Press Release: PlayStation Leads Videogame Industry with Aggressive New Price Structure; PlayStation Game Console to Retail for $149 and PlayStation Software to be Targeted at a MSRP of $49.99 or Less
From Videogame Morgue File
PlayStation Leads Videogame Industry with Aggressive New Price Structure; PlayStation Game Console to Retail for $149 and PlayStation Software to be Targeted at a MSRP of $49.99 or Less[edit]
FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 1997--Asserting its leadership in the "next generation" videogame industry, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that videogame enthusiasts and new gamers alike will be able to purchase a PlayStation game console for a manufacturers suggested retail price of $149, the lowest price point for any "next generation" videogame system. As an additional benefit for consumers, Sony Computer Entertainment's leading PlayStation titles -- NFL GameDay `97, Crash Bandicoot, NBA ShootOut `97, Twisted Metal 2, NHL FaceOff `97, Jet Moto, 2 Xtreme, Cool Boardersand Rally Cross -- will be available for a MSRP of $49.99, with many retailers advertising new titles at $39.99. "With an installed hardware base of 3.4 million, and more than 18 million PlayStation games sold, consumers have already demonstrated their overwhelming support and loyalty for the PlayStation," said Kaz Hirai, chief operating officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "By introducing these new suggested price points, the opportunity to experience the power and superiority of the PlayStation will be available to an even broader range of consumers. We once again continue to lead the industry with our aggressive hardware pricing and we are setting a new standard with our software pricing." Additionally, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced the launch of its "Greatest Hits" Series, a line-up of titles that have already proven to be all-time favorites. To be included in the "Greatest Hits" Series, a title must meet two key criteria: sales must be in excess of 150,000 units and the title must have been on the market for more than a year. The "Greatest Hits" Series, will include such titles as NFL GameDay, Twisted Metal, NHL FaceOff, Battle Arena Toshinden and WarHawk, and will carry a MSRP of $24.99, with many retailers advertising product at $19.99. "The `Greatest Hits' Series is an excellent opportunity for new PlayStation purchasers to get the very best of PlayStation and for core gamers to add classic titles to their existing library," said Andrew House, vice president, marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The $25 `Greatest Hits' price point provides great value to gamers and can truly only be offered on CD-based technology." "This hardware and software price strategy is a tremendous opportunity for retailers and consumers alike," said Jack Tretton, vice president, sales, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Retailers' margins will improve with the new structure and, most importantly, consumers will be able to purchase the leading next generation videogame system at an aggressive mass market price." To support Sony Computer Entertainment America's bold pricing strategy, a national print and television advertising campaign will also be launched. On March 4, full page ads will appear in many major newspapers. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. distributes and markets the PlayStation game console in North America, develops and publishes software for the PlayStation game console, and manages the U.S. third party licensing program. Based in Foster City, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Visit us on the Web at http://www.sony.com CONTACT: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Jeffrey Fox, 415/655-5509 jeffrey_fox@interactive.sony.com Samantha Sackin, 213/489-8250 sackins@fleishman.com COPYRIGHT 1997 Business Wire COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
