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Sony, Nintendo, and others weigh in on the new PS3 model and Wii U's prices

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Article comes from SankeiBiz, Sankei Shimbun's site for business news.

Nintendo will be releasing its next generation console, Wii U, in Japan on December 8th. The basic set is priced under 30000 yen, which many people related to the industry have evaluated as being "an appropriate price". However, a number of other doubtful voices have also weighed in, concerned with just how much Wii U's features will be accepted by users. Tests for Nintendo look to continue as they head into this critical holiday season, which will play a key role on their business recovery.

"Prices over $300 make for tough buys; another price drop will happen," said a worried person related to a developer, just prior to Wii U's price announcement. Many specialists had forecast that the price of Wii U would exceed 30000 yen prior to the price announcement. Reasons why included its high spec features such as the screen on the controller, along with various control options.

Nintendo's price for its premium model, which includes 32 GB of memory, charging stand, etc., did indeed exceed this 30000 yen threshold. However, the basic set did not, coming in at 26250 yen. "Setting a price was difficult. We thoroughly investigated what consumers have their eyes on," revealed a person related to Nintendo.

And while the price of Wii U has been well regarded, an unexpected factor now faces Nintendo. Sony Computer Entertainment, on September 19th, announced a new model for their PlayStation 3 console, featuring a smaller size, lighter weight, and higher memory. The console is set to release on October 4th in Japan, putting it head-to-head with Wii U during the holidays.

"To think that the release time-frames would overlap... We're always looking to do our absolute best to compete," stated a person related to Sony with a complicated expression on their face.

Nintendo have responded to this, emphasizing that Wii U would not be directly competing with the new PS3 model, as this new model does not offer any new features that previous models didn't.

A number of people have pointed out that the arrival of the new PS3 model will indeed affect Wii U's sales. A related person in the industry also explained that, given that the new PS3 model is also being sold at a price in the 20k yen range, there will be a considerable contingent of first time PS3 buyers. This same person also anticipates that there will be consumers during this holiday season that will be pressed to choose between buying a Wii U or the new PS3 model.

"Wii U might just be too new of a console for consumers. Even leaving aside the price, it's an unknown whether Wii U's various features will even be accepted or not," he pointed out.

Wii U draws a line between other, former consoles; offering new features such as the ability to play on two screens, as well as letting players exchange information with one another over the internet.

However, there are no guarantees that such novel features will widely permeate with users. Nintendo, troubled with slumping business, and having posted a net loss of 43.2 billion yen for the fiscal term ended March 2012, are aiming to recover with the release of Wii U. A number of challenges await them in the upcoming holiday season.
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http://www.sankeibiz.jp/business/news/120925/bsj1209250935004-n1.htm
 
If the average consumer has to choose between them, they'll probably choose the one with the 2D Mario game.
 
Ushojax said:
If the average consumer has to choose between them, they'll probably choose the one with the 2D Mario game.
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If the average consumer has shown anything they'll line up to buy the new COD in droves. Will the unknown online capabilities, lack of install base, and lack of 'friends' online play a role in their choice?
 
Nealand Liquor said:
If the average consumer has shown anything they'll line up to buy the new COD in droves. Will the unknown online capabilities, lack of install base, and lack of 'friends' online play a role in their choice?
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people who buy cod want to play with friends also... and with ps3 and 360s install base i wonder how much blops2 will sell on wiiu.
 
Tiduz said:
people who buy cod want to play with friends also... and with ps3 and 360s install base i wonder how much blops2 will sell on wiiu.
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I can imagine it will sell well to those already on the wiiu train, but I do wonder what impact it would have on the conversion sale, or the 'only one console' gamer.
 
i really smh every time i read about Sony increasing the price of the new ps3 model and yet releasing a cheaper version.

and to think they can go against Wii U this season.....

i swear i think if i see those peeps at Sony management behind this, i will probably slap them all.

and this is coming from a Sony fan
 
Ushojax said:
If the average consumer has to choose between them, they'll probably choose the one with the 2D Mario game.
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You don't think the average consumer is interested in Assassin's Creed III and Black Ops 2?
 
"For consumers, Wii U might just be too new of a console. Even leaving aside the price, it's an unknown whether Wii U's various features will even be accepted or not," he pointed out.
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Is this a joke
 
dimb said:
You don't think the average consumer is interested in Assassin's Creed III and Black Ops 2?
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both are coming to Wii U ?


Nibel said:
Is this a joke
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ikr ? they are reaching a high level of stupid. even that dude kollar or whatever his name @ sony is a moron :/ .

but then again the dude can't do shit, since most of decision making comes from the idiots @ the headquarters. which i assume in Japan
 
Ushojax said:
If the average consumer has to choose between them, they'll probably choose the one with the 2D Mario game.
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What about when they get to the store and can't buy a Wii U because it's sold out? Do they spend the roughly the same amount of money and get a Super Slim PS3 or do they save some money and get a 360?
 
Nibel said:
Is this a joke
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not according to my findings

dPO4k.jpg
 
If the average consumer has to choose between them, they'll probably choose the one with the 2D Mario game.

And Monster Hunter and Dragon Quest.
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yes, i think people will go to 3DS as well instead. (DS for DQ ;) )

(i'm getting mine for MH)
 
Fuzzy said:
What about when they get to the store and can't buy a Wii U because it's sold out? Do they spend the roughly the same amount of money and get a Super Slim PS3 or do they save some money and get a 360?
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i never understood this logic. say i have 400$ and i want to buy a console. i have my eyes on Wii U.

will i wait for it and buy different console ?

i mean I WANT a Wii U " i really don't, js" but i aint gonna buy another system when i want a Wii U :/ . i will wait

this is like saying i am going to buy 3Ds this xmas. but they are sold out so i end up buying a VITA.

sheesh


dimb said:
Not day and date.
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i am pretty sure they are coming out the same day the console is released. someone correct me if i am wrong ?

also, is this a valid comeback ? at least argue with me that PS3 has a bigger library of games. but don't mention 2 games that both are coming to Wii U and probably will be better on the new system
 
"To think that the prices would overlap... We're always looking to do our absolute best to compete," said a person related to Sony with a complicated expression on their face.
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I wish I was there to see this.
 
ll_l_x_l_ll said:
i am pretty sure they are coming out the same day the console is released. someone correct me if i am wrong ?

also, is this a valid comeback ? at least argue with me that PS3 has a bigger library of games. but don't mention 2 games that both are coming to Wii U and probably will be better on the new system
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The WiiU isn't even available to the public when those games are released. Also, I think there has been some misunderstanding if you think this is somehow an argument. I have no investment in how either console sells, I merely wanted to at least somewhat bring forward the point that there might be some games people are interested in on these crazy Playstation boxes.
 
Nibel said:
Is this a joke
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It's a perfectly valid argument, just somewhat strangely put. There are plenty of good reasons not to buy a console at launch. Small game library, unproven hardware, possibility of a price cut later and unknown amount of third party support in the future. With the PS3 you know exactly what you get at this point
 
Nealand Liquor said:
If the average consumer has shown anything they'll line up to buy the new COD in droves. Will the unknown online capabilities, lack of install base, and lack of 'friends' online play a role in their choice?
Click to expand...

Most consumers don't think about install base, if they're anything close to the type of online gamer I am, they probably don't spend much time playing with gamers on they're friends list. And as long as online gaming works they'll be there.
 
Little Green Yoda said:
Doesn't the vast majority of people who care for CoD already own a current gen console?
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Yes exactly, and that is one factor in the question I was pondering. If the consumer that is not already on board for the wiiu and Nintendo's offerings really be pulled towards the system for games they can already get on their console?
Alternatively, will the 360 owner choose the wiiu over the ps3 with its blu ray player and exclusives, or will the ps3 choose the wiiu over the 360 with xbla, as well as their retail exclusives?

I could see more ps3 owners going wiiu instead of 360 simply due exclusives. However as a ps360 owner, but 360 first owner, I can't see reverse being true unless one is already a Nintendo fan. Though if that is the case, it's not really a conversion sale, but a sale that would have naturally happened.
 
given that both the new PS3 model and Wii U are both being sold at a price in the 20k yen range, there will be a considerable contingent of first time PS3 buyers
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people shied away from the ps3 for the last six years, but they're bound to turn a corner now that it's still the same price!
 
beril said:
It's a perfectly valid argument, just somewhat strangely put. There are plenty of good reasons not to buy a console at launch. Small game library, unproven hardware, possibility of a price cut later and unknown amount of third party support in the future. With the PS3 you know exactly what you get at this point
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True, if your a hardcore gamer. We don't make up the majority of buyers.
 
AniHawk said:
people shied away from the ps3 for the last six years, but they're bound to turn a corner now that it's still the same price!
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How did they shy away exactly?

EDIT: Never mind I get what you are saying. I really dont think WiiU has anything to worry about. They will dominate the PS3 at that price.
 
Nealand Liquor said:
If the average consumer has shown anything they'll line up to buy the new COD in droves. Will the unknown online capabilities, lack of install base, and lack of 'friends' online play a role in their choice?
Click to expand...

I hope to god you're not someone's lawyer. You're not very good at arguing a point.
 
OG_Original Gamer said:
Most consumers don't think about install base, if they're anything close to the type of online gamer I am, they probably don't spend much time playing with gamers on they're friends list. And as long as online gaming works they'll be there.
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I don't know... I rarely play online myself, but I'd argue install base matters enough to many when you consider how many friends, or friends of friends irl own one.
 
bdizzle said:
I hope to god you're not someone's lawyer.
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When did I pretend I was?
But I hope to god you're not someones speculator.
Oh stealth edit: Wow you're right, I made poor arguement while asking a question... How silly of me.

Besides, how is install base and games available on both systems not a vaild question?
 
Nealand Liquor said:
If the average consumer has shown anything they'll line up to buy the new COD in droves. Will the unknown online capabilities, lack of install base, and lack of 'friends' online play a role in their choice?
Click to expand...

This is a Japanese article. COD is no match for the Mario/DQ/Monster Hunter combo in Japan.
 
I don't understand. Sony have the price of the PS3 at around the same as the WiiU, and they're talking about the WiiU, a brand new console, losing sales because of this? SMH
 
The article seems to be about the Japanese market but you guys are talking about CoD and AC. I'm expecting the Wii U to sell out in Japan.
 
There's a huge number of people that want a PS3, but who have been sitting around waiting for a higher priced and more cheaply made one to come out. The Wii-U is doomed I tells ya. Doomed!
 
Wii U is going to dominate Japan, what are people prattling on about AC and COD for? Every feature of the Wii-U, while interesting to me, as an American, is catered to the Japanese market, where space, and the utility of the gamepad to play without the television solve real problems, not just serve as a convenience.
 
They think if given the choice the customer will choose the console they've avoided for the last 6 years despite its price now increasing?

As opposed to the new version of the number 1 selling console?

Would love to get inside the minds of some people to see what makes them tick.
 
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