Amidst all the speculation revolving around Xbox One and PS4 launches, the one question still in the hot tub is about the cost. And to add some spice to it; Michael Pachter, Analyst from Wedbush Morgan has given his opinion on the new consoles pricing.
Pachter made his predictions in a pre-E3 address to investors, giving the build cost per unit and their retail price. He placed PS4’s build cost at 275$ per unit and retail at 349$ per unit, while Xbox One costs 325$ per unit to build and will set you back 399$ per unit in the market. However, A subscription based Xbox One model might be made available at 299$ per unit.
Pachter also said, “We believe the ability to watch live TV from a cable, telco, or satellite set-top box through Xbox One could entice an MSO to drive subscriptions through a subsidised box in exchange for a multi-year contract. The ‘always connected’ requirement for the Xbox One likely means that a broadband connection will be required, suggesting to us that ISPs may have an incentive to offer a subsidy as well.
“In addition, Microsoft could conceivably subsidise the Xbox One through prepaid Xbox Live Gold subscriptions (as it has done on a limited basis in the past) or premium Skype functionality as well. Similarly, Sony could subsidise the PS4 through prepaid PlayStation Network subscriptions, but unlike Microsoft, it does not have a history of doing so.”
The war for the top console is about to begin again, and the affordable and competitive prices predicted surely heats up the race.
