PS4, Xbox One Prices Predicted, PS3 & Xbox 360 Slated for a Price Drop?
With the E3 2013 focused more on games than the consoles, the days leading to the main event have been devoted to the potential price tags that the PS4 and the Xbox One may have once they are released.
At least this is what Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter has been making a buzz of. Taking into consideration a variety of factors, the PS4 will sell at a lower price of $349, while the Xbox One may clock in at around $399.
"Our estimate of the bill of materials for the Xbox One-based upon speculation regarding many of the specs-is around $325, suggesting that Microsoft could make a modest profit at the $399 price point," said Pachter to VentureBeat.
"For the PS4, we remain confident that the new console will have a lower initial MSRP than the PS3, which had a lofty starting price of $599 that we believe negatively impacted its long-term popularity."
Indeed, one of PS4's potential highlights is to learn from its past mistake with the PS3. It already has a good standing with gamers who still believe that the PS4's focus on gaming and (optional) social connectivity is far better than Microsoft's unfocused treatment of an all-in living room centerpiece.
Now the question is whether or not Sony tries to match Xbox One in terms of the offered specs remains to be seen, as Pachter adds that these features can easily be added, in the event that Xbox One may actually have a hit on their hands.
Added features such as these may find a springboard at the E3 2013, though it's more likely that the focus will be on all the next-gen games coming onboard.
What will happen to current gen consoles?
The issue of gaming for the current gen consoles doesn't seem to be a problem, as both Microsoft and Sony have already confirmed that they will still create games for the current-gen consoles as long as developers are still willing to make the games for it.
There is, however, word that price cuts for current-gen consoles PS3 and Xbox 360 may be felt throughout the holidays in preparation for the next-gen release. Joystiq reports that Pachter has also predicted at least $50 price cut for the two consoles.
Nintendo's Wii was also part of the predictions, though with harsher blow of a $99 price cut, as well as a bundled software offer for better sales.
PS Vita's one-week credit deal
With next-gen consoles price predictions rolling out, the PS Vita is also feeling the heat of the E3 2013. This may be a great time to buy the PS Vita for those who are also planning to get the PS4 once it releases during the holidays.
As previous reports have stated, Remote Play from the PS Vita on the PS4 will be enabled for most games, except for games that makes use of the PS4 Eye Camera.
One of Sony's great moves is to link the two consoles via Remote Play. And with the addition of the new offer, where, according to Kotaku, retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and Target will be offering a $50 in-store credit when you buy the PS Vita anytime until June 8.
Of course, there is still also the rumor that a price cut on the PS Vita may be in the cards come the E3 2013, but for those who don't want to risk the offer can head over to the mentioned retail stores.