India, you've got your PS3 launch! Sony's new gaming 60GB machine went on sale late this week for Rs 39,990. For those keeping score, Rs 39,990 is US $975. And that is a lot of money, especially to when you compare it to the Rs 7,990 ($195) needed to get a PS2. But, hey, it's like that EVERYWHERE, so why should India be different? Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's Tim Stokes says:
"Sony is a leading player in the market and would work towards retaining its leadership position here."
And what better way to do that than at European pricing! Initially, Sony has shipped 1,200 PLAYSTATION 3s and hopes to sell 10,000 by the end of the financial year. The consoles are sold through its own "Sony World" outlets — As well as retail chains. They are expensive.
source
*with over 1 billion people living in India, this can only be good for Sony
I never heard of a system launching in India.. did the Wii launch there too?
I am not sure if they're sold outright there, but I did find a site that imported Nintendo Wii systems, along with other systems into the country.
With a price like that I'd say it was imported and not officially launched there. It just doesn't make sense how the price could be so different. Sure the Wii sells here for between $450 to $600 but game consoles are never "officially" launched here so you have to pay ridiculous prices.
according to the article it has official launched there
See, now that's just screwed up. How in the world is that fair? Why do the prices have to be so ridiculous compared to the rest of the world. They wonder why pirated games are everywhere in Asia. Everyone is trying to make up for the ridiculous price they have to pay for the hardware.
The cost is higher for a couple reasons:
1. Increased difficulty in getting it into India
2. Economies of Scale: Since they are not able to sell very high quantities their they are not able to meet economies of scales (not with regards to the system itself, but with regards to shipping, specific legal requirements, etc.)
There are most likely other factors like taxes and such (why it is high in the UK at $850 or around).
The cost is higher for a couple reasons:
1. Increased difficulty in getting it into India
2. Economies of Scale: Since they are not able to sell very high quantities their they are not able to meet economies of scales (not with regards to the system itself, but with regards to shipping, specific legal requirements, etc.)
There are most likely other factors like taxes and such (why it is high in the UK at $850 or around).
I agree, but I do think it's unfair for some places to have regions to have ridiculous prices.
I know that taxes are the main reason. Here there is a 100% tax on imports of this kind and that's one of the main reasons of piracy here. I'm sorry but I can't even feel bad for it.
Cost or not, I think this is a very big step for Sony. India is a huge market, and perhaps the PS3 will be one of those luxury items which parents will buy their children as a status symbol. You might laugh at that last sentence, but that kind of thing really does happen..more so other places then in the States.