Who could have seen this coming?
No matter what your entry point into gaming, it’s easy to say that unless you’re the type of chap who can afford an ostrich omelette for breakfast every morning then your first step into owning your own console was probably not cheap. Whether it was the SEGA Megadrive or the PlayStation 4, having a dedicated machine cost the prettiest of pennies to own.
We’re on the verge of a new console gaming era, and you’re most likely already saving up to grab either a PlayStation 5 or an Xbox Series X. This coming generation might be the priciest of the lot if new reports on their components turn out to be accurate, as Bloomberg says that a steady stock of NAND flash memory and DRAM components for the PS5’s NVME SSD is in high demand due to smartphone manufacturers also making use of the technology.
The Japanese conglomerate is preparing to gradually replace the six-year-old PS4 console, releasing its PlayStation 5 the same holiday season its archrival debuts the upcoming Xbox Series X. Sony typically finalizes a console’s price in February of the release year, followed by mass production in the spring. With the PS5, the company is taking a wait-and-see approach, said the people, asking not to be named because the details are private.
Bloomberg
What does that mean for you, the consumer? Supply and demand friend! With an extra cost being thrown into the mix, Sony finds itself at a difficult crossroad. Does it take the added cost on the chin and sell the PS5 at a loss while supplementing its income through other means, or will Sony pass that cost onto its consumers?
There’s a lot of factors at play here, as the current rumours suggest that it costs $450 to manufacture a PlayStation 5 in its current form. Throw in packaging, shipping and setting up the device for sale at retailers amidst what will most likely be an expensive advertising campaign, and that price rockets up, up and away. With the PlayStation 4, Sony only made around $19 profit on every $400 console sale during the launch heyday, before manufacturing resulted in a cheaper and slimmer device.
Sony also has to contend with Microsoft and the Xbox Series X, as its pricing will be instrumental in deciding just how much Sony will be willing to charge for the PS5. Locally, you’re probably going to have to get a mortgage to afford a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Even if you lowballed the price and saw a $450 RRP attached to either console, the final price in good ol’ Randelas will be higher.
A rough exchange rate calculation works out to just under R6700, but due to other factors and the fact that we all sit at the arse-crack of the world, it’s safer to say that the entry price for next-gen gaming will probably be closer to R11 000. That would make the PS5 and the Xbox Series X the most expensive consoles ever launched locally, putting the obscene benchmark of local launch prices from years past to rest. Or basically, if you’re looking for a launch day hop into the next generation, best you start saving now for it.
Last Updated: February 17, 2020
D@rCF0g
February 17, 2020 at 11:13
I can do R6000 easily, and R8000 at a push, but anywhere around R11000 is just madness!
Jac7
February 17, 2020 at 11:13
That’s just the console. Now imagine what a single game is going to cost. Nee man, fok dit, ek wil nog kan braai ook.
HairyEwok
February 17, 2020 at 11:13
There’s always the backward compatibility XD
My thoughts were if you buy that console you will need a TV that justifies its power. Now we all know those HDR 4K TVs aren’t cheap at all.
Jac7
February 17, 2020 at 11:19
I’ve always needed an excuse to sell one of my children. I only have one, but I think I’ve spent a fair amount of time with him. And I know he’d sell my ass for a Playstation and a 4K TV in a heartbeat.
HairyEwok
February 17, 2020 at 11:19
Time to see returns on the investment XD
Morne Nell
February 17, 2020 at 11:43
11000? Don’t think so compared to the previous launch price and what we paid then with a worse exchange rate. I expect a price of between 8000 and 8500.
Compare that price to any PC, whaaaaa. Consoles by far more cost effective. Don’t need to upgrade every year to play the best games, in fact console games quality improve over years as developers start to understand the technology more and more. Just imagine in 5 years, 8K gaming or True 4k at 120 FPS
The most expensive part for me is definitely not the console but rather the Screen a.k.a 8K TV capable of bringing out the best that the console can offer
Mark Treloar
February 17, 2020 at 12:37
Unlikely you will see 8k gaming.
geel slang
February 17, 2020 at 11:43
Its a steal. My RTX 2070 alone cost more.
thatotherbrandon
February 17, 2020 at 12:00
I firmly believe it will hover around the R7999 mark. That’s the sweet spot.
Any cheaper and that would be amazing.
Psyduck
February 17, 2020 at 12:18
Not going to lie my initial expectations was 13k after reading the specs. This is still a tough buy for any casual gamer. Almost not worth it if the console is only going to last 2 years when a pro version comes out and probably the ps6 3 years after that
Guz
February 17, 2020 at 13:59
Hey well it’s still cheaper than a top of the line smart phone, just saying
HairyEwok
February 17, 2020 at 11:00
Gaming just in general is becoming quite the expensive hobby now.
Hammersteyn
February 17, 2020 at 11:13
https://media3.giphy.com/media/14xlpSRJcW4yYM/giphy.gif
Allykhat
February 17, 2020 at 11:19
11k is a super hard sell for anyone…
I bought a PS4 Pro at retail and even then, I felt bad seeing that amount of money come off my bank account. In this case, its a tad bit worse. However, I have been putting money away for almost a year, so by the time launch day hits, I should be close to the figure.
Gareth Lagesse (eXCheez)
February 17, 2020 at 14:13
These systems will be cheaper than a mid range mobile device.