The console wars are coming. And with it, brand new comments about us being anti-everything. Truth is, we dig both the Playstation 4 and the Xbox One. Which one will most gamers choose though? Most likely the Playstation 4, thanks to a cheaper price tag. Which is mostly due to the PS4 nixing the inclusion of its camera device.
Over at IGN, sources close to them have mentioned that Sony declined to add the Playstation camera in order to make certain that they could beat the retail price of the Xbox One. Retail partners close to Sony never even knew what the price itself would be despite the exclusion of the device, as Sony feared tipping off Microsoft close to E3.
The console will retail for £349 in European territories when it launches, which includes us. That’s around R5300, in comparison to the estimated price of the Xbox One at £429/R6600.
But in doing so, Sony may have also shot themselves in the foot. With the camera now being optional, you can bet your ass that a large part of the market will be unconcerned with adopting it, a move that also leaves the built-in LED move tracker in that sexy new controller, more useless than the SADC at a Zimbabwean election.
And if you want that camera? Be prepared to shell out $59.99 for it, or around R600. A price that will most likely be closer to a R1000 on this side of the globe. And even that comes with a catch. Sony will have to create some damn good software in order to justify the price tag, but at the same time, they won’t do so without gamers buying it before those games pop up.
Still, Sony seems to be benefitting from this move in the short-term at least. Internal sales are up, and pre-sales orders are ridiculously high. If Sony can make the device worthwhile, instead of a dust-gatherer like the Playstation Move, then it might be a worthwhile investment.
But I don’t see that happening.
Last Updated: June 27, 2013
Argentil
June 27, 2013 at 07:53
The camera is $50. That’s 50% of the overal deficit. How is this newsworthy? Is the Xbox One a better purchase because you have to buy the camera? I’m confused.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
June 27, 2013 at 08:02
I don’t think the article is meant to indicate which is better but rather just to say why the PS4 can be sold so much cheaper.
Argentil
June 27, 2013 at 08:49
My point is that the article says “This is why the Playstation 4 is cheaper” and cites the exclusion of the $59 camera as the cause. Nevermind that none of this is the real reason.
As someone who ended up buying 2 move controllers and a PS Eye, I don’t have a problem with staggered adoption when I see a game worth purchasing the tech for (Dead Space Extraction was hella fun).
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 27, 2013 at 08:02
I don’t see the point of these camera devices … really I don’t. There hasn’t been a single game that has really changed my views on these devices …
Martin du preez
June 27, 2013 at 08:04
Yeah..I’d rather have it as an optional extra than having it rammed down my throat. With the PS camera,If I like what I see a few months down the road I’ll happily fork out some cash for it. I love having a choice. Also at 1k it’s still way cheaper that that Kinect kak that cost R2000 here.
Thank you Sony and Thank you Kaz.
Mark Wilkes
June 27, 2013 at 08:07
I dont know what MS is up to, but think about it, game developors for the xbox can now safely develop games for the whole MS generation utilising the Kinect. This only makes it a better console when there are games that use is to its full extent. I like xbox, but i think my first port of call this time will be the PS4.
Charles Du Plessis
June 27, 2013 at 08:07
Not only is the camera not the $100 difference, but ps come with a headset and xbone doesnt.
Jason Renfro
June 28, 2013 at 04:12
ear buds not headset earbuds 1.99 at your local gas and sip
Charles Du Plessis
June 28, 2013 at 08:21
pardon me, earpiece then. But lets be fair.
A) The Xbone “headset” is far from a “headset” as well.
B) If you need more than that earpiece, you probably already have some other big headset or will buy a bigger one
ie: Turtlebeach or even the Sony headset or somethign similar.
Jason Renfro
June 28, 2013 at 16:50
Actually the PS4 earbuds are mono not stereo. I wasn’t trying to compare the two but the earbuds in the PS4 are worth less than two dollars so not really an arguing point. Kinect 2.0 handles voice chat very well while blocking out all other sounds in the room. The “packaged-in” chat options are far superior on the Xbox One. Nice PS4 controller with Move built-in but no camera to use it don’t you think? It doesn’t take a genius to see they screwed their developers over in that regards and have positioned their camera experience for an entire generation of failure. Look, If I was 19 billion dollars in debt and walking a tightrope of bankruptcy and failure everyday I would be trying to tell you $2 earbuds were a revolution in gaming as well.
Homerjacob
November 22, 2013 at 03:52
19 billion in bankruptcy what are you looking at? They recently started turning a profit on ps3 and to begin with SCE, And the Ps team aren’t sonys money makers they make their money from banking/insurence. Sony isn’t just a console or tv sales company the sell medical equipment, TV’s, consoles, etc… Etc… Dot. Make blind statements and also that cheap 2$ headset is pretty damn good for a cheap piece of plastic. Free is still better the. None.
m3n4ce
June 27, 2013 at 08:10
Im glad its optional. Those games is really not for me. (At this stage with what is on the market). I have played with the current Kinect and it is really not worth it imho. A Mate of mine said, “The Kinect is awesome for kids!” hmmmmm Ok and?? “Hulle moet buite speel!!”
Dawith
June 27, 2013 at 08:11
“we dig both the Playstation 4 and the Xbox One”
Off course LG dig both LG is mainstream
ElNicko
June 27, 2013 at 09:56
bad troll
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 27, 2013 at 09:59
Yeah, we suck for loving ALL THE THINGS you can play games on. We’re terrible people. I’m sorry.
Argentil
June 27, 2013 at 10:03
You love all game-systems unconditionally? Some more than others though right? There have been a few doozies.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 27, 2013 at 10:33
Well, we’re not fans of the virtual boy. and yes, we do love some more than others..but who doesn’t? 😛
Argentil
June 27, 2013 at 10:35
That was the first doozie that came to mind. The nintendo power glove gets a free pass because it functions so well as a meme.
Major Commodore 64 Darryn B
June 27, 2013 at 10:43
I do happen to have a love/hate relationship with Johnny Turbo and the Turbografx 16…
Major Commodore 64 Darryn B
June 27, 2013 at 10:43
Best compliment, ever.
Argentil
June 27, 2013 at 10:43
Unless he’s a hipster.
Major Commodore 64 Darryn B
June 27, 2013 at 10:46
I TOTALLY AM NOT! I LISTEN TO BANDS THAT PEOPLE HAVE HEARD ABOUT!
Mark Treloar
June 27, 2013 at 11:27
Justin Bieber does not count
Tarisma
June 27, 2013 at 08:12
I don’t really get this whole camera your body is the controller vibe. If I wanted to exercise I would go to gym, go run or hiking etc. when I game I want to sit on my couch and relax, gaming is for chilling out. If my body is the controller how am I going to drink beer whilst playing.
DBL_ZA
June 27, 2013 at 08:51
While I fully agree, I have to say that if the Omni becomes more mainstream, I’ll happily get off the couch and run around 🙂
TiMsTeR1033
June 27, 2013 at 09:53
With great difficulty 😛
Alex The Cuttlefish
June 27, 2013 at 08:17
What does the camera actually even do?
Hillbilly Gamer
June 27, 2013 at 08:21
According to extremely government paranoia rumor mill: To spy on you
ALKi1234
June 27, 2013 at 08:33
I don’t want that camera. a R4999 price tag would bag me a PS4 at launch.
Brady miaau
June 27, 2013 at 08:40
I still question if the local price will be R4999.
I understand that some people have actually purchased “in the US” and will have it shipped here, to ensure the cost is what was advertised.
CaptainNemo42
June 27, 2013 at 08:48
I’m convinced the local distributors will shaft us over the costs for these consoles, whichever one you decide to get. I would actually like to get some clarity on what kind of pricing we can expect.
Argentil
June 27, 2013 at 08:55
Directly translated, it works out to just over R4000. My original estimate was R4999, but considering some retailers are selling the WiiU deluxe (which was $349) at that price, it could be higher.
CaptainNemo42
June 27, 2013 at 09:08
That is just it. Everybody is talking about R6k for a PS4. Talking about import costs and import duties and so on. But in my opinion that’s bullshit. The pricing given by Sony and MS is global pricing, and everything globally is imported from China (or similar). I’m sure pricing by Sony and MS includes a certain amount of import, distributor and retail costs.
So why R6000? I’m going on the Euro price, which is about R5200 for a PS4. Anything more at this stage and we’re being ripped off.
Argentil
June 27, 2013 at 09:15
Why R6000? Because money.
Why did the PS2 launch in Brazil for $429 in 2009?
Why did the PS3 launch in the same country for $1,130 a year later?
Because Brazil is effed up, and we’re only slightly less effed here in SA.
CaptainNemo42
June 27, 2013 at 09:26
It is a fact. And the problem is that we just take it. Day in day. We Saffers are so used to being screwed over its sad. People look at me funny when I get angry at sales people/ waiters/ call centre agents. I expect a certain level of service and when I don’t get it, I get upset. I’m not unreasonable and realise people make mistakes, but when they act like they’re doing me a favour… That is when I go monkey and start flinging poo.
The point I’m trying to make is that we just accept it. Instead, don’t and if that thing’s price is too expensively inflated. Then we shouldn’t buy it. Simple as that.
Ceaser
June 27, 2013 at 11:50
I would easily justify the difference in price for the awesome Xbox controller. Can’t think how PS4 was allowed to even use that same design after causing so many deformed hands!!
CaptainNemo42
June 27, 2013 at 11:57
I understand that there were some people who don’t like the DS3 controller, but to be honest. It really doesn’t bother me. I have some really big paws on me and I play a lot of games on my PS3, and it was never really an issue of discomfort.
I think if people stop white-knuckling their controllers, then maybe they’ll realise it’s not that bad.
I don’t have much experience with the Xbox controller, but I do like the bulkiness of it. the shape and button positions really couldn’t bother me less.
HvR
June 27, 2013 at 09:29
Depends completely and when the local distributor (is it still SK) order the units with a volatility of the rand we won’t until a week or so before launch.
Historically we’ve always gotten the UK pricing, so as it currently stands R5400.
CaptainNemo42
June 27, 2013 at 08:41
The fact that there is no camera means that Sony gives us a choice on whether we want to be spied on or not.
Deano
June 27, 2013 at 08:50
The Xboxone camera will end up being a million times better than this kinect 1.0 copy.
But I agree that choice is a good thing, problem is the device will become a white elephant on the ps4. so there are two sides to not making it standard.
I think the pro for MS forcing the camera is more devs will make use of it now that they know everyone has one and we can see some really cool stuff coming our way other than Dance Dance ver 36.
Tbone187
June 27, 2013 at 08:52
These camera efforts are more novelty features than anything else…Like purchasing a tablet…Wow at first but it soon runs it’s course and collects dust…I can understand MS pushing it as it seems they’ve evolved it to be a bit more practical but it still doesn’t interest most…Freedom of choice is always better imo…
Deano
June 27, 2013 at 08:54
Agree’d but I think by them making sure that everyone has one will make more devs stand up and actually make use of the thing, So it may end up being a master stroke lets wait and see.
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
June 27, 2013 at 08:57
Doesn’t the PS4 controller have SixAxis to compensate for the lack of the camera to do the motion sensing?
I heard SIxAxis is the shizz 😛
Argentil
June 27, 2013 at 09:00
It’s nice if it’s used well. The Last of Us has a torch mechanic where you need to shake the controller when the torch flickers. There was a similar mechanic in Dead Space Extraction where you had to shake the controller to keep the light on your glow stick thingy working. If it’s used as a subtle layer, instead of a full-blown gimmick, it’s a quality feature. Problem is, most early PS3 games went full-blown gimmick with it. I hope that the touch-screen isn’t equally abused.
TiMsTeR1033
June 27, 2013 at 09:49
Could be really cool in alot of games, I mean doing spells in game make the symbol on control for the massive spells! or in a game like La noire use finger to brush for finger prints or hell could even be used to be a mini map like that smart glass crap for DR3 instead call air strike like that see on map double tap and BOOM!
Loads of different ways could be used.
Concerned
June 27, 2013 at 09:04
Playstation 3.1! Innovation isn’t strong with this one…..Sony is holding back gaming innovation to make a quick buck off consumers unfortunately!
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 27, 2013 at 09:08
Man, Connecting to the internet every 24 hours sure is innovative..Don’t get me started on paying a fee for used … phew …… The future sure is looking bright for GAMING innovation
Concerned
June 27, 2013 at 09:44
We really should start looking at the bigger here! At least MS is trying to innovate the industry although they get criticized every step of the way! It’s what industry leaders do and they can take it! Sony has always followed with half ass attempts (eye & move that never got supported and never took off really) and they’ve just condemned their next gen to the same fate! What is worse, MS bundling Kinect with Xbox but assuring you support and continuous development in doing so or Sony selling move and eye separately as a complete gimmick with half ass support, if any at all? Sony should’ve stuck to their guns and kept the eye bundled, but now they’ve left you with a pretty power draining led on the controller that you can wave at your cat should the need arise!
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 27, 2013 at 10:03
Look fair enough , MS was trying a whole bunch of things. They removed DRM and suddenly we all forced them to give up on ‘innovation’ … How did those DRM ‘features’ innovate really? Publishers can still force us to play via the cloud, no difference there, Online games has always been around. Family sharing was cool, but come on … do you believe that MS would allow you to buy a game and share it with ten family members and they can play that game for free…forever?……….DRM is never a good thing and that was the bigger picture …. But I do agree with you that the eye is going to become a tacked on useless gimmick … I would like to see publishers use Kinect in a meaningful way
TiMsTeR1033
June 27, 2013 at 10:11
Xbox one is gonna rely heavily on cloud later on or suffer looking worse than PS4. I mean ps4 7gb free ram to use on games xboxone 5 Gb free ram to use, plus oh wait its DDR 3 Shame poor Xbone you can make the same shiny graphics as PS4, No DRM means jack to me. Sure wont play DR3 that sucks but sure Dr4 will be on ps4.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 27, 2013 at 10:21
Makes me wonder , seeing as the Xbox One was relying so much on the cloud … but I think publishers are going to force this one
Concerned
June 27, 2013 at 10:18
I just can’t stop imagining what would’ve happened if let’s say MS and Sony both stuck with DRM and all the backlash that went towards removing DRM was focused towards lowering game prices instead??
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 27, 2013 at 10:21
True , but then again, prices is a very hard thing to fight against with the evr changing markets and rising costs of games. That said, why are digital Games the same price as retail!? even old digital games are still retail price. and that’s why used games are so important
Argentil
June 27, 2013 at 10:27
Retailers sell consoles as well as games. Console makers rely on retailers to get their systems out into the wild. If console makers start selling digital games cheaper than what Gamestop retailed for, Gamestop would threaten to discontinue stocking their systems and support only the competition.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 27, 2013 at 10:55
That’s true, I guess we believe if it’s not on a disk it’s cheaper, disks cost money, no disk = cheap games lol … but Indeed it is because of the relationship with retailers, but older digital games are still the same price they were years ago, it ridiculous
BeatzByChrisBrown
June 27, 2013 at 10:51
MS -> Innovating the art of ripping off paying customers. Innovation is always good but not in the direction Microsoft is pushing us.
Brady miaau
June 27, 2013 at 10:11
Right, so let us give him /her /it a downvote. But is this actually incorrect?
Also, what about the Xbox ONE. Evolution or revolution? It STILL cannot wash my dishes or pick up my clothes OR interface with my air conditioner and stove for multi-level control, without having to get up to, for example, heat the oven.
Stupid examples (???), I know, but hey. I am bored.
Argentil
June 27, 2013 at 10:15
I’ll bite.
The only true innovations Microsoft have proposed that the competition has not are:
Interactive TV (Still happening)
Alternative digital distribution incentives (not happening, no reason given)
Any other examples of great innovation this upcoming gen?
Personally, I loved the streaming possibilities Sony has punted. PS4 games streamed to my Vita, spectating a game, even interfacing with another person’s game. I also think Nintendo deserve huge props for tablet interfacing becoming a thing this gen.
Concerned
June 27, 2013 at 10:30
As for PS4 games streaming to the Vita, I might be wrong but I read somewhere that the Vita wireless tech is a bit outdated compared to the PS4’s regarding this and that this is causing problems? Might have to get the “new” Vita to be able to use this feature as intended?
Argentil
June 27, 2013 at 10:33
Nope, it works nicely, according to a source on Neogaf.
Brady miaau
June 27, 2013 at 10:54
Streaming games does sound pretty cool, to be honest. Like Starcraft 2, can play while downloading.
Watching someone else play seems a bit boring to me, but I know other people enjoy it.
Note I do not care about Xbox or Playstation, I just thought that getting a downvote for saying the Playstation was not a revolution, when the Xbox hardly seems one is not a cop
Argentil
June 27, 2013 at 11:10
I think this gen will probably be the most consistent across the three platforms. They are all taking pieces from one another’s idea pool.
iPrimal
June 27, 2013 at 09:15
Just because the kinect is included doesn’t mean that they have to use it in development. In fact, I imagine that every multi-platform game will either not use it, or just use it for gimmicky junk.
Melasco
June 27, 2013 at 09:36
Good move Sony! I could not care less about kinnect or eye… I would be pissed if they didnt offer a cheaper bundle without the eye, even if it was still cheaper than XBone…
RinceTheWhiskyWithIce
June 27, 2013 at 09:43
Mmm, double edged sword indeed. They don’t force it on us thus making us all jump with smiles and glee, yet because it is not forced on us they can’t promise developers that it will be bought, meaning shitter gamers than Dance Solo to my Han Solo… Still, much rather have that democracy thing going, you know, CHOICE.
Aussious
June 27, 2013 at 09:46
One question how many games @ E3 actually made use of the Kinect features for gameplay? Is that silence I hear? Not even the formely Kinect only Ryse…
Concerned
June 27, 2013 at 10:05
The message from the consumer was clear at E3, “please no Kinect games” and MS listened! But obviously being such a big fan of Kinect I tell you not to worry sir, MS has not forgotten you and I’m sure Gamescom will provide you with your much needed fix! 😉
Brady miaau
June 27, 2013 at 10:08
thanks, I needed that.
loftie
June 27, 2013 at 10:16
I’m still not convinced. Screw Microsoft, Screw eggsbox. Choice is what matters, and Sony offers choice.
brad coetzee
June 27, 2013 at 10:52
I dont care for console cameras or what not. Just put a damn controller in my hand and let me shoot my friends. thanks and kind regards