If it’s not Sony executives teasing next gen console announcements these days, it’s analysts trying to figure out how much they’re going to cost.
The latest on that is from Baird Equity Research, who, after studying information from CES last week and after speaking “with a number of companies involved in video game development and distribution” have pitched a potential price of $400.
That’s around £250, although it’s highly unlikely that we’ll see such direct parity, given shipping, taxes and so on. Expect something closer to that in pounds.
The analysts think October will be the month that the PS4 launches, with the next Xbox the following month. Most people agree that May is a likely reveal date for the next generation, with E3 used to showcase the actual games.
“We expect the E3 trade show in June will take on added significance, most likely providing the industry with the first public opportunity to examine next-generation hardware,” says an analyst at the firm. We’ve already speculated about what that hardware could be.
“Our checks suggest that next-generation console hardware will be largely built from ‘off the shelf’ high-end PC components, along with hybrid physical/digital distribution models, enhanced voice controls and motion sensing (Kinect integration with every Xbox), and broad multimedia capabilities.”
The analyst also warned of “early production issues” with the PS4.
Sony has yet to officially confirm anything, replying with a “no comment” when pushed.
Bilbo_bobbins
Analysts for those who are dumbfucks and don’t follow the gaming industry.
parryman
Cross game chat will feaure…
SilverCider
…Bazinga…
skibadee
£400 is the most I will pay.
cam the man
That’ll be my limit but I hope it’s nearer £300.
LTG Davey
Assuming they learned their lesson with the PS3 I would guess a £300 price point. If not, they will probably go closer to £400 again.
Either way I can’t see myself getting another Sony console as most of my mates are Xbox gamers these days.
djhsecondnature
I will be super surprised if they don’t offer a contract based offer.
£199 for console plus £15 a month for a year or two – which gets you Plus and stuff as well. Would be able to get SO many more purchases with this method.
jimmy-google
Maybe the controller will take a Sim card so you can have game apps and store access where ever you are then sell the console on contract
xdarkmagician
The next Xbox is first… then the PS4 is first, then the next Xbox is first again, then the PS4, Xbox, PS4, Xbox….. for fucks sake, these analyst can’t even predict who’s launching first how are they going to predict what price they’re launching at? I guarantee you whomever predicted this price took more time typing out the number $400 then they did figuring out the price. Lets face it Sony is horrible at keeping secrets, just plain horrible. since we haven’t seen any big rumours yet it’s safe to say that PS4 tech is still being developed and hasn’t been finalized. You can’t make an accurate prediction on speculation, but apparently you can make a living from it.
damoxuk
I’ll go up to £400 for PS4 but I will say it will be closer to £300 as they will be using cheap of the shelf components.
Gonna save around £1000 in case both nextbox and ps4 arrive same time with extra money on games.. Then to find time to use them… lol
Nismo400R84
PS4 for me next gen £500.00 is ready and waiting for you Sony and if you could make ps3 BC it will be a plus.
TSBonyman
I would expect to pay up to €400 for a launch model. It’s not so much the price as it is the features that will decide how soon i’ll be buying one.
rossthebassist
I think SONY will have talked to there 3rd party partners about moving some of the Exclusive PS3 titles that were struggling with the PS3 hardware onto next gen… I Can see for example Final Fantasy Verses XIII exclusive PS4
Obvious first party titles such as The Last Guardian
A Gran Turismo teaser game
Battlefield 4 may get a multiple platform release, would love to see PS3 PS4 cross-play on that
So many options.
If i were sony i would be in touch with valve about bringing a steam app to the PS4 for the distribution of Valve games on the console.
throw in some killer apps and streaming TV services and im all in!