However, SCEE (Sony’s European branch) have been in touch with TheSixthAxis this morning to point out that they don’t set pricing – or, at least, they haven’t set an RRP.
“With regards to price, we no longer set an RRP, instead, that will be dictated by individual retailers themselves,” says the statement. “In terms of the overall hardware offering, we’re adding value (referring to the boosted hard drive size), and via a large selection of individual hard & soft bundle packs, such as FIFA 13, Assassins Creed 3, and Wonderbook: Book of Spells etc. on the run up to Xmas and beyond.”
We had estimated the price to be £240 for the big 500 GB, and £185 for the 16GB flash version. These, then, will be subject to change as and when retailers set their prices.
The FIFA 13 / 500 GB bundle will be exclusive to GAME in the UK, available from September 28th.
hazelam
translation.
“the ‘it’s the retailers fault’ excuse seemed to work out for nintendo so now we’re trying it.”
Greg Aldridge
Actually, take it up with the European Commission. They fined Nintendo in 2002 for collusion with suppliers to set the price of consoles across Europe. As a result Nintendo no longer set a European RRP so that they can avoid similar allegations in the future.
It’s probably not too much of a leap of faith to assume that Sony also learnt from that which is why we get woolly MSRPs (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices) instead of RRPs (Recommended Retail Prices). Though the difference between the two is somewhat subjective.
hazelam
reading up on that it seemed to be more about controlling the import of consoles from other countries where prices are lower.
like refusing to stock retailers that sold across borders
“Evidence shows that Nintendo had made arrangements with seven EU distributors to prevent parallel trade from low-priced to high-priced countries. The companies made intensive efforts to find traders that allowed parallel exports. Such traders were sanctioned by being given smaller shipments or by a complete boycott.
Restrictions of parallel trade are strictly prohibited under Article 81 of the Treaty Establishing the European Community (EC Treaty), which forbids any agreements or concerted practices which may affect trade between the Member States and prevent, restrict or distort competition within the EU’s common market.”
how does that affect their ability to set the rrp?
i don’t know if it does, all i know is, this “retailers set the price” thing seems like passing the buck to me.
Greg Aldridge
Nintendo, with the aid of their distributors tried to enforce a Europe-wide price for their consoles. (Otherwise we’d all be buying our consoles from somewhere like Albania as they’d likely be cheaper than in the UK, France or Germany)
They were fined for it.
Hence they no longer try to set or enforce a European RRP so they cannot be accused of such practices again. Their policy since has been to allow retailers to set whatever price they want, with Nintendo just essentially setting the ‘trade price’.
If you want to see taking steps to avoid potential further prosecution as “passing the buck” because it suits your world view better, fine.
TheDeathAvenger
I thought it was 12GB flash?
Is the point in no RRP basically an attempt to get retailers to battle it out and on the whole reduce the prices they’re charging?
plutoniumdragon
Seems eminently sensible – Sony need the sales and as long as it’s not sold as a loss-leader by the big 4 then everyone wins.
Well we’d still win if it was, but other’s would lose out, obviously :)
Greg Aldridge
Re RRPs, see my reply to hazelam above.
Taylor Made
I will buy it from who ever is selling it the cheapest that simple.. So let the battle begin, my money is on amazon to do it the cheapest, GAME the expensivest.
Any bets lol
XisTG
Just read the RRP in euros on their blog. And it’s mental: they suggest the 12gb model will cost 230€, only 5€ cheaper than the current 160gb one.
Greg Aldridge
Note that on the EU Blog they don’t call them RRPs and just say “around €299” and “around €229”.
XisTG
indeed :)
let’s just hope for it to be cheaper. that and the mount bracket.
cam the man
Is there a price for the 250GB HDD peripheral for the 12GB model?
Greg Aldridge
€89.99!
http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/120919b_e.html
blarty
GAME exclusives?! Again!?…. have the people who took over from the shambolic business practices of before not learned anything?
XisTG
And apparently it needs some kind of add-on for an external HDD…
Bilbo_bobbins
This could work for them, but it could also not. IF it becomes popular then competitive pricing from retailers could push the price down. But then, if its in retailers hands, the price could stay artificially high.
Really, Sony should of put a RRP on it personally, otherwise everyday christmas buyers will get totally confused by the pricing and various models.
JBoo
My head is going to EXPLODE!!! LoL:D I have just read most of the gaming sites etc etc & this has to be one of the most confusing Pricing of a new version of a games console EVER!!! :D
This was the best i could find –
North America
250GB – $269 (Bundle Only) – September 25
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception: Game of the Year Edition
Voucher for more than $30 worth of bonus digital content for Dust 514.
500GB – $299 – October 30
Europe
Flash Memory 12GB – 229 Euros – October 12
500GB – 299 Euros – September 28
Japan
250GB – 24,900 Yen – October 4
500GB – 29,800 Yen – October 4
So no 12GB PS3 for the US then??? Erm the PS3 is beating the Xbox 360 sales each week in Europe & Japan so WHY??? is there no cheaper PS3 for the US??? I don’t get it??? You would think the US would get the 12GB PS3 to + The ‘250GB – $269 (Bundle Only)’ PS3 – Why couldn’t they of done a no bundle $199 PS3 in the US??? Hmm, oh well apart from that Head-F**k i might get erm 1 :D of the Euro versions of the PS3 next week:P
JBoo
Oh + No 250GB Version for Europe? + No 12GB Version for Japan? + 299 Euros for the 500GB PS3 in Europe?…I am getting a headache now… :D
stueeeee
Off I go to tesco when it comes out then….
CR8ZYH0RSE
“hard & soft”.Nice.