Sony hasn’t offered up any ideas of what the price of its coming NGP portable gaming console will be, but we all know the thing won’t be cheap. There are going to be two versions with one offering 3G and the other being WiFi only. A new survey is being circulated by a research firm called Toluna.
The survey was sponsored by Ubisoft and was called Ubisoft – NGP concept – EU Adults. The survey asked consumers if they would buy the NGP portable and then listed prices for the 3G and for the WiFi only versions. If the prices listed are accurate or just guesses on Ubisoft’s part is unknown.
Potential Pricing Insights
The survey noted that the 3G packing NGP would retail for $350 and the WiFi only would be $250. Ubisoft is one of the largest game publishers out there so it might have inside info on the pricing for the new portable. At the same time, it could be just testing the waters to see if gamers would bite at those prices. My money says that Ubisoft knows the price of the console already.
It’s worth noting that the pricing strategy for gaming consoles can significantly impact their market success. For instance, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) initially struggled with its high price point but eventually found a strong user base after price adjustments and the release of popular game titles. Similarly, the Nintendo Switch has seen tremendous success partly due to its competitive pricing and versatile gaming options.
Features and Market Expectations
The NGP, or Next Generation Portable, is expected to be a powerhouse in terms of hardware capabilities. It is rumored to feature a quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 core processor, a 5-inch OLED touchscreen, and dual analog sticks, which are significant upgrades from its predecessor, the PSP. These features are designed to offer a console-like gaming experience on a portable device, which could justify the higher price point.
Moreover, the inclusion of 3G connectivity in one of the versions suggests that Sony is aiming to offer a more connected and social gaming experience. This could allow for features like multiplayer gaming on the go, real-time updates, and access to a broader range of online services. However, the added cost of 3G connectivity might be a deterrent for some consumers, making the WiFi-only version a more attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
Another factor to consider is the competition. With devices like the Nintendo Switch and various mobile gaming options available, Sony will need to ensure that the NGP offers unique features and a compelling value proposition to stand out in the crowded market. Exclusive game titles, backward compatibility with PSP games, and robust online services could be key selling points.
In conclusion, while the exact pricing of the NGP remains unconfirmed, the survey sponsored by Ubisoft provides some potential insights. Whether these prices are accurate or merely speculative, they offer a glimpse into the possible market positioning of Sony’s upcoming portable gaming console. As we await official announcements, it’s clear that the NGP has the potential to be a game-changer in the portable gaming market, provided it strikes the right balance between price, features, and consumer expectations.
Via Kotaku
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