Because the main feature of the xbox has alway been playing offline. Halo, COD and Gears(which I love) are the biggest games that have online features that only a few people have enjoyed it because barely any people is a gold subscriber >_>

Okay, you're right Kowen! When we adjust for inflation the price is less. But is this going to solve anything for now? You know, how much people will actually pay for it. No, and that's the issue. 

Besides, the price can always be dropped. So there is no need for worry. (Long-term wise.)

My God you would think we never had a console over 399.99 on the market but the very people here to hate were backing Sony when the PS3 was launching at a higher price tag.

Just wait til after the price for PS4 is shown, not only will it be higher but in typical fashion they will completely change their stance on price.

I think it will be sold out.  I already pre ordered 2.

Inflation does not equate to buying power.

I know many people (myself included) who took major cuts in 2008-2009 era when the economy was really bad. For many people they have still yet to recover to 2007 levels. If your target demographic is that group of people (generally middle class or working class, people making between 20-80K) and they have less buying power now than then the price will seem steep regardless of inflation.

My question is if $500 leaves them wiggle room to drop it within 12 months a good $50-$100 or if they will need to stick with that price point for a good 24 months.

Also, I guessed $449-$499 for both consoles, so while this is not unexpected for either or both I could see a tepid period after the launch bonanza ends due to price in 2014.

Kinda pointless comparison.

The consumer, when in the store, doesnt think "Oh, if this released so long ago it would have cost so much".

The consumer thinks "Oh, £429? Thats a lot of money."

I think they will struggle to get the demographic they want.

Wouldn't surprise me if sony matched the xbox price, even if they WERE planning to go a little lower.  Might be smart that they spaced out there conference.

At the end of the day, I don't think Sony is interested in leaving money on the table.  No way they price it higher though, even if they have to eat the extra cost.

Will it be like PS3 where it sold really well on launch, to scalpers wanting to resell, then they realise they're the only ones who were prepared to pay that price and started mass returning their surplus units to retailers for standard refund?

If Sony prices PS4 $499,99 it's still a better deal (for us, bad for Sony) because it's superior hardware, no?

I have no idea about PS4 price now. They want to avoid a $599,99 fiasco, after all.

Were you not one of the people calling others out for saying ps4 games were cheaper than ps3 games due to the fact that 2013 $ were worth less than 2006 $ ? Nevertheless, $499 is still $499. Whether a person thinks that's expensive is their opinion but it's still $499.