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The world of video games is often associated with immersive adventures, stunning graphics and cutting-edge technology. However, this exciting field also hides a significant economic aspect: the cost of video game consoles. Over the years, certain consoles have made history not only for their technological innovations but also for their exorbitant launch prices. This article takes a close look at these consoles, with a focus on those that drove the bill, adjusted for inflation, to dizzying heights. From the Neo Geo to the Philips CD-i, let's find out what made these machines so expensive when they were released and why they continue to pique the interest of collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Xbox One's Expensive Debut
The Xbox One, launched by Microsoft in 2013, represents a landmark entry into the eighth generation of video game consoles. Despite high expectations, the console immediately sparked controversy due to some restrictive features announced by Microsoft. These features, such as limiting used game sales and requiring online verification every 24 hours, have been widely criticized by the gaming community. Microsoft had to backtrack even before the console was released, but the damage was done.
The Xbox One hit the market with an introductory price of $499, which was $100 more than Sony's PlayStation 4. This price difference was partly explained by the presence of the improved Kinect system, which did not really pique the interest of players. In inflation-adjusted terms, that price equates to $674 today. This high price made the Xbox One one of Microsoft's most expensive consoles until the arrival of the Xbox Series X seven years later.
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Despite a difficult start, the Xbox One finally found its audience, but it lagged behind its direct competitors. The launch of the Xbox One highlights the importance of strategic pricing and listening to consumer expectations in the video games industry.
The PlayStation 5 Pro: an expensive upgrade
The PlayStation 5 Pro, an upgraded version of the PlayStation 5, was announced recently with an introductory price of $699.99. While the standard PlayStation 5 already had relatively high costs, the Pro version pushes the bar even higher. Players are now accustomed to seeing mid-gen updates that bring notable improvements and increased performance. However, the question arises whether the additional cost is justified.
With a 2TB internal SSD, GPU and RAM improvements, the PlayStation 5 Pro promises higher frame rate gaming performance at 4K resolution, with increased ray tracing performance. Despite these improvements, the lack of a disc drive and vertical stand raises questions about the real added value of this console. For those who already own a PlayStation 5, upgrading to the Pro version might be difficult to justify.
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The high price of the PlayStation 5 Pro reflects the current trend for gaming consoles to offer increasingly sophisticated experiences, but at increasingly prohibitive costs. This raises questions about the accessibility of video games in the future, as prices continue to rise.
PlayStation 3: a risky pricing strategy
The PlayStation 3 represents a difficult time for Sony in the gaming console business. At its launch, the PS3 was the most expensive console of its generation, with two models at $499 and $599. This pricing strategy placed the PlayStation 3 in direct competition with cheaper consoles like the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, leading to a slow start in the market.
The high cost of the PS3 was largely due to the inclusion of Blu-ray technology, a novelty at the time, and high manufacturing costs. With an equivalent in 2024 of around $780, the PS3 took time to find a place in gamers' homes. It was only after several years and a significant price drop that the PS3 was able to surpass the Xbox 360 in terms of sales.
This experience was a lesson for Sony and other console makers, demonstrating the importance of balancing technological innovation and affordability. It also highlights the risks associated with bringing new technologies to the market, which can sometimes increase costs for consumers.
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3DO Interactive Multiplayer: an expensive ambition
Launched in 1993, the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer is a console that attempted to stand out for its advanced graphics capabilities and versatility. However, its launch price of $700 was a major obstacle to its adoption by the general public. At a time when consoles from Sony and Nintendo were sold for much less, the 3DO struggled to justify its price.
The 3DO was a collaboration between several brands, including Panasonic and GoldStar, and was hailed by Time Magazine as one of the best products of 1993. However, its market position was quickly eclipsed by the arrival of the PlayStation and Nintendo 64, which offered similar performance at a fraction of the cost. In terms of price adjusted for inflation, 3DO would sit at over $1,500 today.
This case illustrates how even technically superior products can fail in the marketplace if they fail to strike a balance between cost and performance. 3DO remains an emblematic example of the challenges faced by new technologies in a competitive market.
Philips CD-i: a costly failure
Released in 1991, the Philips CD-i was not just a gaming console, but a multimedia device capable of playing various interactive content. Unfortunately, this versatility came with a hefty price tag of $799, which limited its popularity in the consumer market.
CD-i offered educational and business software, but its attempts in video games, notably its collaboration with Nintendo, were widely criticized. The cost of this system, equivalent to more than $1,800 today, made it difficult to compete with cheaper home computers available at the time.
This case highlights the importance of targeting a clear audience and offering a compelling value proposition. The Philips CD-i suffered from uncertain positioning and a price that did not meet consumer expectations, leading to its rapid disappearance from the market.
As we explore the most expensive consoles in history, we see how price can influence their success or failure. Each console discussed here attempted to bring something new to the gaming experience, but all failed to justify their high cost. As technology continues to evolve, the question arises: how far are consumers willing to go to access the latest innovations in video games?
