Xbox 360 HD-DVD to cost $200? [Archive] - Front Office Football Central

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2006, 09:54 AM

spleen1015

08-15-2006, 09:59 AM

The difference to me is I don't care about the HD-DVD today. I don't have to buy it to have a 360. I have to buy it to have a PS3.

TroyF

08-15-2006, 10:03 AM

So let me get this straight. After all of the press releases and venom that have gone back and forth between Microsoft and Sony, we're left with this equation:

Xbox 360 = $399
Xbox HD-DVD = $200
Total Xbox cost = $599

PS3 with Blu-ray = $599

So we're back to the point now where all things are equal and it's the same damn price? All of the chest-thumping from Microsoft concerning their price point and there's no difference in the end? I will grant that you can buy just the Xbox 360 if you want to play games, but this whole media frenzy just looks like it hasn't amounted to a hill of beans in the end.

I'm not interested in an HD-DVD. I'm interested in the Xbox 360 and the PS3 as gaming machines.

I'm not forced to buy the Microsoft HD as part of my intitial purchase, so I don't count it. Were they to release a slew of games that only worked on HD-DVD, then I'd have an issue.

I don't see that happening.

Bee

08-15-2006, 10:03 AM

Does the PS-3 also have wireless integrated? I know the Xbox 360 wireless adapter is around $90 which is ridiculously high IMO.

Honolulu_Blue

08-15-2006, 10:05 AM

Does the PS-3 also have wireless integrated? I know the Xbox 360 wireless adapter is around $90 which is ridiculously high IMO.

If I recall correctly the $599 version does, but not the cheaper version.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2006, 10:08 AM

Does the PS-3 also have wireless integrated? I know the Xbox 360 wireless adapter is around $90 which is ridiculously high IMO.

Yes, it is integrated in the PS3. Also, PS3 will have free online gaming whereas the 360 has a subscription-based system.

Bee

08-15-2006, 10:13 AM

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2006, 10:14 AM

I'm not interested in an HD-DVD. I'm interested in the Xbox 360 and the PS3 as gaming machines.

I'm not forced to buy the Microsoft HD as part of my intitial purchase, so I don't count it. Were they to release a slew of games that only worked on HD-DVD, then I'd have an issue.

I don't see that happening.

I generally agree with your statement. If you are only a gaming person, good enough. I generally have a problem with MS's argument that they are the cheaper system when if you compare apples to apples, they are not. There are many people who do want the hi-def DVD. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. The video game industry in general is full of these war of words situations that end up being nothing more than talk in the end.

TroyF

08-15-2006, 10:19 AM

I generally agree with your statement. If you are only a gaming person, good enough. I generally have a problem with MS's argument that they are the cheaper system when if you compare apples to apples, they are not. There are many people who do want the hi-def DVD. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. The video game industry in general is full of these war of words situations that end up being nothing more than talk in the end.

Look, the simple fact is Microsoft has given you the option to build the system you want. If you don't want wireless, why pay for it? If you don't want an HD drive, you don't pay for it. If you don't want an HD DVD drive, you don't pay for it.

You add all of the things up, and yeah, it'll be expensive. But you can add them on your own time and by choosing to buy a cheaper system you aren't locked into your decision.

The early specs on the PS3 have the cheaper system not only being far worse than the full blown system, but also not upgradeable. So you either pay all in one shot, or your screwed if you ever choose to upgrade.

I think Sony is going to find the amount of people who want the Blu Ray is far less than what they anticipated, but that's just my opinion.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2006, 10:31 AM

Look, the simple fact is Microsoft has given you the option to build the system you want. If you don't want wireless, why pay for it? If you don't want an HD drive, you don't pay for it. If you don't want an HD DVD drive, you don't pay for it.

You add all of the things up, and yeah, it'll be expensive. But you can add them on your own time and by choosing to buy a cheaper system you aren't locked into your decision.

The early specs on the PS3 have the cheaper system not only being far worse than the full blown system, but also not upgradeable. So you either pay all in one shot, or your screwed if you ever choose to upgrade.

I think Sony is going to find the amount of people who want the Blu Ray is far less than what they anticipated, but that's just my opinion.

First off, forget the cheaper systems. We both know that the cheap Xbox 360 and the cheap PS3 are nothing more than a ploy to say they have a cheap option.

I certainly don't have a problem if you want to do it piecemeal. My only point in the post was that Microsoft is being very coy about their pricing strategy when the simple fact is that if you compare apples to apples, they are not any cheaper than the PS3.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2006, 11:12 AM

I should take a look at what actually comes with the PS3. I'm looking to buy a XBOX 360 now and when I add in all the accessories to get it to work it's not really any cheaper. Wireless adapter, Xbox Live Gold, extra controller, recharger, etc. I think I'm at around $700 without even getting a game yet.

Here's a rough comparison that I found that compares apples to apples between the two systems. The two main differences are the smaller hard drive on the 360 and the HDMI available on the PS3.....

PS3 = Blu-Ray , 60gig HD, Wireless Controller, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Sony Online = $600

Xbox 360 = HD-DVD, 20Gig HD, Wireless Controller, Wi-Fi, 1 year XBL = $750

Cringer

08-15-2006, 11:28 AM

SO if you buy this HD-DVD, where does it go on the 360?

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2006, 11:40 AM

SO if you buy this HD-DVD, where does it go on the 360?

Pretty sure it's a stand alone that plugs into the 360. Pretty sure there's no slot to slide it into the system if that's what you're asking.

HomerSimpson

08-15-2006, 11:46 AM

Try this $255.00 xbox premium bundle on for size.

http://xbox360.qj.net/uploads/articles_module/61778/Premium%20360_qjgenth.jpg

If this $255.00 price makes it way over to the US market, I wonder what the boys at Sony will then do?

http://xbox360.qj.net/Premium-bundle-360-going-for-255-in-Japan/pg/49/aid/61778
News has spread that you can buy an Xbox 360 premium (http://xbox360.qj.net/Premium-bundle-360-going-for-255-in-Japan/pg/49/aid/61778#) bundle (http://xbox360.qj.net/tags/bundle/3789) for as little as \$255 in Japan (http://xbox360.qj.net/tags/japan/109). Obviously, this deal isn't all over the country, but particularly in Japanese retail chain Tetsuya who have slashed the price of a 360 premium bundle from 39,795 Yen to 29,800 Yen, that's \$341 to \$255 US (£235 GBP, €200)! This price drop (http://xbox360.qj.net/tags/price-drop/5012) is completely unofficial, with no word from Microsoft (http://xbox360.qj.net/Premium-bundle-360-going-for-255-in-Japan/pg/49/aid/61778#) about a price drop and it is unsure whether or not other store chains will follow suit or if this is a permanent offer.

Cringer

08-15-2006, 11:47 AM

Pretty sure it's a stand alone that plugs into the 360. Pretty sure there's no slot to slide it into the system if that's what you're asking.

Yeah, that's what I meant. Was wondering where I was supposed to squeeze this thing in at if I ever got one? :D

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2006, 12:08 PM

Try this $255.00 xbox premium bundle on for size.

http://xbox360.qj.net/uploads/articles_module/61778/Premium%20360_qjgenth.jpg

If this $255.00 price makes it way over to the US market, I wonder what the boys at Sony will then do?

http://xbox360.qj.net/Premium-bundle-360-going-for-255-in-Japan/pg/49/aid/61778

That has a lot to do with the Japan market more than anything. The 360 has been an absolute flop in the Japan market. I wouldn't count on seeing that kind of a price drop in the U.S. anytime soon. They will drop the price in the near future, but not anything like that.

Also, note that Sony is selling the exact same PS3 in Japan as they are in the U.S. (i.e. you can play games from either region on your PS3). Pretty sure that the 360 is region-specific, so those Xbox 360's that are in Japan would have to be converted before they could resell them in the US, so it's cheaper for Microsoft to just drop the price and get what they can. Given that there are plenty of 360's to be had in the U.S., there's not much use for them over here. Last month was the first month that the Xbox 360 actually outsold (in number of units) the PS2, which is a 5-6 year old gaming system. Pretty sure that's not what Microsoft had in mind at this point in time. That's got to be frustrating for them given the 1 year head-start in the market.

TroyF

08-15-2006, 12:40 PM

Here's a rough comparison that I found that compares apples to apples between the two systems. The two main differences are the smaller hard drive on the 360 and the HDMI available on the PS3.....

PS3 = Blu-Ray , 60gig HD, Wireless Controller, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Sony Online = $600

Xbox 360 = HD-DVD, 20Gig HD, Wireless Controller, Wi-Fi, 1 year XBL = $750

And if you don't want an HD-DVD drive, a wifi connection or online play. . . your price is

XBox 360 - $400
PS3 - $600

That of course assumes the price of the 360 won't go down. . . it will. It also doesn't factor in that the XBox 360 will have a full lineup of games, the PS3 won't.

Again, I think you and a lot of other people are rating the importance of the Blu Ray too highly. I don't think people give a flip about Blu Ray now. That's 200 extra bucks that most people won't need.

Deattribution

08-15-2006, 12:48 PM

And if you don't want an HD-DVD drive, a wifi connection or online play. . . your price is

XBox 360 - $400
PS3 - $600

That of course assumes the price of the 360 won't go down. . . it will. It also doesn't factor in that the XBox 360 will have a full lineup of games, the PS3 won't.

Again, I think you and a lot of other people are rating the importance of the Blu Ray too highly. I don't think people give a flip about Blu Ray now. That's 200 extra bucks that most people won't need.

Forgetting the fact that if and when the PS3 begins producing games on Blu-ray disc (since it's going to be in EVERY system), it will be far superior in terms of technology, where-as the Xbox 360 will get less HD-DVD game support since it's an optional purchase.

So while it's nice to go all fanboy and say 'I ain't watchin dem dere hi derf dee vee dees', in the end it actually makes for a superior system both ways - you get full support for what youre paying for and it's cheaper whereas the HD-DVD will have less support in the form of games since it's optional, and it's more expensive in the long run (which is more important than the ole HDdvd war coming)

TroyF

08-15-2006, 01:13 PM

Forgetting the fact that if and when the PS3 begins producing games on Blu-ray disc (since it's going to be in EVERY system), it will be far superior in terms of technology, where-as the Xbox 360 will get less HD-DVD game support since it's an optional purchase.

So while it's nice to go all fanboy and say 'I ain't watchin dem dere hi derf dee vee dees', in the end it actually makes for a superior system both ways - you get full support for what youre paying for and it's cheaper whereas the HD-DVD will have less support in the form of games since it's optional, and it's more expensive in the long run (which is more important than the ole HDdvd war coming)

Sorry, but I'm not going to give Sony the technology war in terms of gameplay until they deliver.

I'm NOT a fanboy. If you had asked me two years ago what systems I'd get of the next gen, I would have said 1. PS3, 2. Xbox 3. Nintendo

Xbox came out first and I got it. And I'm thrilled with it. Great graphics. Some great games. Best controller I've ever held. Then Sony came out with a $600 price tag.

If Sony does put out a superior gaming experience, rest assured, I'll buy it. I'm not saying PS3 SUCKZ, I'll never own one.

I'm saying that they've lost the start of this battle and lost it badly. Those who were at E3 saw no differences in the PS3 to the Xbox360.

So when to the Blu Ray games start coming out? Next year? The year after? How many price drops will I see by that point?

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2006, 01:13 PM

And if you don't want an HD-DVD drive, a wifi connection or online play. . . your price is

XBox 360 - $400
PS3 - $600

That of course assumes the price of the 360 won't go down. . . it will. It also doesn't factor in that the XBox 360 will have a full lineup of games, the PS3 won't.

Again, I think you and a lot of other people are rating the importance of the Blu Ray too highly. I don't think people give a flip about Blu Ray now. That's 200 extra bucks that most people won't need.

As I said before, if you don't want that, it's fine. But to deny the fact that if you want to get the whole package (and there are a lot of people who do want all the fixin's on both systems), the PS3 is actually newer technology with a cheaper price overall is just outrageous. Even with a price drop of $50-100, the PS3 is still cheaper given you get the above package, which is what a lot of people will want.

Speaker systems are becoming standard in a lot of houses now for a reason. It's not because people want the Pentium II computer with a dial-up connection and a standard definition TV. People want the good stuff, no matter which system we're talking about.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2006, 01:20 PM

I'm saying that they've lost the start of this battle and lost it badly. Those who were at E3 saw no differences in the PS3 to the Xbox360.

So when to the Blu Ray games start coming out? Next year? The year after? How many price drops will I see by that point?

First, not sure how they've lost the battle yet. If they have problems in January as far as sales, then we'll talk. Anything else is mere speculation, even in the case of using development level games to assess a system's abilities. That has more to do with the developers and their level of progress than anything else. If anything, the fact that the development-level PS3 games looked as good already as the 360 games should indicate room for growth in the final months of development.

How many price drops will you see? None. You've already bought the system. There won't be any changes in the new game retail prices, so you won't see any savings there.

TroyF

08-15-2006, 01:30 PM

First, not sure how they've lost the battle yet. If they have problems in January as far as sales, then we'll talk. Anything else is mere speculation, even in the case of using development level games to assess a system's abilities. That has more to do with the developers and their level of progress than anything else. If anything, the fact that the development-level PS3 games looked as good already as the 360 games should indicate room for growth in the final months of development.

How many price drops will you see? None. You've already bought the system. There won't be any changes in the new game retail prices, so you won't see any savings there.

No, I'm asking how many times the PS3's price will drop before they actually start selling games that utilize the Blu Ray or look better than the Xbox360?

My guess is at least one price drop, maybe two.

Deattribution

08-15-2006, 01:33 PM

I think it'll be less than that because Sony has more of a vested interest in seeing the Blu-ray succeed since they own the technology. I'd say by the end of next year we will see some games popup with the technology, whether or not it'll be fully utilized by then is a toss up at this point.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2006, 01:38 PM

SackAttack

08-15-2006, 02:03 PM

Yes, it is integrated in the PS3. Also, PS3 will have free online gaming whereas the 360 has a subscription-based system.

1) Free online gameplay for PS3 will never happen, unless it's supported by advertising, or unless Ken Kutaragi has lost his mind.

The reason PS2 online was free is because Sony basically told the developers "Here's the tools, do your thang." No centralized servers, none of that. Sony is not going to take on the cost of running an Xbox Live-style setup without recouping some of that from subscribers.

2) Virtually every feature that Sony has touted as 'free' is already available to Xbox Live Silver members for Xbox 360.

3) If by some miracle Sony's online service IS completely free...expect to pay at least $70 for new games. They're going to make up that cost somehow.

Terps

08-15-2006, 02:19 PM

Even if it was touted as free online play, that doesn't mean developers couldn't charge for online play or have their own servers that charge.

TroyF

08-15-2006, 02:37 PM

Blu-ray games are supposed to start coming out next fall is what I have heard. You are correct that it won't take long.

So I can expect Blu Ray games that show off the PS3's technology in over a year. And they'll be first gen Blu Ray games that are not a lock to be better than the Xbox 360.

I'd say that by next fall, Sony will already be getting set to have a price drop because the 360 and the Wii will be kicking their tails.

I'm also not at all convinced at this point any of the Blu Ray games will be worthwhile. I could be way off base here, I realize this. And if I am and a system selling game comes along that just causes my jaw to drop, I'll be all over it. Essentially, if you guys are right and Sony has all these wonderful games coming out and technology that makes the 360 look puny. . . I'll be sold and buy the system.

What you seem to be missing is that even after I had purchased the Xbox 360, I still didn't need to be "sold" on the PS3. It was an opening week purchase. Automatic, no questions asked. now it's up to them to sell me on their system. I already own the 360, show me why I need your system (hint: it better not be for the blu ray movies)

The are only two franchises that Sony holds exclusive that I can see causing me to do a double take right now:

MLB: The Show
God of War

That's it. Those alone won't be enough to sell the system to me. They are going to have to have a couple of grand slams. I don't think they will do it. Again, my opinion, nothing more.

dawgfan

08-15-2006, 03:41 PM

Blu-Ray as a technology doesn't by itself mean greater games. Blu-Ray simply means they can store more content on the disk, but there's still the bottleneck of how much RAM the system has.

The biggest advantage Blu-Ray will provide for developers is the ability to produce more canned video footage. Actual content for gameplay though? It's unlikely that Blu-Ray (or HD-DVD) will make a big difference. My experience in the games industry is that the amount of RAM a system has is far more restrictive to a developer than the amount of room on the game disk.

Sweed

08-15-2006, 03:56 PM

So I can expect Blu Ray games that show off the PS3's technology in over a year. And they'll be first gen Blu Ray games that are not a lock to be better than the Xbox 360.

I'd say that by next fall, Sony will already be getting set to have a price drop because the 360 and the Wii will be kicking their tails.

I'm also not at all convinced at this point any of the Blu Ray games will be worthwhile. I could be way off base here, I realize this. And if I am and a system selling game comes along that just causes my jaw to drop, I'll be all over it. Essentially, if you guys are right and Sony has all these wonderful games coming out and technology that makes the 360 look puny. . . I'll be sold and buy the system.

What you seem to be missing is that even after I had purchased the Xbox 360, I still didn't need to be "sold" on the PS3. It was an opening week purchase. Automatic, no questions asked. now it's up to them to sell me on their system. I already own the 360, show me why I need your system (hint: it better not be for the blu ray movies)

The are only two franchises that Sony holds exclusive that I can see causing me to do a double take right now:

MLB: The Show
God of War

That's it. Those alone won't be enough to sell the system to me. They are going to have to have a couple of grand slams. I don't think they will do it. Again, my opinion, nothing more.

I agee with a lot of this. PS3 was automatic for me until the price difference was announced followed by reading impressions from E3. I'm still leaning towards 360 this November, I've waited this long so a couple of months to see if it does take a price drop is no problem.

IF the ps3 does show itself to be head and shoulders better than 360, like TroyF, I'll more than likely buy it, but after the price drops. I"m sure the 360 would get me through until that happens and I could very well end up owning both for somewhere around $600.

Grammaticus

08-15-2006, 04:08 PM

1) Free online gameplay for PS3 will never happen, unless it's supported by advertising, or unless Ken Kutaragi has lost his mind.

The reason PS2 online was free is because Sony basically told the developers "Here's the tools, do your thang." No centralized servers, none of that. Sony is not going to take on the cost of running an Xbox Live-style setup without recouping some of that from subscribers.

2) Virtually every feature that Sony has touted as 'free' is already available to Xbox Live Silver members for Xbox 360.

3) If by some miracle Sony's online service IS completely free...expect to pay at least $70 for new games. They're going to make up that cost somehow.
I think the free part as Sack said is similar to the silver membership on xbox live. Basically access to a marketplace. I think to play games you will have to pay whatever each game manufacturer charges. It literally could be a fee for each game you want to play. Bottom line is, I don't think Sony knows what they are going to do with online.