@koffie: I doubt that Wii was released in Latin America and I am also not sure about 360. In most countries Wii is the last this-gen console to be released and it's not surprising when you take in account Nintendo supply problems.

Yes, at least in Argentina it has been released to some degree. Not massively like the PS2, I don't know if it has official support, but you can find it in some large supermarkets (like Carrefour). Of course, due to the lack of a "NintendoStyle", the supply and support should be scarce. Anyway, the first thing anyone does with a Wii here is install a modchip, so nobody worries about support. The 360 I think it has not been released yet, I read something about Microsoft wanting to release it soon. But knowing the faulty hardware, and that modding it voids the warranty, I dout it'd be very popular

Mexico did get the official launch August 11 last year.

Hi there,

Well, I live in Chile (next to Argentina). Here the thing is like this:

PS1 and PS2 are the most popular gaming consoles, mainly beacause off modding. So you can buy games for 4 dollars.

In a country were the average income is 5 times less than EEUU for example, is a little bit difficult to buy 70-80 USD games.

XBOX360 is getting strong because of the same reason.

But the playstation brand is so big, everyone is talking ok the PS3 and want to get one.

The price is $550 dolars average the 40 GB. Games are about USD$ 70-80. You can buy them easily at Shoping centers or specialized stores.

That's some crazy taxes, if prices were like that consoles would be a luxury item. yikes, you have to be decently wealthy to buy that.

consoles are luxuary items you dont need them to live alucardremixed lol

anyway south america is a country that is quite rich overall and is full of wealthy and middle class people, now the ps3 once its offically launhced should see a price cut due to less shipping costs from the states and import taxes, im expecting about a 30,000 sales when it launches in south america

Actually, Sony should be doing more than just distribution in Latin America, a region of the world undergoing vast (and overwhelmingly positive) social and political change. They should be investing heavily in local studios -- e.g. Brazil-themed FIFA games, tie-ins with Lat Am's bourgeoning media cultures, etc. The result will not only be great games at affordable prices, but will also reduce piracy and encourage consumers to buy legit (because legit purchases support their local media industry) - win-win for everyone.

Sony's experience in Russia was that piracy starts to disappear around the $7,500 per capita GDP level. Basically, once consumers can afford to buy legitimate media at reasonable prices, they do so - it's easier and more convenient, people want decent customer service, etc. A number of Lat Am countries are at or close to this mark:

Chile $9879
Venezuela $8596
Mexico $8479
Brazil $6983
Argentina $6606

(This is IMF data for 2007).

south america is not a country.

Considering it cost around 1000$ over there now yes;..But that would even for me to expensive.