Analyst Claims Next PlayStation, Xbox Will Cost $350-$400

[MikeWehner]

Analyst Claims Next PlayStation, Xbox Will Cost $350-$400

Will both Sony and Microsoft launch new hardware before the end of the year?

Analytics firm Baird Equity Research spent its time at CES rubbing elbows with companies involved in videogame console development, and after crunching the numbers, the firm has offered an expected price range for the next PlayStation and Xbox consoles: $350-$400. If the prediction pans out, the launch prices will fall in line with where the 20GB Xbox 360 debuted ($399), and significantly lower than the PS3's initial offerings at $499 and $599.

"Our checks suggest that next-generation console hardware will be largely built from 'off the shelf' high-end PC components, along with hybrid physical/digital distribution models, enhanced voice controls and motion sensing (Kinect integration with every Xbox), and broad multi-media capabilities," claims Baird's Colin Sebastian.

Along with these educated guesses, the company also placed some timetables on when the new consoles will eventually be revealed. According to Baird, both the PS4 and Xbox 720 - or whatever they end up being named - will be revealed prior to E3, with the industry trade show acting as an opportunity for both companies to drum up support.

The firm expects Sony to launch its next box in October of this year, with Microsoft following with a November release of the next Xbox. If Baird's predictions pan out, it's going to be a mighty interesting year for the industry, and we can't wait.

Source: GamesIndustry [http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-01-14-USD400-price-point-for-next-playstation-xbox-consoles]

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[GenGenners]

October might be a bit too early a guess.

 

[Roxas1359]

October might be a bit too early a guess.

I agree. Sony would've dropped at least some subtle hints at a new Playstation, plus what about those people who said that the PS3 still has 2 to 3 more years left.

As for the price I'm honestly surprised it doesn't cost more. I still remember the PS3's launch price of $600. That was a huge travesty starting off for Sony. As for the new Xbox I'd not be surprised if it came out this year as the 360 is the oldest out of all of the 7th generation consoles.

 

[MikeWehner]

October might be a bit too early a guess.

I agree. Sony would've dropped at least some subtle hints at a new Playstation, plus what about those people who said that the PS3 still has 2 to 3 more years left.

A new console doesn't mean the old one is dead. Sony JUST stopped producing the PS2 last week. That's what they mean when they say "10-year lifecycles," the PS2 was manufactured for 12 years.

 

[Ruley]

Not even a case of its too early but it'll depend on the strategy.

Microsoft made a loss on the xbox 360 itself just to get it into peoples hands and playing it to make money back from Xbox live and exclusive games. Who's to say they won't continue to play that same game? Its just going to be the decision on their part if they've established a big enough market penetration to fight off the PS4 using past 360 loyalty.

 

[kyoodle]

I'd be very surprised if either of them released a console well under a year after it's announced, they'd want more time to hype them up surely?

 

[Lucane]

I'd be very surprised if either of them released a console well under a year after it's announced, they'd want more time to hype them up surely?

My thoughts as well not to mention Sony only released the Vita last year and games using cross-play cross-buy have only gotten started to have a brand new system designed and ready to roll out in 10 months with no clear leaks or hints from developers not talking about launch window games seen highly unlikely to me.

 

[redknightalex]

Maybe announce the PS4 by October.

That makes a lot more sense than releasing in October. October is too far away from the holidays to make it the hot item for that year and both the 360 and PS3 were released in the Novembers of their respective years. Still, announcing in October (or around that time), and giving it a year of hype, not to mention the final Dev Kits that need to be given out, seems a better plan.

Frankly, I'll be waiting at least a year as I finish up my backlog.

 

[newwiseman]

I'll believe it when I see it. Regardless of eventual release, this was the last console cycle I'm taking part in.

The vast majority of the games I play are released on PC at the same time or a few months later.

 

[Covarr]

October isn't really Sony's thing. November, maybe. An October launch is just a tad too early in the year, and a good way to lose out on Christmas sales.

P.S. Thanks

 

[gigastar]

Well if those prices ring true then Nintendo is going to continue making a killing selling the WiiU.

plus what about those people who said that the PS3 still has 2 to 3 more years left.

That means thats how long Sony will continue to support the PS3, not an ETA for the PS4 launch.

As for the price I'm honestly surprised it doesn't cost more. I still remember the PS3's launch price of $600. That was a huge travesty starting off for Sony. As for the new Xbox I'd not be surprised if it came out this year as the 360 is the oldest out of all of the 7th generation consoles.

When it comes to Sony i would hope that they will go out of thier way to not repeat what kneecapped the PS3 in the first place.

Unfortunately Sony isnt run by the most intelligent of people.

And given that the reports of the 720 making a showcase at E3 are true, i would expect Microsoft to have it rushed out for the holiday season.

 

[The Great JT]

So staying the course on initial launch price? Personally I think it's a good idea.

 

[Sylveria]

Id say the analyst is off by at least a 6 months. I'd expect an E3 announcement by both companies and launch in Spring of 2014 so during the summer games drought, people would buy the new console and the launch titles.

And I think we're giving Sony way too much credit to think they'd keep the PS4 price at or below $400. If the console is $400, expect some sort of proprietary memory device that costs at least another $100.

 

[Yopaz]

October might be a bit too early a guess.

I agree. Sony would've dropped at least some subtle hints at a new Playstation, plus what about those people who said that the PS3 still has 2 to 3 more years left.

A new console doesn't mean the old one is dead. Sony JUST stopped producing the PS2 last week. That's what they mean when they say "10-year lifecycles," the PS2 was manufactured for 12 years.

Isn't it just Japan that has stopped producing right now? However, your point is valid.

OT: I don't think Sony will release a console this year, but I might be wrong. Sony did go almost 2 years between announcing the PS3 before releasing it and almost one and a half years for the Vita. Now I'm not a market analyst, so I might be wrong. As for Microsoft I think there's a possibility that they'll release one, they are known to skip quality testing before releasing the console so they might not need as much time as Sony to make and mass produce a new console.

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

Because it needs to be posted:

Seriously, any post that starts with "analyst claims..." is bound to be either bullshit, or stating the obvious. Often both.

 

[Baresark]

Analysts are a funny group. They actually believe they have some level of foresight. I mean, it's a joke. Not much is predictable besides that immediate future.

 

[CrazyCapnMorgan]

Whatever analysts will claim, I'll proclaim this:

No backwards compatability, no money from my wallet to yours.

Aa for how far backwards, I'm still waiting on a consoles that can play Secret of Evermore or Secret of Mana. Bonus points if it can play Journey to Silius.