Name: Anonymous 2006-02-23 10:04
I've been an avid "gamer" for at least 9 years now, and needless to say, my love of games has been a costly one.
Unlike the U.S. and other countries, new-release computer and video games almost always cost over $80, with a good portion of those games costing up to $100.
Another problem, is the inflated price of game consoles. Back in 2001, when the PlayStation 2 was released in Australia, it's initial price upon said release was at least $800 in most stores. Prices varied retailer from retailer -- some lower than $800, some as high as $1000.
To make purchasing a PS2 even more difficult, some games cost up to $110, separate controllers up to $75, and memory cards up to and over $60.
Prices have gone down since then, of course. A new PS2 costs around $300, and the games are now closer to $70, some still go for $100, though. Especially big-budget games from EA and other big-name publishers.
So, with the upcoming release of the PlayStation 3, which will definitely be marketed as "the next generation," and its capabilities hyped up and used as a "valid reason" for its massive price tag, how are Australian Sony enthusiasts supposed to be able to join in on the post-release PS3-fest among millions of gamers worldwide? I mean, there aren't a lot of people in Australia who can afford such an expensive piece of electronic equipment.
Now, I know some of you may say I'm "jumping the gun" by assuming the PS3 will be over-priced, but my reason for being so pessimistic is because of the RR prices of the Xbox 360 -- releasing at the end of next month.
Observe this PDF: http://www.target.com.au/html/xbox/xbox.pdf
That's $650 for the console alone. $650 from a retail store, Target. Other stores, like Kmart and Harvey Norman (Harvey Norman is an electronics and appliances store), don't even list a price; only the deposit needed for the preorder.
And check out these "bundles" from GameTraders: http://www.gametraders.com.au/index.php?action=news&item=167#
Ghost Recon is priced at $120 AUD? What the hell kind of price is that? And $190 for a controller and "Quake 4" -- can someone tell me how that adds up?
If the Xbox 360 and its games are this highly priced, then how much is the PS3 -- a more technologically powerful console -- going to cost? And if the recent rumors of the PS3 being $900 USD turn out to be true, how will that affect Australian prices?
Are there any other Aussies concerned by this? I feel like I'm the only one.
Unlike the U.S. and other countries, new-release computer and video games almost always cost over $80, with a good portion of those games costing up to $100.
Another problem, is the inflated price of game consoles. Back in 2001, when the PlayStation 2 was released in Australia, it's initial price upon said release was at least $800 in most stores. Prices varied retailer from retailer -- some lower than $800, some as high as $1000.
To make purchasing a PS2 even more difficult, some games cost up to $110, separate controllers up to $75, and memory cards up to and over $60.
Prices have gone down since then, of course. A new PS2 costs around $300, and the games are now closer to $70, some still go for $100, though. Especially big-budget games from EA and other big-name publishers.
So, with the upcoming release of the PlayStation 3, which will definitely be marketed as "the next generation," and its capabilities hyped up and used as a "valid reason" for its massive price tag, how are Australian Sony enthusiasts supposed to be able to join in on the post-release PS3-fest among millions of gamers worldwide? I mean, there aren't a lot of people in Australia who can afford such an expensive piece of electronic equipment.
Now, I know some of you may say I'm "jumping the gun" by assuming the PS3 will be over-priced, but my reason for being so pessimistic is because of the RR prices of the Xbox 360 -- releasing at the end of next month.
Observe this PDF: http://www.target.com.au/html/xbox/xbox.pdf
That's $650 for the console alone. $650 from a retail store, Target. Other stores, like Kmart and Harvey Norman (Harvey Norman is an electronics and appliances store), don't even list a price; only the deposit needed for the preorder.
And check out these "bundles" from GameTraders: http://www.gametraders.com.au/index.php?action=news&item=167#
Ghost Recon is priced at $120 AUD? What the hell kind of price is that? And $190 for a controller and "Quake 4" -- can someone tell me how that adds up?
If the Xbox 360 and its games are this highly priced, then how much is the PS3 -- a more technologically powerful console -- going to cost? And if the recent rumors of the PS3 being $900 USD turn out to be true, how will that affect Australian prices?
Are there any other Aussies concerned by this? I feel like I'm the only one.