In case you didn’t know, the price of the Oculus Rift’s consumer model was announced yesterday, and it’s a staggering $599! Now, while we still don’t know the price of PlayStation VR, some on staff are already assuming that it will be priced within the same price as the Oculus.
With the price of the Oculus Rift fresh in our heads, it’s a prime topic for this week’s Now Loading. Staff members chime in on what price will peg for PlayStation VR, and also, what the “sweet spot” is to make it an insta-buy for consumers/gamers.
Get your cardboard goggles on for this week’s entry of Now Loading.
Well, there you have it. How much do you think PlayStation VR will cost when it’s released? Up to what amount are you willing to take the plunge? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Now Loading is a recurring staff-driven feature where PlayStation LifeStyle discusses anything video game-related under the sun (yes, even non-Sony platforms).
Essential Reading:
- Now Loading…Gaming New Year Resolutions 2016
- The Big List of PS4 Games for 2016
- Top 5 Things We Don’t Want to See on PS4 in 2016
Now Loading... PlayStation VR Pricing
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Now Loading... PlayStation VR Pricing
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Ben Tarrant
I think Sony HAVE to price it severely lower than Oculus. My gut instinct is saying the sweet spot is between $300-$400. It's brand new tech for consumers, I think they'd adopt it a little above the selling point of a PS4 but $599 is just extortionate for something that is yet to have a hold in any market.
Of course, Sony will likely do a bundle that puts everything you need together too for a good price. -
Michael Briers
In a way I'm relieved for Sony that they didn't reveal the pricing of PSVR first. Now they have an enviable opportunity to undercut one of the hardware's chief competitors, much like with PS4 and Xbox One, with a price point that I'm assuming will be around $399. Personally I can't see Sony stooping any lower, and past reports have indicated that PSVR will be priced as a new gaming platform -- PS4 hit the market in 2013 with a $399 price tag, too.
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Stephen Bitto
\Sony has a huge opportunity here. With Oculus launching VR at a price point that's out of reach (unit + PC investment) for the average person, PlayStation VR can swoop in and be that servicable gateway and sell like hotcakes. Remember the last time a powerhouse console debuted at $500-600 then another simpler, yet appealing unit launched at $250-300? That's right. The Wii sold through the roof and the PS3 struggled tremendously. Sony has the chance to make PlayStation VR the name people identify with home VR units. This generation of VR doesn't have to change the world. It has to make VR a thing people have in their homes and make PlayStation the brand people identify with.I believe they will take a loss but launch at $400. Will that be low enough to be gamer's gateway drug to VR? Time will tell.(Side note: Regarding my comparision, Sony has to release an affordable powerhouse like the PS4 to follow up this generation of VR to maintain their foothold. The Wii U was a half step with no place in the market.) -
Heath Hindman
It seems like Oculus going for $600 is a big green light for Sony to sell PSVR for $300. The word-of-mouth marketing is practically irresistable: "But this is HALF the PRICE!"I don't think they'll price match, because Sony executives no doubt still have bad dreams about the number 5-9-9. -
Alex Co
I admit, I was shocked at the Oculus' price. I know VR tech is not cheap, but at $600 smackeroos? It can say goodbye to being an impulse buy for many people.
With Sony, I think they'd be wise to not price it close to the Oculus Rift if they can. I'm honestly not even sure if they can at this point, but I'm fairly optimistic that we'll see it priced between somewhere to $199 (wishful thinking I know) to a high of $400. Heck, even at "only" $400, I don't see PS4 gamers jumping to get it. I mean, if it's the same price as a PS4, I think people might just get a PS4, an Xbox One or even wait for the Nintendo NX.
At the end of the day though, it all boils down to content. If there's content that's worth $500-$600, people will bite. It's been proven time and time again that people will spend on things they really want (phones, tablets, etc.). Will PlayStation VR fall into the same category of must-haves for technophiles and gamers? It all depends on the software.
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Mack Ashworth
I don't think PlayStation VR can compete with the PC-driven Oculus Rift in terms of performance and overall quality of experience, so it would be best for Sony to stick with beating it substantially in price.
I'm hoping that Sony makes the effort to democratize virtual reality gaming with PlayStation VR. If they set a reasonable price, say between $300-400, I'm sure interest for the device will soar.
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Chandler Wood
The PS4 launched at $400, so in the eyes of the consumers, anything more than that is going to be a hard sell. Even if they decide on a $500 price point though, the overall cost of entry (platform to run it, head set, etc.) of PlayStation VR will be significantly cheaper than Oculus, which requires you to have a fairly pricey PC.
All said and done, PS VR will have a total cost of under $1000 when you buy it, the console, the camera, and controllers, where Oculus will require at least double that to even run half decently, and potentially more if you want to get the most out of it with a PC that runs better than minimum spec.
Looking at just the head set, it's easy to name price points and think Sony is set up to fail with any higher ones. Looking at the bigger picture though? Even if they match the $600 (which I don't think they will), the overall cost of entry for PlayStation VR will be the least expensive VR option on the market.
