When Sony introduced its new PS3 motion controls, dubbed Move, last night at the Games Developer Conference they showed technology that was impressive yet familiar at times. However, while watching the string of on-stage demos and talk of the technology, my mind came slipping back to a single slide that said, “Under $100.” When ever someone is trying to sell you something and says it is “under $100” that means the price is likely $99.99.
So what does “under $100” get you? Sony detailed the starter pack bundle as coming with one Playstation Move controller, the EyeToy, and an unnamed game (like Sports Champion or Move Party). Other bundles including a PS3 console/Move/EyeToy/game bundle were also mentioned.
What is most notably missing is the Wii-nunchuk-like sub-controller which is necessary if you want to use the Move in games like SOCOM 4. Purchasing this accessory will likely add another $20 to $30 to the purchase price of the Playstation Move. Separate controllers are sure to be sold as well but with the Eye Toy selling by itself for $40 then that likely puts the retail cost of the main Move controller around $40 to $50.
Add-ons added to console systems later in its life are notorious for not being picked up by consumers or supported by developers and publishers very well due to a chicken and the egg conundrum. Consumers don’t want to buy them because they cost too much and don’t have developer and publisher support. Developer and publishers don’t support them because the consumers aren’t buying them. Sony announced that they have 36 companies lined up to support the Playstation Move. However, the retail costs add up for an accessory that is supposed to appeal to core and casual/family gamers where multiple accessories will need to be purchased for more than one person to play at a time. Especially for a console system that already has a $300 price tag.
More details about the Playstation Move such as individual controller prices and release dates are still due. The games and technology showed off at GDC were indeed impressive but price has to be a concern given this economy. Microsoft is waiting until E3 in June to show off Project Natal and reveal price and release dates but speculation on its price ranges from $50 to $100 or more. However, all indications are that Natal won’t require additional controllers to play with.
Never the less, the competition between Move, Natal, and the already established Wii will be interesting to watch. The Wii has a leg-up on the competition because it is already established and comes with a Wii-mote and nunchuk as standard but the Sony and Microsoft offerings are either offering up enhanced or fresh experiences. Either way it is clear to me that the retail price of the core systems for the PS3 and Xbox 360 will have to come down to Wii levels by the time either motion control system is released to entice consumers.
What do you think of the price for the Move? Too much or just right? If Natal comes out cheaper do you think that will give Microsoft's motion camera a leg-up? Share your thoughts below.
Enjoy this article? Receive e-mail alerts when new articles are available. Just click on the "Subscribe" button above. Or, click the button to the right for my latest Twitter updates.
Comments
Natal will be more than that. 100 is the best anyone can do I think. I heard rumors from developers that Natal was going to 200 until they cut the processing power by 15%
Its a blatant "Me Too" move by Sony, but the tech behind it has promise.
To its credit, a PS3 fanboy that I know will likely get it, if it sports games like Tiger Woods 11 would support it.
However, me being a Wii console owner, I just don't see how they can introduce Move and have any sort of penetration in the PS3 market. This is likely going to be the next Super Scope or Power Glove, there won't be enough people that have it for game makers to care. Sony should release the Move 2.0 and bundle them with the PS4.
thats the problem, the enitial cost is cheap 100 bucks, pittens.
but if you want to do this than you need that, that will be another 20.
o and if you want that you need this thats another 20.
o and now that you have that you also need this thats another 20.
all of a sudden a 100 dollar trip to the shops has turned into a 300 dollar one.
there tooting you can use up to 4 controllers at once, THATS MORE THAN WHAT THE BLOODY SYSTEMS WORTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thats the good thing about natal you buy that and thats it no additions necessary.
even if natal is 200 bucks (which i highly doubt) it will surely be cheaper than what youll have to shell out for move.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!