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Accessories for huge profits.

J

jedimike

Member
One thing that is starting to annoy me is the blatant mark-up of MS accessories. I feel it's very misleading to the consumer. Everything has gone up in price by a large factor. Controllers... $50, Wireless... $100, Memory... $40. The total cost of ownership is way higher. Here is a cost comparison of getting the console at launch with similar set-ups.

Nov. 15th 2001

Xbox = $300
Extra Controller = $30
2 games = $100
HD Video Cable = $20
DVD Kit = $30

Total = $480

Nov. 22nd 2005

Xbox 360 = $400
Extra Controller = $50
P & C Kit = $20
2 games = $100- $120

Total = $570 - $590
 
And here's part of the reason I'm so opposed to MS's strategy.

Logitech controllers were what, $40? Wavebirds $35?

Wired PS2/GC controllers and their memory cards were $25 (though the high-end mem cards for the GC cost $35).

MS is playing Rape Rape Consumer, and we all lose.
 
I'm not some MS hater either... I just really feel that MS is taking that drive for profits a bit too far. It sucks that I have to buy an "Official Wireless USB Adapter", when I have one sitting in my closet that should work perfectly fine if MS would allow it... and it only cost me $30, not $100.
 
AniHawk said:
MS is playing Rape Rape Consumer, and we all lose.
Click to expand...

I'd save your post, but unfortunately I'm out of space on my memory card. While I'm at the store I think I'll pick up a controller extension, vertical stand and network adapter.


(zomg!!! they all do it!!1)
 
VALIS said:
I'd save your post, but unfortunately I'm out of space on my memory card. While I'm at the store I think I'll pick up a controller extension, vertical stand and network adapter.


(zomg!!! they all do it!!1)
Click to expand...

QFT.

I remember paying $35 for an 8MB Magicgate Memory Card for the PS2 on launch day. Now they sell them for $20.

I've still got my receipt here from that launch and I see that I also paid $35 for an extra DualShock 2 and also $60 for a Monster S-Video cable, and this was 5 years ago.
 
Oh and let me add.... don't blame Microsoft, blame the retailers. Its the only place that retail can make a profit. The wholesale price of accessories are dirt cheap.
 
I totally agree with this post, no matter how much I like what MS appears to be doing with 360 this is garbage and they need to cut the consumer a break.
 
100$ for the wireless adapter is the worst markup ever. For 30$ more you get wireless.... with a DS around it.
 
Here's the wholesale price list.

Take your complaints to Best Buy for marking up the price of the wireless controller $15.

XBOX360CORE Microsoft (X-Box)
B4K-00001 Added on 8/19 Xbox 360 Core System 301.64

XBOX360PLAT Microsoft (X-Box)
B4J-00001 Added on 8/19 Xbox 360 Platinum System 398.04

B4G00001 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4G-00001 Added on 8/19 Wired Controller Xbox 360 29.50

B4F00001 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4F-00001 Added on 8/19 Wireless Controller Xbox 360 36.42

B4B00009 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4B-00009 Added on 8/19 Wireless Network Adapter X360 82.59

B4S00001 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4S-00001 Added on 8/19 VGA HD AV Cable X360 29.50

B4U00001 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4U-00001 Added on 8/19 Rechargeable Battery Pack X360 8.98

B4V00004 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4V-00004 Added on 8/19 Component HD AV Cable Xbox 360 29.24

B4W00001 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4W-00001 Added on 8/19 S-Video AV Cable Xbox 360 21.80

B4Y00027 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4Y-00027 Added on 8/19 Play & Charge Kit Xbox 360 14.88

B4C00001 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4C-00001 Added on 8/19 Memory Unit 64MB Xbox 360 29.24

B4Q00002 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4Q-00002 Added on 8/19 20GB Hard Drive Xbox 360 90.29

G8600 Intec
G8600 Added on 8/4 9.2" TFT Screen Xbox 360 162.62

G8601 Intec
G8601 Added on 8/16 8" TFT Screen Xbox 360 140.56

B4L00002 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4L-00002 Added on 8/19 Faceplates Hot Rod Xbox 360 13.08

B4L00004 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4L-00004 Added on 8/19 Faceplates Flames Xbox 360 13.08

B4L00005 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4L-00005 Added on 8/19 Faceplates Silver Xbox 360 13.08

B4D00001 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4D-00001 Added on 8/19 Headset Xbox 360 14.62

W1800001 Microsoft (X-Box)
W18-00001 Added on 8/19 Xbox 360 Live 12-mon Gold Card 38.48

Z0600040 Microsoft (X-Box)
Z06-00040 Added on 8/19 Xbox 360 Live 12-mon Gold Kit 54.12

ZE400002 Microsoft (X-Box)
ZE4-00002 Added on 8/19 Xbox 360 Live 1-mon Gold Card 6.16

ZE400004 Microsoft (X-Box)
ZE4-00004 Added on 8/19 Xbox 360 Live 3-month Gold Card 15.39

BJ200012 Microsoft (X-Box)
BJ2-00012 Added on 8/19 Xbox 360 Live 3 month Gold Kit 30.78

B4O00001 Microsoft (X-Box)
B4O-00001 Added on 8/19 Universal Media Remote X360 22.06

G8609 Intec
G8609 Added on 8/16 2.1 Sound System X360 48.22

G8618 Intec
G8618 Added on 8/16 A/V Selector & Storage X360 29.75

G8645 Intec
G8645 Added on 8/16 Vertical Stand w/ Storage X360 12.31

G8660 Intec
G8660 Added on 8/16 Pro Gamer's Case X360 29.75

G8664 Intec
G8664 Added on 8/16 10-CD Aluminum Case X360 9.49

G8665 Intec
G8665 Added on 8/16 Game Holder X360 8.72

S7100009 Microsoft (X-Box)
S71-00009 Added on 8/19 Perfect Dark Zero X360 42.58

S7100051 Microsoft (X-Box)
S71-00051 Added on 8/19 Perfect Dark Zero Tin Box X360 51.30

S7400023 Microsoft (X-Box)
S74-00023 Added on 8/19 Kameo X360 42.58

U2500009 Microsoft (X-Box)
U25-00009 Added on 8/19 Project Gotham Racing 3 X360 42.58
 
jamesinclair said:
A couple of notes:

Xbox memory unit was 40 at launch. Nobody bought it, so it went down.

GC memory units are 15, 20 and 30.
Click to expand...

:lol :lol :lol :lol

Price had nothing to do with the fact that the memory units didn't sell.

EVERYONE HAD A BUILT IN HARD DRIVE !!!111
 
Yeah it sucks cause literally everything from hardware, to accessories, to games are more expensive. They taking us for all we're worth the bastards, it lends some legitamacy to Nintendo's claims of the high cost of gaming but then I look at the GBA Micro and realize they're a bunch of hypocrites.
 
I hate it myself, but I can't blame MS.

20GB HD for $100 is a fucking crime, but eh, I guess getting a PP softens the blow. =/
 
bill0527 said:
Here's the wholesale price list.

Take your complaints to Best Buy for marking up the price of the wireless controller $15.

XBOX360CORE Microsoft (X-Box)
B4K-00001 Added on 8/19 Xbox 360 Core System 301.64
Click to expand...
Wait a second, Microsoft is charging retailers more than suggested retail price for the Xbox Core Pack? Isn't that illegal?

Granted, when you take tax and shipping into account, the Premium Pack also costs retailers more than consumers, but that isn't anything new. That happened with the PS2 and Xbox as well.
 
SKOPE said:
Wait a second, Microsoft is charging retailers more than suggested retail price for the Xbox Core Pack? Isn't that illegal?

Granted, when you take tax and shipping into account, the Premium Pack also costs retailers more than consumers, but that isn't anything new. That happened with the PS2 and Xbox as well.
Click to expand...


Which is exactly why retailers turn around and jack up the price of accessories , not Microsoft. Microsoft isn't the company price gouging you on accessories. Its the retailers themselves doing that. Its the only place they can make a profit.
 
The only accessories I find too high are the WiFi adapter.. which was insanely high for the original Xbox also I believe. I don't even understand why on that.. I mean sure 3-5 years back they were fairly expensive, but anymore there is no reason for that high of a price.

Also, the HD is too high. My guess is it's to create a perceived high value for the premium pack. I bet they come out with larger HD's later and lower the price of the 20gb one :( I don't like that.. I wish they would offer the larger HD's now and I would buy a core pack with the bigger HD.

I know I paid $40 for the Xbox Duke controllers when it first launched.
 
XBOX pads were $39.99 at launch. Wired pads for 360 are the same.


A wireless Logitech controller for XBOX now is $49.99. A wireless first party 360 pad is the same price.

This is not price gouging, it is normal for the most part.

MS was only $5 more than Sony back when they launched on the accys. Sonys were $35 for controllers and $35 for memory cards.

Quit whining. If you dont want the extras, dont buy em.
 
PhoncipleBone said:
XBOX pads were $39.99 at launch. Wired pads for 360 are the same.


A wireless Logitech controller for XBOX now is $49.99. A wireless first party 360 pad is the same price.

This is not price gouging, it is normal for the most part.

MS was only $5 more than Sony back when they launched on the accys. Sonys were $35 for controllers and $35 for memory cards.

Quit whining. If you dont want the extras, dont buy em.
Click to expand...

Yep, and aparently to you, a 99 dollar wireless adaptor (which i've seen, and it does not give blowjobs) is normal.
 
Aika'svyse said:
Of course we want the extras, but when games are 59,99 we also want a break somewhere :lol
Click to expand...

Once again, this isn't Microsoft's fault. The first party games are still $49.99. There's your break.
 
Let's not forget that third party accessories won't work on the 360 unless they are licensed through Microsoft. If you're waiting for cheaper accessories, it's not going to happen due to Microsoft taking licensing fees from the third party, and then the third party passing those savings onto you, the consumer.

Microsoft is going to make a lot of money off of accessories, not only because they've jacked up the price, but because any competition they would have with them, they're getting money off them anyway.
 
Console gamers get raped again while PC gamers have cheaper options :lol I can't wait to see people bitch about the PS3 accessories prices :lol
 
Aika'svyse said:
Yeah because 50.00 bucks is such a deal.
Click to expand...

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

Games have been $50.00 (if not more) at console launches for about 10-15 years now.

I swear to God you won't find as much bitching at a nursing home full of terminally ill people as you'll find on a gaming message board.
 
and there are people moaning about the PS3 high price when you have a travesty like this. :lol

In the UK the proces are insane for what is pretty dissapointing hardware to begin with.
 
bill0527 said:
:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

Games have been $50.00 (if not more) at console launches for about 10-15 years now.

I swear to God you won't find as much bitching at a nursing home full of terminally ill people as you'll find on a gaming message board.
Click to expand...

Well, I can see both views in regards to game prices

-Gaming is getting bigger, but not at a pace which proportional to game developent costs

If that was not the case, I would be bitching too in regards to game prices. But simply, there are not enough gamers out there to support game dev costs. I don't mind 60 dollars in that case.
 
Suikoguy said:
Yep, and aparently to you, a 99 dollar wireless adaptor (which i've seen, and it does not give blowjobs) is normal.
Click to expand...

But I never mentioned that accessory because there was nothing like it to compare to when the last systems launched. Also I dont use wireless routers, so honestly didnt think of it. Besides, you can use any wireless ethernet bridge you like with the system, just like you could with PS2 or XBOX.
 
Um... Microsoft sets the price of their accessories, not the retailers. There is official Microsoft PR with the price of these things. The retailers are just selling at the MSRP. That's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for all of you non-retail folks.

Don't blame the retailers for the high prices. Blame the MSRP which is set by Microsoft. They are the ones ultimately to blame and prices will only come down if people refuse to buy.
 
Dave Long said:
Um... Microsoft sets the price of their accessories, not the retailers. There is official Microsoft PR with the price of these things. The retailers are just selling at the MSRP. That's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for all of you non-retail folks.

Don't blame the retailers for the high prices. Blame the MSRP which is set by Microsoft. They are the ones ultimately to blame and prices will only come down if people refuse to buy.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry man, but you have no idea what you are talking about.

The MSRP is suggested not forced.

The price list I posted above is the price Microsoft is selling it to retailers - the wholesale price. Outlets like Sam's and Costco will be selling at about 2-5% over wholesale, everyone else will be selling at MSRP, but as I said, the MSRP isn't something a retailer is forced to go by.
 
ChrisReid said:
Once again, this isn't Microsoft's fault. The first party games are still $49.99. There's your break.
Click to expand...

Doesn't really help when all the good games are 3rd party and $60.
 
Biggest ripoff BY FAR is $40 for a 64MB flash memory card :lol :lol :lol


It is the most expensive standard 64MB card in the world...
 
Farore said:
I'd rather play with a 3rd party controller than spend $50 for an 1st party one...
Click to expand...


3rd party controllers wont be as cheap as last gen (on xbox) because MS is only allowing official 3rd party accessories...
 
I remember back in the day paying 60 for some Genesis games, and 70 and 80 for some SNES games like FF3, CT, and others. You kids have it easy with your 60 dollar games!
 
bill0527 said:
:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

Games have been $50.00 (if not more) at console launches for about 10-15 years now.
Click to expand...
Exactly my point 50 dollars is in no way a break or a sale. The guy said we're getting a break on first party games. thats not a break. Kameo and PD0 look more attractive at that price, but thats basically the normal price games have always been. I'm all for things like Xbox Live arcade and I think micro transactions are cool. I'll do my best to support those devs who ues them. but expensive accessories? Why should I pay more when the technology hasn't even changed that much.
 
Gantz said:
Console gamers get raped again while PC gamers have cheaper options :lol I can't wait to see people bitch about the PS3 accessories prices :lol
Click to expand...

You're kidding? What about the $2,500 that PC gamers spend on a goddamn PC which isn't even guaranteed to run their favourite games?
 
I find it amazing that for $100, I got Valkyrie Profile.. and some people will lay the same amount down for an X360 hard drive that should have been bundled in the first place.
 
Kleegamefan said:
Biggest ripoff BY FAR is $40 for a 64MB flash memory card :lol :lol :lol


It is the most expensive standard 64MB card in the world...
Click to expand...


181973.jpg
then this must be one of the more expensive 8MB out there then...
 
jedimike said:
Nov. 15th 2001

Xbox = $300
Extra Controller = $30
2 games = $100
HD Video Cable = $20
DVD Kit = $30

Total = $480

Nov. 22nd 2005

Xbox 360 = $400
Extra Controller = $50
P & C Kit = $20
2 games = $100- $120

Total = $570 - $590
Click to expand...

There's something a little disingenous about this list, and it's that it does not provide the full detail of what you are getting.

Here's my version:

Xbox = $300
- Includes:
--8GB HD
--Standard cables
--Wired Controller
Extra Controller = $30
2 games = $100
HD Video Cable = $20
DVD Kit = $30

Total = $480

Nov. 22nd 2005

Xbox 360 = $400
-Includes
--20GB HD
--Wireless Controller
--HD Cables
--Ethernet Cable
--XBox Live Headset
--Rechargeable Batteries
--Media Center Remote (Limited Time)
--Hexic HD (on Harddrive)
Extra WirelessController = $50
P & C Kit = $20
2 games = $100- $120

Total = $570 - $590

So this time around, you are paying ~$100 more, but are getting two wireless controllers (not wired), a Live headset, Ethernet Cable, batteries, a 2.5x bigger HD, media center remote and free game.

Now factor in inflation, which (according to the US government price index calculator) has gone up 12% since 2001.

Is it still an even trade? Not quite IMO, but it's a hell of a lot closer that many of you guys make it out to be. (I agree the wireless controllers are a bit steep, and the wireless adapter is a rip-off.)
 
bbunit.jpg


$180 for japanese people who wanted to play FFXI.

IF you knew you could sell HDDs in a nice case for a big mark up, would you let people use their own , non-sony drives?
 
GhaleonEB said:
There's something a little disingenous about this list, and it's that it does not provide the full detail of what you are getting.

Here's my version:

Xbox = $300
- Includes:
--8GB HD
--Standard cables
--Wired Controller
Extra Controller = $30
2 games = $100
HD Video Cable = $20
DVD Kit = $30

Total = $480

Nov. 22nd 2005

Xbox 360 = $400
-Includes
--20GB HD
--Wireless Controller
--HD Cables
--Ethernet Cable
--XBox Live Headset
--Rechargeable Batteries
--Media Center Remote (Limited Time)
--Hexic HD (on Harddrive)
Extra WirelessController = $50
P & C Kit = $20
2 games = $100- $120

Total = $570 - $590

So this time around, you are paying ~$100 more, but are getting two wireless controllers (not wired), a Live headset, Ethernet Cable, batteries, a 2.5x bigger HD, media center remote and free game.

Now factor in inflation, which (according to the US government price index calculator) has gone up 12% since 2001.

Is it still an even trade? Not quite IMO, but it's a hell of a lot closer that many of you guys make it out to be. (I agree the wireless controllers are a bit steep, and the wireless adapter is a rip-off.)
Click to expand...


Launch day for PS2:

System = $299
Madden = $49.99
SSX = $49.99
8MB Memory Card = $35
Extra DualShock 2 = $35
Monster S-Video Cable = $59.99
Best Buy 2 year PRP = $40

Total with sales tax: $656.13.


Xbox360 launch:

System = $399
CoD2 = $59.99
PD0 Collector's = $59.99
PGR3 = $49.99
Play n charge kit = $19.99
extra wireless controller =$49.99
Extended Warranty = $40.00

Total with sales tax: $719.68

So I'm looking at a whopping $64 increase between PS2 launch and Xbox360 launch
 
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