Sony sympathise with early PS3 adopters
- Posted October 8th, 2007 at 05:01 EDT by Mike Harradence
- 47 Comments
Ray Maguire, Managing Director for Sony Computer Entertainment UK, has stated that he feels the 40GB PlayStation 3 is the next logical step in an evolving platform, but conceded that he understands early adopters may feel “cheated” by the arrival of cheaper hardware.
"I think it's natural to feel that way, of course it is," Maguire told Gamesindustry.biz.
"The difference between our industry and many other industries is that if you're selling cars or houses the price goes up steadily. Consumer electronics only goes one way and that's downwards."
Maguire went on to describe the advantages for early adopters of new technology, observing that it allows them to experience the latest technology months before the mass market catches on.
"One thing is common amongst the entire market for consumer electronics and that is that there are early adopters like myself who will spend GBP 10,000 on a plasma TV that is worth GBP 3000 within three years. That's the way the market goes”, he said.
"What do they get for that? They get six months of enjoyment of the product before anybody else gets that ability to play those games.”
Lastly, he viewed the introduction of the 40GB SKU as a natural evolution for the console, denying criticism that it would lead to confusion among the different models available in each region.
"As products evolve the offerings change because they have to adapt to the needs of the consumers but I don't think it's been particularly confusing in six months to go from stand alone, to a bundled proposition into a low price entry level model.”
"We also have to remember that consumers don't search around the world for different configurations. We are a global company but we have to act locally as well."
The 40GB PS3 launches this Wednesday.
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Alpha2
- 3:20pm EDT - October 8th, 2007
- 43
It has nothing to do with feeling cheated! I paid 600 bucks for my system and it's worth every single penny for me. It has everything to do with keeping the PLaystation brand strong and confident looking. The 40gb makes it look weak.
What it comes down to is people are already confused by the numerous SKUs. Every person I know who already has a PS3 agrees it's just a BAD IDEA, put that money into lowering the price of the 60 or 80gb!
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The Cleaner
- 4:31pm EDT - October 8th, 2007
- 44
I dont care how much I paid - what is done is done. What would be nice is for the early registered adopters to be invited first into the Home beta.
I think lowering the price is important to attract some more users. I dont think the package that they came up with will work unfortunately and Im worried that another Christmas with lower sales than Wii & Xbox 360 might cause irreperable damage to Third Party Developer support. Sony doesnt have enough first party games to really keep me happy so it forces me too spend even more money buying a second console. I dont want to waste more money and I dont have the room either.
I agree with Alpha2 and everyone else that I speak with. This 40GB offering is half baked. They should have done the right thing with the 60GB or 80GB models. BC is not an option it should be standard, and they need to fire the marketing people who where responsible for promoting Playstation. Jeeze it kills me to see the biggest brand in gaming fall this far. Its utterly unbelievable.
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InfernoReaper
- 8:57pm EDT - October 8th, 2007
- 45
"Lastly, he viewed the introduction of the 40GB SKU as a natural evolution for the console..."
Shove it, Ray. Removing USB ports, backwards compatibility, and adding a smaller hard drive is the EXACT OPPOSITE of evolution. I'm so glad I got my 60GB and not have to deal with Sony's BS they're pulling now.
40GBs shouldn't even be allowed on a PS3, let alone the 20GB. I have about 20GBs left on my 60GB, mostly from demos.
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Anim3Fr33K
- 11:56pm EDT - October 8th, 2007
- 47
I dont mined the higher price, i has PS2 compat and much more ports, as i have 3-4 usb devices in at once i need the ports as well as the card readers
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