Latest PS3 pricing and release "news" - early November, for $399

Sure, the latest unofficial news on the Playstation 3's release date and pricing doesn't differ substantially from what we've already heard. But a little more reinforcement doesn't hurt, right? So, we'll assume for now that the team at PSM have at least some idea of what they're talking about when they say that the PS3 will be out in "the first half" of November, and will be priced at $399 in the U.S., €322 in Europe and ¥45,965 in Japan (arbitrageurs, fire up your calculators now). That pricing will no doubt come as a relief to anyone who panicked at this month's €599 scare -- and an early November release could give Sony a jump on the Black Friday shopping frenzy. And this is probably the last PS3 rumor we'll hear -- at least until we hit E3 next month, that is.

[Via Joystiq]

[Tsunamii @ Apr 26th 2006 4:45PM]

Just about the same time 360 will be knocking $100 off of their prices.

[Jaded Gamer @ Apr 26th 2006 4:48PM]

Will it pay to reserve a PS3 now?
I know that it did not seem to help on the Xbox 360.

[daschupa @ Apr 26th 2006 4:50PM]

Not bad for a blue ray player. I'd gladly spend 400 on that then the 360 value-wise. I wonder if they are going to make you buy a remote or some crap to play the blues.

[DRMPro @ Apr 26th 2006 4:51PM]

It will probably be $299 by Christmas.
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DRMPro.net: http://www.drmpro.net
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[js @ Apr 26th 2006 4:53PM]

Tsunamii, the PS3 will still be a bargain since it includes the built-in blu-ray player.

[DJ @ Apr 26th 2006 4:54PM]

$399.00 for what??? I noticed the lack of specs at this price level. So does that mean a bare bones system or a "take this and shove it up the X360's ass" configuration???

[Tsunamii @ Apr 26th 2006 4:55PM]

Post #4: Dude what are you smoking? Your predection is that it comes out in November and a month later they drop the price? Ahhh ya, I dont think so.

[Tsunamii @ Apr 26th 2006 4:57PM]

"Tsunamii, the PS3 will still be a bargain since it includes the built-in blu-ray player."
Well a bargin on a format that has not been vetted maybe. Alas Microsofts answer today was rumored to be a $100 add on hd-dvd.
Hey I want a PS3 sitting right next to my 360 but the HD-DVD and Blueray fight is going to make it less attracitve to the masses. IMHO

[Thill @ Apr 26th 2006 4:59PM]

This looks like a fake rumor to me...

Look at the prices (�322 in Europe and �45,965 in Japan)?? These prices make no sense..

Don't get me wrong, I would love to see Sony price these bad boys at $399, but I will believe it when I see it. Sony would lose way too much money per console at that price point considering the processors, graphics chipset, controllers, blu-ray drive, and 60GB hard drive... I think it will be closer to $499....

[RedBull Runner @ Apr 26th 2006 5:01PM]

blu-ray is another peice of sony media that will never really catch on. look at mini disk, look at betamax, look at UMD, that thing aint 'universal' like the name says since it only works in one device. and now look, many stores/movie companies are rejecting it. i smell failure for blu-ray

[idude135 @ Apr 26th 2006 5:05PM]

Great now how much will the games cost?

[Balls @ Apr 26th 2006 5:12PM]

Sweet!

Time to stand in line.

[Rich @ Apr 26th 2006 5:15PM]

The euro and yen figures look like straight exchange rate translations which, atleast for the euro and based on other electronics items, are unlikey.

It's more likely to be 1 for 1 conversion giving a cost of �399 - which would then be rounded up to �299. That would make it a 1/3rd more expensive in the UK than in the US, but I would be happy with that price.

I think, if this price is below Sony's target, then the rumour will get corrected quite quickly. They can't afford for people to believe it will be cheaper as it would would cause too much negativity (& xbox fanboyism) when the real price is announced.

For once, lets hope Sony keep quite!

[Brian @ Apr 26th 2006 5:16PM]

#10

You forget to mention floppy disks and CD's, both which were partially developed by sony. I'm pretty sure they cought on quite well.

Yes, the pricing does not seem real. The Japanese and European prices are not 'catchy' enough. As a marketing device, they would end it in 99 (makes you think you're paying a lot less when the difference is really just a dollar).

I am looking forward to Blu Ray. It might be excessive, but it prevents the need for a new format (although I agree this will be the last optical format).

[Cage @ Apr 26th 2006 5:19PM]

E3...E3...please all wait a couple weeks so myth will meet reality. PS3 = overrated

[Matt @ Apr 26th 2006 5:21PM]

This is more speculation and clearly not the truth. First, the prices are literally the same across the board. No one has ever priced consoles the same across the board for a few reasons. One is the expense of shipping, another is tarriffs and the third is local taxes. The Euro price is often highest for at least 2 of the 3 reasons -- I'm not aware of tarriff issues, but I know the Europeans pay more because of VAT, which is built-in to the price unlike U.S. sales tax. With this in mind, the �322 is unrealistic, since it converts to about $400.

At any rate, to answer poster 2, yes pre-order the console if you really want it. However, just don't pre-order with Gamestop/EB unless you plan on ordering multiple games. Reportedly, GS/EB didn't base distribution of 360s on when people placed their orders, but on the number of games and accessories they pre-ordered with it. At any rate, you'll have better luck using Best Buy's and Circuit City's Web sites. I snagged my 360 via a Toys R Us pre-order deal at their B&M stores.

[Black Guy @ Apr 26th 2006 5:23PM]

Balls -
Where will u b standing @? Anyone else that plans to camp, please post where.

Anyway, when the PS2 and the Xbox 360 came out, iHeld up so many ppl @ gun point who where standing in those lines and u wouldn't believe the # of idiots that have cold hard cash. Those that had ATM or debit cards, iHauled who iCould to the ATM and made them take out the maximum withdrawl. iMake a killing every time.

OMG, For the X360 launch iMade about $32K jack'n fools. Cats like Balls will make this early season 4 me. iCan't 4 that PS3 and the Revo launch, baby. Whoo!!! I'm going to clean up this year!!!!!

[1Up @ Apr 26th 2006 5:26PM]

Take this price with a grain of salt. Theres no way Sony can release the PS3 at this price point without getting hurt extremely bad. You thought Microsoft was hurt on the losses from the first Xbox? Think twice that much for Sony.

[Kraig @ Apr 26th 2006 5:29PM]

Pure speculation at this point. I have a hard time believing the PS3 will be $399 when you consider the price of an external Blu-Ray drive for PC's are going to start around $850. I know the PS3 won't have the ability to burn, but it's going to have a lot more integrated into than a BRD. PS3 is going to cost plenty and Sony is still probably going to lose moneyon the hardware.

[WGIII @ Apr 26th 2006 5:34PM]

Time to start hitting ocean containers in Long Beach, CA. (that's where ocean freight hit the U.S. first)

[Boza @ Apr 26th 2006 5:37PM]

Great in a couple of years it will cost like $150 :)

[Colin @ Apr 26th 2006 5:38PM]

I'm waiting for the PS3 because of my huge investement in PS games....but ultimately I won't be a 1st adopter until the format war is settled out. $600 CDN ($399 US + game + memory + exchange and tax) is TOO much to pay for something that may ultimately be 'just' a game machine.

I'm on the sidelines for at least 2 years more (in that time Sony wil also fix all the 'problems' that the adopters will live with).

[Asian Voice @ Apr 26th 2006 5:39PM]

At $399 core system that will not cover any of the PS3 upgrades like blu-ray drive, and 60GB hard drive. These will be available on the premium system for $599. excluding the bat-a-rang wireless controller.

[DarkSol @ Apr 26th 2006 5:40PM]

To RedBull Runner:

Just because the MiniDisc format wasn't big here in the US, doesn't mean that it wasn't popular in Japan. (Which it was.) Plus, if it wasn't for Betamax, there would have been no Sony Corp. v. Universal City Studios which said it was ok to produce products that may or may not be used to infringe copyrights since their non-infringing benefits far outweigh the negatives. UMDs, sure, I could see how Sony dropped the ball on that one.

However, look at all the studios that are backing Blu-Ray. Shall I name them all for you? Sony (obviously), MGM, 20th Century Fox, Disney, Lions Gate, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Considering only two big studios, New Line and Universal are not backing Blu-Ray, I can't see your logic really well.

Let's also consider the number of HD-DVDs thata re being released around launch date compared to Blu-Ray. Blu-Ray: 110. HD-DVD: 89 (4 have only been released on launch day, no dates given for any of the others)

Also, let's compare killer apps for each format. Blu-ray: PS3. HD-DVD: None.

[Nick the Greek DJ @ Apr 26th 2006 5:42PM]

Man this thing is gonna overheat like a bit hooker in a geo metro.

[Count Chocula @ Apr 26th 2006 5:44PM]

DarkSol,

You forgot to mention the Sony Beano MP3 player. LOL

That was another Sony turd.

[Here comes the Judge @ Apr 26th 2006 5:47PM]

George Bush invented the PS3

[Abubyu Fahid @ Apr 26th 2006 5:49PM]

Hello my freind, can one tell me when the ps3 will be selling and by how much? I really must be getting one most urgently.

[FordPrfct @ Apr 26th 2006 6:08PM]

Asian Voice (#21):

60 Gb drive? Confirmed as standard.
Blu-Ray drive? Confirmed as standard, and as the media that the games will be on.

Batarang controller? Bad joke.

So, what, exactly, are you thinking the "upgrades" will be?

[MaX PL @ Apr 26th 2006 6:21PM]

#21

that makes no sense. every ps3 will be standard with a BR drive or else developers would be forced to develop for two diff. formats, something which will never happen.

additionally, sony has already said that the HDD is a requirement, so I dont see any bundles coming.

[Balls @ Apr 26th 2006 6:23PM]

"OMG, For the X360 launch iMade about $32K jack'n fools."

You made 32k jacking fools off, you must give great handjobs.

Whatever keeps you off welfare.

[sr @ Apr 26th 2006 6:34PM]

I have no doubt in my mind that PS3 will launch in early November ...all 5 of them.

[Paul @ Apr 26th 2006 6:36PM]

45,965 Japanese yen = 401.09059 U.S. dollars
322 Euro = 399.1834 U.S. dollars

according to google, so why again is that pricing outragous?

[Brian @ Apr 26th 2006 6:45PM]

Paul (#31), you're an idiot.

Before you waste your time calculating conversions, read the posts (#16, specifically).

[steve-o @ Apr 26th 2006 6:56PM]

How sweet! Our Linux capable multi-media supercomputer is going to be $399. Our beloved PS3 hounders are at it again. Keep it up Thill, Tsunami and Cage. I wonder where's Slayermayer.

These guys never miss a beat when a console related article comes up. They're like flies to a pile of dung. Their sole purpose of living is to fill up the 1st page of article with negative comment. You gotta wonder if they work for M$'s marketing department. No one's putting down X360, yet they make it their life's mission to drag PS3 to dirt.

[The Jeremy @ Apr 26th 2006 6:59PM]

I wonder how long it will be before Microsoft retools the Xbox360 to replace the stock DVD drive and replace it with an HD-DVD drive while issuing a coupon for the external upgrade to existing owners. I'm sure Toshiba would give Microsoft a cut-rate price on the drives in order to execute a c-block maneuver to dampen the Blu-Ray equipped PS3 market entrance. Perhaps Microsoft would unveil Halo3 on the day of the PS3 launch with the game coming out on an HD-DVD disc.

If Sony is smart, they'll dump the Sony Connect Store in favor of a partnership on iTunes, ship the PS3 with iTunes compatibility, and also stock their own Blu-Ray titles with iPod and PSP compatible files. Of course, those two options depends upon how smart Sony is...and how flexible business-wise Sir Howard Stringer is.

[Cage @ Apr 26th 2006 7:32PM]

Appreciate the post Steve-O. Means so much. At this point I think Im gonna cry.

Microsoft is not associated with next gen dvd's. They do not promote bluray or hd-dvd. Why are people trying to connect them to hd-dvd?

"Our Linux capable multi-media supercomputer is going to be $399." 99.9% of people do not care what Linux is or what you can do with it.

Finally...all I said is wait for E3. It will explain a lot (hopefully...with Sony you never know). The reason I called it overrated is because Sony never lives up to expectation...

[Jon @ Apr 26th 2006 7:37PM]

This is a load of bullcrap. The Blu-Ray drive is expected to cost aroun $200 per unit. I don't think their willing to take that much of a loss to sell these things at $399 which would be a loss even without Blu-Ray. If Sony were willing to take a loss...than Blu-Ray Drive prices would be much lower. $900 for the cheapest PC internal drive and $1000-$1200 for a Stand Alone Blu-Ray player...How in the crap are they going to afford throwing in a HD, Gigabit Ethernet, Memory Card Slots, 2 HDMI ports, etc and ever expect to make any money on this thing??? Sony doesn't have 4 Billion to Burn like MS did with the first Xbox. Either their betting the entire company on PS3/Blu-Ray or they will not sell for $399.

[Karan @ Apr 26th 2006 7:49PM]

If those numbers are accurate, Australia can expect the PS3 to drop for AU$550, based on current currency rates... that's AU$100 cheaper than the Xbox 360 at launch! very interesting =D

[Jason @ Apr 26th 2006 7:50PM]

ATTACH RATE ANYONE! Look... you cannot sell the machine that cheap if it has a Blu-Ray drive in it. MS and Sony are willing to lose money on the consoles because they make up the difference on the game attach rate... if the main selling point is the Blu-Ray drive and people buy the PS3 with no intention of using it as a gaming device because it is the cheapest Blu-Ray player then they are not making that "make-up" money on those people. They CANNOT lose that much money on these consoles.

[Svendawg @ Apr 26th 2006 7:50PM]

I don't think many of you are understanding the HD disc war and what that means to us consumers. The reason why I DO believe that Sony will price the PS3 for a reasonable $399 is so that everyone has the BluRay at their home. Sony is going to have to bite the bullet for the PS3 in order to WIN the HD disc war... and that means a very expensive PS3 console.

If the PS3 was $500-$600, there would be less demand for the PS3 -> less demand for the BluRay -> Sony would lose the HD war. If the PS3 is cheap -> Sony will win.

[Jason @ Apr 26th 2006 7:56PM]

Anyway... Any of you hard core games out there should be outragged at Sony for their decision to make the next gen console all about a next gen DVD format. Do you know how many people will get a PS3 before you who have no interest in using it to play games?

PS3 = Death of Blu-Ray!

[play free games @ Apr 26th 2006 8:07PM]

Well, this seems like a pretty good price point to me. $399 is about the top for the average person to pay for a console. Around $500 too many people just can't afford it, or just won't buy it, even around the Christmas season. Hope this price is true

[Svendawg @ Apr 26th 2006 8:18PM]

In response to Jason (#39)... the reason Sony WILL price their PS3 console at such a low price and WILL lose that much money is BECAUSE you have to see the BIGGER picture. This goes beyond Sony making money for the PS3... this is about a larger plan of world domination for the next generation HD disc format. Do you know how much money Sony will make in the liscensing of the Blu-Rray technology to all the film and game studios... ALOT! Sony will bite the bullet with a cheap-priced PS3 in order to penetrate the market with the new Blu-Ray and WIN THE HD WAR! Its called "Strategic Marketing!"

[Joseph @ Apr 26th 2006 8:39PM]

Yet more FANBOY talk yet again in these comment boards. All your haters just shut up, if you're not thinking about buying a PS3, then don't get one!!! If your xbox was so good you'd be playing it and you wouldn't have time bashing PS3 on Engadget. And don't read all the latest news about the PS3 if you're just gonna bash it. This PS3 info is for the people who are really interested.

[MaX PL @ Apr 26th 2006 8:50PM]

wow #35

nothing you said makes any sense.

1. MS made the right choice by including DVD, and having two SKUs.

2. Sony is not smart, hence their reasoning to include BluRay, and up the cost of their precious PS3.

and lastly, where the hell did you come up with any of that reasoning?

why would apple let sony take in profit from Itunes? apples doing their own thing, and theyre a success. Sony is doing their own thing, and theyre in debt.

Sony sucks.

[Tsunamii @ Apr 26th 2006 8:53PM]

"You forget to mention floppy disks and CD's, both which were partially developed by sony. I'm pretty sure they cought on quite well."


Ahh your an idiot. Lets try IBM developed them. The Floppy in the mid 60's, Sony made some imporvments in the 80's. I hate Fanyboys of all kinds. Lets not embleish to try and make a point can we?

[Deoki @ Apr 26th 2006 8:54PM]

Heh! If it is 399USD, then its only 321EUR converted.
Thats peanuts! Better import one and I'll save +70EUR.
Gotta love this currency :)

[MaX PL @ Apr 26th 2006 8:54PM]

#38

the numbers arent true so dont get your hopes up.

anyhow, as i remember it, MS won the console war in Australia last generation.

[MaX PL @ Apr 26th 2006 8:57PM]

"43. "You forget to mention floppy disks and CD's, both which were partially developed by sony. I'm pretty sure they cought on quite well."


Ahh your an idiot. Lets try IBM developed them. The Floppy in the mid 60's, Sony made some imporvments in the 80's. I hate Fanyboys of all kinds. Lets not embleish to try and make a point can we?"

Dude, didnt you hear?

Sony "developed" the world.