people and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. Plus, I think they see American's as lazy wastes of space, which in large part we are, but we can still get the job done.

    Anyhow, let the Japanese be the Japanese is correct! And what's wrong with the "buy American" slogan? Believe me, not too many people practice it, but there's certainly nothing wrong with being loyal to your own country's products.

  • old_skool #132 5 years ago

    @jamesphilp

    Your rationale is duly noted but it is based on hearsay ( what you heard from others ) and limited contact with said subjects , leading to limited understanding of their natures .

    Anyway , I'll leave this as is . I got a social life to fullfill .

    Later
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 16:39

  • Lex_Luthor #133 5 years ago

    "sooo.. Japs get ps3 for £225 and we have to pay twice the price and wait 6 months to do so... o_O?"

    No, we get to pay about 100 quid more and wait four months to do so.

  • Toonster #134 5 years ago

    How, HOW did you manage to glean that nugget of wisdom from that article. A complate and utter shitface? Where does this come from? Get some friends, get some hobbies and get yourself out in the fresh air, ffs

    Excuse me for not stating this was a personal opinion but IMHO (and calling someone a shitface is quite harsh coming from me), Kuturagi just doesn't seem like a gaming businessman. In my view, he comes off as arrogant, ignorant and just has a terrible sense of salemanship. He seems like he is always in his own little world.

    And ffs, Kanga, you're coming off as arrogant as Kuturagi is, telling me to get friends and all that.

    And lastly, It's Kuturagi I hate, not Sony.
    Edited by 1 at 22/09/06 @ 22:36

  • aihyah #135 5 years ago

    "
    And lastly, It's Kuturagi I hate, not Sony."

    why not? they are responsible for a load of proprietary/crippled/drm'd to death formats. they are responsible for root kit and other nonsense on their cds and dvds. they are effectively the riaa+mpaa in a single package, sueing customers. and of course they are responsible for much lying to the press, remember the hype about the emotion engine helping dictators develop nukes? that the ps2 could render toy story graphics? that the cell processor would run distributed computing to help render games, that through your home network the cell processor in your fridge would augement your gaming experience? and now they are delaying the adoption of a consumer HDTV video because they have started a format war. and they are attempting to take the market by launching their format on the back of gamers. and plenty other nonsense. theres plenty of reason to hate sony. its time a company like this gets sent a message. you can't behave like this and have people still hand you money.
    Edited by 1 at 23/09/06 @ 01:49

  • Lex_Luthor #136 5 years ago

    "why not?"

    Because there's more to life.

  • Daikon #137 5 years ago

    Oooo... 50.000 yen is the absolute maximum I'd be willing to spend on a PS3.
    Very tempting, but I'll be getting a Wii first though.

  • manic_mouse #138 5 years ago

    A 20% price-cut on the PS3 in Europe would make it rather attractive. I'm a "hardcore" gamer: I buy consoles on launch, own multiple consoles and buy plenty of games for them. Yet even I can't justify spending £425 on the PS3 without even a game to play on it.

    If Sony reduced the price by 20% that would make the 60Gb PS3 £360. At that price I would bite, because I could spend £500 on a PS3, extra pad, a few games or Blu-Ray movies and still have change.

    It makes me think how well the PS3 will do at the high price of £425 if a "hardcore" gamer with enough expendible income to buy one isn't interested. If people like me can't justify the price then how does Sony expect the average/casual gamer to justify it?

  • kangarootoo #139 5 years ago

    @Toonster

    First off, I was being a bit of a hard ass that day so I probably went a bit far when I posted against you. But the thing that winds me up in general, and was evident in your, was the amount of anger that some people direct at other individuals.

    Whatever you think of Ken as a business man, PR man or marketeer, is calling him a shitface really rational and proportional?

    I hate rapists, I hate bigots, I hate bullies. I don't hate someone just because they in some obscure and minor way affect my life as a gamer.

    My somewhat over the top suggestion that you get friends (which I apologise for) was my arsey way of suggesting you put things in context. Life is way to short to be directing such strongly worded negative feelings for barely any reason. And hate is something you should only bring out when a situation absolutely requires it (and it is always something to lament, even on the very rare occasions where it is necessary).

  • Toonster #140 5 years ago

    Yeah, I apologize myself. No hard feelings, eh?

  • kangarootoo #141 5 years ago

    :)

  • Jo0j #142 5 years ago

    ''PS3 price CUT in Japan only.'' pardon?

    Dear Sony,
    I could give two shits. I don't live in ''The Land of the Rising Sun'' to even take advantage-not that I was going to buy one anyway(I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid). Regardless...I have crusty genitalia, and talking about this PS3 nonsense makes 'em itch...cheers.

    choke on my scrote,

    Disgruntled Consumer. P.S. GO Wii60 ! huzzah!
    Edited by 1 at 25/09/06 @ 11:16