Sony AU: PS3 price is right
The Australian launch of the PS3 is looming, and despite some free gifts being made available to (future) Aussie PS3-owners, Sony has been defending the Australian PS3 price tag which weighs in at a rather heavy AU$ 999 (US$ 788). The PS3 will be launched in Oz on March 23rd, but Australians still feel like they have the raw end of the deal since same console retails in the U.S. for just AU$ 640.
The big guns have responded to the commotion in the form of Sony’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Michael Ephraim who brought it to the attention of the public and media that Australians will be paying the same price as those in Europe, where the console will be sold for €599 (AU$1000).
Ephraim explains this price tag by comparing the size of Australia/New Zealand and Europe with that of the U.S., saying that it is justified. He comments: “We have to realise that we live in a country with 22 million people, and the US supplies products to 300 million, which creates very different business dynamics.” The U.S. does pay less than other countries for other products such as TVs and other electronics too, so higher prices are not PS3-exclusive.
All these factors need to be considered when buying an Aussie PS3, but remember, if you import a PS3 from another territory you will not be able to play Australian Blu-ray DVD movies – another main function of the PS3 besides gaming. Are higher prices in different territories justified? Voice your opinions in the comments!
The Australian launch of the PS3 is looming, and despite some free gifts being made available to (future) Aussie PS3-owners, Sony has been defending the Australian PS3 price tag which weighs in at a rather heavy AU$ 999 (US$ 788). The PS3 will be launched in Oz on March 23rd, but Australians still feel like they have the raw end of the deal since same console retails in the U.S. for just AU$ 640.
The big guns have responded to the commotion in the form of Sony’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Michael Ephraim who brought it to the attention of the public and media that Australians will be paying the same price as those in Europe, where the console will be sold for €599 (AU$1000).
Ephraim explains this price tag by comparing the size of Australia/New Zealand and Europe with that of the U.S., saying that it is justified. He comments: “We have to realise that we live in a country with 22 million people, and the US supplies products to 300 million, which creates very different business dynamics.” The U.S. does pay less than other countries for other products such as TVs and other electronics too, so higher prices are not PS3-exclusive.
All these factors need to be considered when buying an Aussie PS3, but remember, if you import a PS3 from another territory you will not be able to play Australian Blu-ray DVD movies – another main function of the PS3 besides gaming. Are higher prices in different territories justified? Voice your opinions in the comments!
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