$499 seems right, there are millions of Sony fans who'd buy a PS5 even if it didn't have any game. Those early adopters would def pay $499. They can do a $100 price cut a year later.

I think they could be well served by a $450 launch price for a few reasons.

1. $400 in 2019 or 2020 just won't be what it was in 2013 (with inflation you're looking at $425 today)

2. Launching at a slightly higher price means that they can provide better hardware than they could at $400. Especially if they're willing to break even, or take a small loss on the hardware at launch.

3. If they can beat the Xbox 2 to market by a year (which I think is likely if they decide to launch in 2019) even if Microsoft launches the Xbox 2 at $400 Sony would have time to drop the price to match it.

4. PlayStation is a really valuable brand. I think people could be pretty easily convinced that a PS5 is worth $450.

If Sony really is to release first next gen their goal will be to get as much of a head start as possible, which will work much better with a 400,- price, even if they’ll lose a bit of money on it.

why not PS5 @400 & PS5Pro @500 to launch at same time

There won’t be a need for a Pro Model next gen, since most people still won’t even have a 4K TV at launch. Plus 100 more won’t give you a big enough bump in power. Another reason is it would confuse customers. Not a wise thing to do.

PS4Pro & X1X already here for 4K TV users but not next gen?

And both can’t do proper native 4K. Next gen will be all about 4K/30 or /60 for some games. 

And all that, when more than half of the people don’t even have 4K TVs....therefore....no need for an even more powerful model. 

Tbh I don’t even think 8K TVs are even needed for gaming at all. More power will be welcome for VR though.

I wouldnt be surprised if it became a trend and i also dont think its only about resolution, (and yeah i know thats normally what these companies care the most about since its easier to show off), but i wouldnt be surprised to see a pro that focuses on getting all games to 60fps or just improving overall performance.

The can do just fine releasing a $500 console. As long as its BC with the PS4 and that MS doesnt release a $300 console.

The problem with the PS3 wasnt just that it cost more than the 360, it was also because it was seen as a $600 box while 360 was "starting at $299", and in addition sony was losobg almost $200+ from every console sold.

If the PS5 releases at $500 and the XB2 at $400 amd there is a noticeable difference in game performance, then the PS5 would still sell more. For most of this gen the XB1 has been cheaper than the PS4, but was still being outsold.

i don't think a $400 console even at 2020 (which probably PS5 launching) will be strong enough to support AAA games at solid native 4K 30fps, so $500 Pro is more possible to achieve that, and launching only a $500 model doesn't seems really a friendly price for most gamers