Pricing
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How Sony can soften the blow of a digital-only future - Reader's Feature
A reader suggests ways Sony Interactive Entertainment could mitigate the negative impact of a digital-only future for the PlayStation 5 and future consoles. The suggestions include cheaper game prices, more consistent pricing for older titles, a rewarding loyalty program, better refund policies similar to Steam, and a monthly payment option for new console hardware.
Even with an $80 price tag, 'Grand Theft Auto 6 will be an incredible bargain,' Take-Two boss says
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick defended the $80 price tag for Grand Theft Auto 6, stating that the real cost of AAA games has decreased over time and that the title will offer exceptional value. He indicated that while not all Take-Two games will adopt this higher price point, Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to be an "incredible bargain" due to Rockstar Games' track record of overdelivering.
For under $60, the Anbernic RG SP looks to be the retro handheld hero we need while portable prices spiral
The Anbernic RG SP, a Game Boy Advance SP clone, is being praised for its sub-$60 pre-order price, which is notably lower than many other portable gaming devices currently affected by AI component demand. Despite its predecessor and other similar devices being available, Anbernic is commended for keeping prices sensible on its core affordable offerings.
Wondering why GTA 6 is a code in a box? Take-Two CEO says it’s because gaming is now ‘well over 90%…
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick explained the decision to release Grand Theft Auto 6 physical editions with a digital code instead of a disc, citing that the company's business is over 90% digital. He also defended the pricing of the Standard and Ultimate Editions, noting exceptional pre-order sales. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Series S.
Why GTA 6 Doesn’t Have Early Access, According To Take-Two
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick explained that Grand Theft Auto 6 will not feature an early access option, stating that Rockstar Games prioritizes delivering value to consumers. While the company could have implemented paid early access, similar to its sports titles, Rockstar chose not to. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
'Pricing Has Not Kept Pace With Inflation' — Take-Two Boss Insists Rockstar Got GTA 6 Standard and Ultimate Edition Price Points Right
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick defended the $80 price point for Grand Theft Auto 6's standard and ultimate editions, stating that pricing has not kept pace with inflation. He believes Rockstar Games has set the correct price for the upcoming title.
Take-Two Defends GTA 6’s $80 Price, Calls It “Phenomenal Value”
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick defended the $80 price point for Grand Theft Auto 6, calling it "phenomenal value" for consumers. He stated that the company aims to overdeliver on the experience relative to the cost, noting that the real cost of AAA games has decreased over time when adjusted for inflation. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
It is genuinely cheaper for me to fly to QuakeCon and buy a RTX 5090 at the Nvidia booth than pick up the GPU absolutely…
The article discusses the high cost of Nvidia's latest graphics cards, specifically the RTX 5090, suggesting it might be cheaper to fly to QuakeCon and purchase one there at MSRP. Nvidia is offering limited 'Verified Priority Access IRL' at QuakeCon for attendees to buy GPUs at MSRP, though availability is not guaranteed. The author highlights the significant price difference between MSRP and current market prices, even after factoring in travel costs.
The three biggest RAM makers have already sold all their 2027 output, report says, potentially stretching price woes into 2028
The three largest RAM manufacturers, Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix, have reportedly sold their entire expected output through 2027, potentially extending current high prices for PC components like RAM, storage, and graphics cards into 2028. This situation is exacerbated by demand from the AI industry and follows previous admissions from Samsung and Valve regarding ongoing shortages and price hikes.
Analyst: iPhone 18 Pro May Open at $1,399 as Memory Costs Bite
Analyst Jeff Pu forecasts that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro will launch at a starting price of $1,399, a significant increase from the current iPhone 17 Pro's $1,099. This price hike is attributed to rising memory costs, exacerbated by an AI-driven shortage, which is also impacting gaming hardware like the Xbox Series X and Steam Machine. Samsung's recent Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra also saw a $100 price increase due to similar component cost pressures.
"CoD got it. Halo didn't" – Black Ops 1 and 2 ports battered Halo Campaign Evolved on PlayStation last month, analyst says, because $60 for a "graphical touch-up" is a rough sell
Analyst Rhys Elliott suggests that the successful sales of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 ports on PlayStation, compared to the slower launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved, are primarily due to pricing. While the Call of Duty ports offered discounts, Halo: Campaign Evolved was criticized for its $60 price point for what was perceived as a graphical update.
This Game Costs 200 Dollars is a game that really does cost $200, doesn't look very good, and almost made its dev $1.3 million
The game 'This Game Costs 200 Dollars' by Michael Major generated significant discussion due to its high price point and unusual sales pattern. Despite a $1.3 million gross from over 6700 sales, most were refunded, leaving the developer with a small profit and raising questions about Steam's refund policy and potential exploitation.
Time is running out to avoid the Switch 2's dreaded price hike, but that's what these bundle deals are for
Nintendo is set to increase the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 in September, with the US price rising to $499. Bundles offering the console with games like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia are available for $499 in the US and £394 in the UK, providing a way to avoid the upcoming price hike.
Games Inbox: Will the Xbox reset work for Microsoft?
Readers express concern over recent price increases for Xbox consoles and PC GPUs, questioning Microsoft's strategy and the future of console gaming. Discussions also touch on Nintendo's Direct presentation approach and the ongoing debate about digital versus physical game sales, with a focus on potential EU intervention regarding Sony's digital store practices.
Xbox Price Hikes Are Now In Effect Worldwide
Microsoft has implemented worldwide price increases for its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, effective August 1. In the US, prices have risen by $100 for 512GB models and $150 for 1TB models, with 2TB models discontinued. Similar significant price hikes are in effect across Europe and the UK, with the cheapest Xbox Series S now costing €500 and £430 respectively. Microsoft cited increased console storage and memory prices as the reason for the adjustments.
Microsoft raises prices of Xbox by 25% to 30% in Europe with the Series S now costing more than the Series X at launch
Microsoft has increased the prices of its Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles in Europe by 25% to 30%. The 1TB Xbox Series S now costs more than the 1TB Xbox Series X did at launch. This price hike follows a previous increase in the US and comes amidst reports of declining Xbox hardware revenue and a global memory crisis.
OEM Steam Deck LCD batteries are back in stock on iFixIt, but now cost $130 for just the part
Replacement batteries for the original LCD Steam Deck are now available on iFixIt, but the price has increased to $130, a $50 jump from the previous $80 cost. While Valve's OEM batteries are more expensive, iFixIt also offers a non-OEM aftermarket version for $80. Replacement batteries for the newer Steam Deck OLED model are also available for $80.
Yet another price rise: AMD will reportedly raise its graphics card and memory prices alongside Nvidia
AMD is reportedly planning to increase prices for its graphics cards and memory units by at least 10%, following a similar move by Nvidia. This decision is attributed to high demand from AI datacenters, a weak consumer graphics card market, and existing inventory issues. The price hikes are expected to impact console gaming as well, potentially leading to higher prices for future console generations.
Xbox-prishöjningarna är här – upp till 200 euro dyrare i Europa
Microsoft has implemented price increases for its Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles in Europe, effective August 1st. The Xbox Series S will now range from 500 to 600 euros, while the Xbox Series X will cost between 780 and 800 euros, depending on the model. These increases represent a significant jump from the original launch prices.
Xbox Series S Now Costs Almost As Much As A PS5 Did At Launch Following Huge UK Price Hike
Microsoft has significantly increased the prices of its Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles in the UK. The Xbox Series S saw a price hike of £130, while the Xbox Series X increased by £170, making both consoles considerably more expensive.