Microsoft is set to hit E3 2010 in a big way with Project Natal, but could its impact be lessened by the motion-sensing peripheral’s price? According to Edge the standalone cost to Natal will be $149 and the bundled cost will be $299:
Natal will launch in the US this October with a price tag of $149.
That’s according to a trusted source, who told us that the motion sensing camera will also be bundled with the Xbox 360 Arcade console for $299.
If the rumor is true then I question how successful Natal will be. $149 is a lot of money, especially in this economy. What do you think of the price? Kindly vote in the poll below and elaborate on your choice in the comments section.
[poll id=”49″]
At least I already own the camera that the PSMove is going to use.
I guess everyone who already bought the 360 camera is just going to have 2 now. I mean I assume Natal makes the other camera useless.
I'd never thought I'd hate Nintendo so much.
-M
Too much $$$ then to buy games and a live membership. Crash and burn.
They have to be already planning a price drop for holiday 2011. This HAS to be a way to cash in on the people who can't wait.
$150 is ridiculous.
@N8R
I think price drops are on the way for stand alone consoles. This entire motion control switch for Microsoft and Sony seems as a way for them to keep prices where they are at with added hardware. What would be the point in Microsoft selling a $299 arcade version? People will just buy a Wii instead.
@ Sandrock
I think people would buy a Wii instead of paying almost the same price just for the motion controller.
And, I'm sure there will be a price drop before holiday 2011 as well.
If this isn't bundled with a game, it won't out sell the Wii. That included game is a huge thing for the casual buyer.
@smartguy I can't see it coming without software. That would be silly.
@N8R The source article says it will be an October release, so a price drop wouldn't happen.
i forget, have they given a price for move yet?
and remember this is microsoft, be lucky they didnt decide to charge you 300 bucks
@ Ray
Note the *2011 in those statements. That's a year later.
Not surprised at all.
@N8R My bad. Still, it's important for Natal to start strong. MS needs to build an installed base to get developers to buy into it. If the price is accurate, I question how well it will do in the first year.
@ Ray
I'm feeling that too. I think the hardcore folks will need one game that's worth it to rush out and get it. What that game will be, beats the hell out of me. But it could only take one. This may be the MS surprise at E3. The caliber of the titles that will support it at launch.
Still, I'm gonna be a hard sell. I would probably have to rearrange my room in order to play Natal… that plus $150 really doesn't seem worth it.
@N8R
Lets face it, the game is going to be shovelware. They don't need or want core gamers to buy into this over the game included. They know they can release the game core gamers want separately and get more money out of us. The game included however, has to appeal to all those casual gamers Nintendo currently has.
@Ray
When I say price drop, I mean as they faze out all the non Natal SKUs. They won't drop their current marketing prices. If the Natal Arcade version is really $299, it makes me wounder if they will keep the old SKUs on the market as well. I don't think Microsoft wants to lose their $199 SKU.
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I wonder what will be included then? Something new? Something old with a patch to use Natal? Or will they have a demo or 3 directing you to buy the full version online?
@smartguy
Probably that brick break game they've already show and few others they have or will show. Think Wii Sports for Natal.
@sandrock
I have a hard time seeing MS giving anything away though. I still think they will be timed demos.
@smartguy
That's all Wii Sports is lol
I don't pay that much money for a gimmick.
@ Sandrock
I wasn't talking about the one game included (if there is one, I think you could download that brick breaking game off the Arcade). I was referring to other games that will support it.
For example, I get the feeling that Fable 3 will have Natal support. I don't think that will be enough though.
@Thundercracker
"Sony plans on releasing the Move in three versions, one with just the pair of Move wands (if you already own an Eye camera), a PlayStation Move Starter Kit that includes the Move wands, a PlayStation Eye and a game. They’ll also be selling a bundle with the PS3 Slim and the Move Starter Kit. They expect for the Starter Kit bundle to sell for less than $99 (USD) and to ship the controllers this Fall, just in time for the busy 2010 holiday season."
thank you slicky
yeah im all over that…..lol, im such a hypocrite
@Sandrock
Lol but Wii Sports doesnt ask me to buy the "unlocked version" after about 3 minutes lol.
@N8R
If Natal is required for Fable 3…I'll have to skip it. Not a chance in hell.
Though…my girlfriend and a few of her friends like to play cheeseball shit like this….I'll probably have to order it through amazon to avoid embarassment at Bestbuy.
@ Smartguy
I spent over $100 this month through Ray's links. I'm beginning to like Amazon.
they are definitely gonna get you guys somehow, either with halo, gears or maybe mw3. They are going to make the game less immersive unless you have this 149 dollar useless piece of plastic
@smartguy
im ashamed i dont know this about you, but do you have kids?
Damn I voted hell no because I thought the poll asked will I be getting Natal lol….its to early. At that price point I will not be getting Natal. If Move is cheaper the PS3s sales will skyrocket. All I know is that I wont be getting Natal unless A) I get it for free or B) Its under $100 after taxes.
@thundercracker
nope. Do not feel ashamed. I do have a 2 year old cocker spaniel that I spoil though. She's great. Though she likes my gf more.
@n8r
I am now ordering all of my workout drugs through the amazon. I'm happy.
@Big Blak
check out comment #22 for PSMove pricing. Seems like a better deal to me especially since I already have the PS Eye.
@ Slicky
Wow, that is exactly what I meant, that would be the perfect reason to get a PS3. PS3 is by far the more powerful machine and it has BR and a more awesome wiimote for the same price as a 360 dual layer dvd player! MS might be in trouble, but xbl will always keep the 360 afloat.
@Smartguy
Beleive it or not, but my 360 memory card cam with a free game on it. The game is complete shovelware though. Also, I think they've already said Natal support will be in Fable 3.
@Natal
All I want from it is to recognize my facial expressions while I'm playing online and give my in game character the same expression. Other than that I couldn't care less.
P.S. My older non core gamer brother thinks Natal is a must simply for the dashboard commands. I looked at him like he was stupid when he said that, but it makes me think that Microsoft won't even need games to push Natal. Sad really.
I can't want until Natal comes out and says hello to you when it recognizes your face, but to save money its Microsoft Sam "Hello SlickyFats"