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Sony Slams Wii, 360 For Offering Less Value Than PS3

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News Room Contributor
Posts: 8020
Joined: 12 Nov 2002

Sony Slams Wii, 360 For Offering Less Value Than PS3

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Despite the beating it's been taking from both the press and the buying public, Sony is refusing to change its PlayStation 3 tune, issuing a press release claiming that neither the Xbox 360 nor the Wii can compete with it on equal terms.

As the most expensive of the three major gaming consoles on the market, the PlayStation 3 has lagged behind the Xbox 360 in worldwide sales and been absolutely demolished by the Wii. Strategic price cuts have proven successful in the past - Microsoft saw a major jump in Japanese sales of the Xbox 360 after it lowered the price in September 2008 - yet Sony has remained adamant in its refusal to make significant reductions of its own in order to boost sales. And in response to a recent Microsoft statement that its sales lead over the PlayStation 3 is growing, Sony has countered with a claim that its console offers more dollar-for-dollar value than either the 360 or the Wii.

"The Xbox 360 requires additional money, multiple upgrades and additional external devices, putting a burden on the wallet and adds clutter to the entertainment centre," Sony said. "The PS3 is the perfect example of a product featuring superior technology and a sophisticated design creating an ideal all-in-one entertainment product."

And despite the fact that Sony doesn't consider the Wii a competing product at all, it doesn't escape the company's attention. "The Wii's lack of enhanced features comes at the expense of a comprehensive entertainment solution," the statement continued. "So as PS3 continues to evolve without the need for additional parts or expenses, expect the competition to continue peddling add-ons in an effort to keep up with the Jones'."

Sony claimed that upgrading the Xbox 360 Arcade, the entry-level Xbox console, to the level of the PlayStation 3 would cost between $449 and $499, and added that many of the PS3 features simply cannot be had on the Wii. "The Xbox 360 and Wii offer a set of features in their own right. However, when you take a look at the feature offerings side by side, there is only one true winner in delivering total value and price," the press release said.

Sony may very well have a point, and kudos to them for sticking to their guns, but it doesn't appear to have much relevance to the average consumer, who continues to insist on buying lower-priced consoles that provide immediately-accessible fun rather than high-end, comprehensive entertainment systems. It may not be fair or even reasonable but it's also no secret, and Sony's insistence on beating the same drum is looking more and more like a losing strategy.

Source: GamesIndustry, Gamasutra

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Paperboy
Posts: 12
Joined: 3 Jan 2009

This just strikes me odd that a company this big is resorting to a childhood mentality of "If I can't see it, it can't hurt me". But then again, I'm not a business major so I might just be missing some huge point there

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2352
Joined: 14 Sep 2008

Blu-Ray and HDMI isn't everything Sony.

Copy Clerk
Posts: 99
Joined: 28 Dec 2008

lame...
The table isn't fair, it only contains things that
the ps3 features it doesn't show the services that
that microsoft or Nintendo provide for their consoles.

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2768
Joined: 18 Sep 2007

What Sony is missing is that not everyone wants everything they've packed into the PS3. Blu-Ray doesn't interest me, and I use Ethernet for my networking. The a la carte model that MS adopted may cost more if you get everything, but not everyone wants everything.

Also, they're completely missing why the Wii is so successful without all the mega-shiny bits. You won't convert the Wii's target audience over to the PS3 by pointing to your uber-1337 under-the-hood gadgetry; Nintendo's grabbing people by the peripherals and the "fun" factor.

Damn, it's a shame to see Sony fumbling the market pitch like that. I like having a three-console gaming universe.

-- Steve

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 4549
Joined: 25 Feb 2008

They are missing three very important points.
i)$399>$199
ii)$399>$299
iii)Most people see only this.

As far as I can see Sony's only hope this generation is to drop the PS3's price, bite the losses which they are making anyway and hope the PS3's long intended lifespan gives it a stronger following.

Rambling about added value is no use to anyone.

Muckraker
Posts: 323
Joined: 3 Sep 2008

Aren't these comments normally followed by some sort of epic failure by sony?

Anonymous Source
Posts: 3
Joined: 8 Jan 2009

You know who else made a chart and statements just like this? SNK. For their Neo Geo system comparing it to 'inferior' 16-bit systems. Not long before it tanked.

On the Record
Posts: 5958
Joined: 7 Feb 2008

Value = Very Yes
Desired Titles = Very No

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1766
Joined: 2 Jul 2008

Given the worldwide Credit Crunch SEGA may as well rerelease the Dreamcast.

Pulitzer Laureate
Posts: 828
Joined: 4 Oct 2007

Also, the table isn't quite fair in that the Xbox Arcade comes with five arcade games, and the Wii comes with Wii Sports. The PS3 at that price comes with.. the console. So throw another 30-50 bucks on before you can actually use it for anything.

That said though, Anton is dead on. You give me a PS3 priced like a 360 Arcade and sure I'll get the PS3 first, other than that though.. no. And similarly, you give me a PS3 priced like a Wii and I'll still get the Wii, because I'm not buying it for the HDMI or Blu-Ray.. I'm buying it for the control system and the games that match the style I enjoy.

On the other hand, what else is Sony supposed to do? Try to sell the PS3 at even *more* of a loss? With games out for it now, they're committed to both the Blu-Ray format and the Cell processor, which is where the large chunk of their expenses come from. Their attach rate simply isn't strong enough to support a deeper loss on the console, and the longer development times for the Cell processor means that isn't going to start to skyrocket any time soon, especially with the massive install base of the Wii attracting the developers' attentions right now.

Sony took a big gamble and tried essentially to skip a generation of consoles. In one sense, it paid off in that HD-DVD is now dead, and Blu-Ray has emerged as the winner. Unfortunately, with the shift in the economic climate, it may be a case of winning the battle while losing the war.

Muckraker
Posts: 345
Joined: 17 Dec 2007

Now that's just silly.

It appears that the captain will indeed be going down with the ship.

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2012
Joined: 2 Nov 2008

Xbox 360 Arcade: $199
20 GB HDD upgrade w/ 3 months free Xbox Live: $29 <---Don't forget that you also get a month free of Live just for signing up
VGA Cable (higher HD output than Xbox's HDMI): $39
WiFi: $99

Total: $366

Leaves you w/ about $30 extra (compared to their "minimal" price for the PS3) for another game in addition to the 5 XBLA games and Sega Superstar Tennis (which come w/ Xbox 360 Arcade). Just wanted to point that out.

Also, the 360 Pro comes w/ a 60 GB HDD and HD cables out of the box plus 2 games. I'm not saying that the PS3 isn't attractive in its own right, I'm just saying that this comparison wasn't extremely fair. But I wouldn't expect Microsoft or Nintendo to be fair either.
On top of that, not as many people care about HD movies as the industry thought they would right now, so Sony touting that isn't exactly the ammo they need.

EDIT: When it comes right down to it, the PS3 is media hub. Great for videos, internet, audio and HD in general, but gaming is just part of it. It's not a real emphasis, it's just a component in their formula. Xbox 360 is a media extender w/ a focus on gaming and the Wii is clearly just plain fun (if a bit repetitive after awhile).

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1083
Joined: 11 May 2008

Well... Microsoft (not so much Nintendo) makes all those things optional instead of mandatory...I don't have a fancy flat screen with HDMI inputs, nor do I have a wireless modem i can use here at school, and I'm sure several people are in the same situation...so why should I pay for them when i won't need them in the foreseen future? Sure, the PS3 doesn't make you use them but they are there and part of the cost, and sure the end cost will be more i end up needing them, but not upfront, which is actually financially more feasible for most people...

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1154
Joined: 29 Oct 2008

Malygris:
Sony Slams Wii, 360 For Offering Less Value Than PS3

image

I consider this advertising. M$ throws it's weight around in the press constantly. Personally, I'm glad Sony are finally stepping to the plate. People should know the details.

I don't understand why they're bringing the Wii into it. Maybe just to show they're not picking on Microsoft (who of course they're targeting).

jupiterman:
You know who else made a chart and statements just like this? SNK. For their Neo Geo system comparing it to 'inferior' 16-bit systems. Not long before it tanked.

There is no comparision between the NEO GEO and the PS3.

I have never met or spoken to anyone who owns a NeoGeo (you, maybe my first?) but I know loads of people with a PS3.

Pulitzer Laureate
Posts: 884
Joined: 19 Sep 2008

How is the Wii not in competition with the PS3? If the Wii wasn't around, Ps3 sales would likely be higher.

They just need a better approach than flaming the competition. Like offering it half-price for just a month.

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1172
Joined: 13 Nov 2007

Dear game console designers:

Graphics. Are. Not. Everything.

Paperboy
Posts: 16
Joined: 28 Nov 2008

I fail to see how any machine that costs c£300/$400 and is essentially designed for the purpose of creating pretty pictures and entertaining beeps and boops in order to keep its user distracted can be considered value, regardless of what it comes with... unless it like magically dispensed beer or something...
>_>
<_<
>_<
Nah. They'd keep that model for subscription payers...

Beat Writer
Posts: 136
Joined: 3 Feb 2008

I've been watching this epic battle for so long now, and sony continue to earn my contempt. Its getting to the point where its not even funny anymore, its just sad.

Dear Sony,
Change your playstation ways, or lay down and die.

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2012
Joined: 2 Nov 2008

KiiWii:
I've been watching this epic battle for so long now, and sony continue to earn my contempt. Its getting to the point where its not even funny anymore, its just sad.

Dear Sony,
Change your playstation ways, or lay down and die.

I feel the same way.

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1711
Joined: 12 Aug 2008

sony is all trash talk

Copy Clerk
Posts: 85
Joined: 27 Dec 2008

Sony, it seems, has always been the company to stick to these strategies and just pretend that the table isn't tilted in their competitors favors. It's a shame that such strategies create a volatile formula for failure.

Press Junketeer
Posts: 456
Joined: 16 Nov 2008

gdnvs:
lame...
The table isn't fair, it only contains things that
the ps3 features it doesn't show the services that
that microsoft or Nintendo provide for their consoles.

A table comparing consoles by Sony isnt fair?
OH MY GOD?!?!?!?

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2019
Joined: 25 Jun 2008

"The Xbox 360 requires additional money, multiple upgrades and additional external devices, putting a burden on the wallet and adds clutter to the entertainment centre," Sony said.

What do they mean by this?

I don't own a PS3 but I'm assuming it's not smaller than a 360, connecting to the TV, home cinema and internet without wires (well maybe the internet), and magically drawing power from the atmosphere.

Oh noes! My entertainment centre is so cluttered with my used Live subscription cards which I can't be bothered to throw away. I can no longer stand in the gap between my 360 and the wall because of the wires coming out of the back of it.

Are they basically accusing the 360 of being bad Feng Shui?

Muckraker
Posts: 257
Joined: 24 Nov 2007

Wow. You usually only see this argument from fanboys in forums. Sony's taking fanboy logic to the streets!

Copy Clerk
Posts: 80
Joined: 8 Jan 2009

Evidence that the worst thing Sony can do to itself is win a format war.

BANNED
Posts: 12958
Joined: 30 Jan 2008

PedroSteckecilo:
Value = Very Yes
Desired Titles = Very No

Whats it like living in mid 2007? I bet you're really anxious to know who will be the next American president.

Muckraker
Posts: 344
Joined: 14 May 2008

gdnvs:
lame...
The table isn't fair, it only contains things that
the ps3 features it doesn't show the services that
that microsoft or Nintendo provide for their consoles.

I disagree; the table is fair. it is merely advertising showing that the ps3 has way more features out of the box, and that its a better quality product. it shows all essential features, not, as you suggested, missing anything out. Its up to the consumer whether they want to pay the price of quality, or buy the second rate crap, and in the xbox's case, buy all the features separately (costing more in the long run, as demonstrated here)

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2132
Joined: 23 Dec 2007

You can't win in sales by calling other products bad and or inferior and considering the state sony is in (job cuts and possibly a closing of a division) this seems very desperate.

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2012
Joined: 2 Nov 2008

Indigo_Dingo:

PedroSteckecilo:
Value = Very Yes
Desired Titles = Very No

Whats it like living in mid 2007? I bet you're really anxious to know who will be the next American president.

Come on, he's right. He said "desired," and that word can mean different things to different people. All of the titles on the PS3 I'd want to play are rentals. Good rentals, but that's it.

EDIT: But that doesn't mean that the PS3 is a bad choice for everyone.

Beat Writer
Posts: 182
Joined: 5 May 2008

Reminds me of this old video:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=x7PhJp3ciRQ
Having a PS3 and Wii though I have to say I prefer the PS3. Also $100 seems a bit of a rip off for a WiFi nic and the HDD prices seem inflated for the xbox too - considering the PS3 allows you to use any old 2.5" sata drive (or 3.5" with an adaptor) - end of the day though they're small considerations and I suppose make up for the cheaper console price.

Hoping to pick-up an xbox around easter though when the Jaspers make it out over here so I guess we'll see :D

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2132
Joined: 23 Dec 2007

Indigo_Dingo:

PedroSteckecilo:
Value = Very Yes
Desired Titles = Very No

Whats it like living in mid 2007? I bet you're really anxious to know who will be the next American president.

Uh I think he's saying it hasn't got any titles he wants, considering desired titles varies from person to person.

BANNED
Posts: 12958
Joined: 30 Jan 2008

joystickjunki3:

Indigo_Dingo:

PedroSteckecilo:
Value = Very Yes
Desired Titles = Very No

Whats it like living in mid 2007? I bet you're really anxious to know who will be the next American president.

Come on, he's right. He said "desired," and that word can mean different things to different people. All of the titles on the PS3 I'd want to play are rentals. Good rentals, but that's it.

EDIT: But that doesn't mean that the PS3 is a bad choice for everyone.

How can you rent LittleBigPlanet?

Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2012
Joined: 2 Nov 2008

Indigo_Dingo:

joystickjunki3:

Indigo_Dingo:

PedroSteckecilo:
Value = Very Yes
Desired Titles = Very No

Whats it like living in mid 2007? I bet you're really anxious to know who will be the next American president.

Come on, he's right. He said "desired," and that word can mean different things to different people. All of the titles on the PS3 I'd want to play are rentals. Good rentals, but that's it.

EDIT: But that doesn't mean that the PS3 is a bad choice for everyone.

How can you rent LittleBigPlanet?

By going out to a rental place and paying a couple bucks; but that's not the point. Little Big Planet is cool, and when I get around to purchasing a PS3 (when they drop the price) I will definitely purchase a copy of that as well, but it's not a killer app for me. If it is for you, then that's great, but I'm plenty happy w/ N+ on XBLA.

Red Guard
Posts: 3485
Joined: 18 Sep 2008

y8c616:
it is merely advertising showing that the ps3 has way more features out of the box, and that its a better quality product. it shows all essential features, not, as you suggested, missing anything out. Its up to the consumer whether they want to pay the price of quality, or buy the second rate crap, and in the xbox's case, buy all the features separately (costing more in the long run, as demonstrated here)

Better quality product?
I'm all for console equality, but this statement reeks of fan-boyism.

A $299 360 comes with everything a PS3 does, minus Blue-Ray and Wi-Fi. But, it also comes with something a PS3 does not: HD cables. Last I checked, and I could be wrong, PS3s do NOT come with HD cables, and you have to buy them separately.

As for Blue-ray? Who cares? Unless you have a 1080p TV, it's wasted. And even though I DO have a 1080p TV, my 360 up-converts so I don't need Blue-ray. No big issue.

Wi-Fi? Well, if you are actually going to use it (Since a bunch of friend of mine who have PS3s say the Wi-Fi sucks), an extra $100 puts the price point at the same ($399)...not including the extra for HD cables.

And the online? Again, all my friends who have used both have said that the 360 online is preferable. I'm willing to pay my $50 for 13 months for online play. It's worth it to me! And, apparently, thousands and thousands of other people feel the same.

Look, I think both consoles are good in their own right. I, personally, prefer the 360. That doesn't mean the PS3 is crappy. It's a good system! It's just not the system I want. And a lot of people feel that way (And vice versa).
So let's keep the flaming to a minimum (That goes for BOTH sides!)

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