Anyone able to throw a price at this? Despite what mainstream is said on this site when it comes to the cost of next gen consoles, I would like to see as much as $500 going for the PS4. I do want something powerful and capable that is going to enhance our gaming atmosphere while maintaining relevance years down the road as our technology rapidly changes. (imagine if every console, not just the Wii, stayed SD this past gen) I think PS4 providing 1080p at 60fps in 3D would be utterly amazing. It would allow 3D gaming to take center stage for now and that level of power would support the market transition to 4K Sony is looking to do in 5-10 years. It would give the console some shelf life for when that takes place, enough for the PS5 to fully utilize the new resolution (forgo cloud solution if even possible by then).
I think all this talk that people aren't willing to buy this over such and such price is kind of silly. There will be people buying at launch and those who "won't" at that price will purchase once it becomes cheaper. Inflation alone throws a wrench in the cost of launch hardware going down at all. Being $500 is still cheaper than $500 back in 2006.
The $400 target, makes sense. It is easier to reach. But if that doesn't line up with future relevancy than Sony wouldn't be better off. Even at a cheaper price there will always be those who consider it too expensive, or just won't buy things at original launch price. Look at the Vita, that price wowed people but now everyone thinks its too expensive, even though hardware wise it is half the cost of the most popular brand of mobile electronic (iPad 3).
I think, if they release a powerful machine despite a high price they will still get sales to carry them. At a higher price they have more room for price cuts to encourage buyers. Expensive hardware now has the greatest potential for production cost reduction, compared to cheaper hardware that has already been through the early rounds of reduction. Cheaper at launch will dilute perceived value.
Besides, PS3 was really expensive because of Cell and Blu Ray ($800+). Now they can dedicate the costs towards power to have a system that will outlast and remain relevant. If they released a system at $500 while taking a $100 loss they could have a really powerful console.
Before the PS3 everyone was nice to me :(
