I continue to be surprised that Sony has not opted to bundle games on a consistent basis with the PS3 console. Software has no marginal dollar cost for Sony and would greatly add to the perceived value of the console package.
Of course, bundling a game is an opportunity cost for that particular title. Including a game would decrease the retail sales of that game, but why not bundle a an older title that doesn't have much in sales anymore anyways? Throw in a copy of Resistance and Uncharted to feed new PS3 players into the more recent sequels. The lost sales for those titles at this point are minimal.
Including a game would also have an opportunity cost for other games, as the new PS3 player would already have some games to play from the get go. However, unlike Wii Sports, I think the PS3 buyer would be buying the console for more than just the bundled games and would eventually make software purchases.
I think if Sony tossed in a pair of older 1st party titles at no increase in console price (keep the $299 & $349 price points), they would get a dramatic boost in market share.
Sounds like Microsoft's chickens are coming home to roost in time for PS3 to hit it's stride.
I wonder why Microsoft has not been able to deliver lower prices in step with the PS3 since its components are a lot cheaper to produce.
Could it be a lack of investment/planning in this area, or are what we seeing now in terms of pricing, the result of the immense cost of the RROD issues (ie a symptom of high failure rates as a result of pushing out the 360 a year before it was ready).
@PhilHarrision, Microsoft's Gold Live is the reason I don't have any X360 this gen. I am happy enough with Wii's Friends Code, since that is safer for my kids, and most importantly, FREE :D.
@Joe80,Well...wifi isn't necessary for gaming so I left it off but the Gold Live is definately required. Heaven forbid you have multiple kids that want their own online id...LIVE fees add up quick.
@PhilHarrision, I was wrong in saying better deal. On the surface to consumers it appears to be a better deal. However, that does not include having to buy a battery(s), Live every year, and possibly Wifi, and possibly the official HDMI cable if you want to hook up a stereo. You're definitely paying at least $460 with Live and battery for controller or $610 if you need wifi and HDMI.
@Joe80,And $40 to play it online for a year...assuming you're a new purchaser and that the online is the major attraction of CODMW2 you're really paying $440
@Joe80, This is interesting. MS's top SKU will be more expensive than PS3 ($399.99 MW2 bundle) for the first time ever. While it is a better deal if you want MW2, you still need to fork over another $50 when you're already spending a large amount.
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Of course, bundling a game is an opportunity cost for that particular title. Including a game would decrease the retail sales of that game, but why not bundle a an older title that doesn't have much in sales anymore anyways? Throw in a copy of Resistance and Uncharted to feed new PS3 players into the more recent sequels. The lost sales for those titles at this point are minimal.
Including a game would also have an opportunity cost for other games, as the new PS3 player would already have some games to play from the get go. However, unlike Wii Sports, I think the PS3 buyer would be buying the console for more than just the bundled games and would eventually make software purchases.
I think if Sony tossed in a pair of older 1st party titles at no increase in console price (keep the $299 & $349 price points), they would get a dramatic boost in market share.