The $199 argument: 80% of console sales come after "mass market price"

[Zlejedi]

TheSource said:

We've been through this before if price was everything PS2, at $99 would be outselling everything rather easily. Price Cuts & TIMING make the difference.

PS3 isn't going to be under $200 until 2012 or later. PS2 was $200 in 2002.

2000 ---> 2002  vs. 2006 ---> 2012 is completely different from a timing perspective.

I also have trouble with the whole idea that people really cant afford $300. How hard is it to save $25 a month for a year? Thats how I used to buy games when I was in middle school and highschool. Some people won't buy because they think PS3 isn't worth $300 but thats a different issue.

The other problem with this argument is Wii & X360. Both are still $200. Do you think Wii has only sold 1/5 of its eventual penetration because it isn't a  "mass market" price yet?

Not everyone lives in America

For some territories 300$ can be a half of monthly salary (minimum salary in Poland is 350 euro, average is 800 but people in student age often get 500-600) and there are places in the world where people are lucky to get 200$ per month.

Also lower price point makes it easier to buy it as second or third machine for hardcore gamers.