by Timothy Hoarwood

Created on: August 19, 2009

Defining 'expensive', in any context, is an undoubtedly difficult task. However, I find it rather bizarre that people find the prices of modern consoles unreasonable, based on the vast range of services they provide.

The PS2 and Xbox were the first consoles that incorporated multimedia functionality. Whilst the Xbox featured a media player, capable of ripping and storing audio data, the PS2 boasted a full-featured DVD player. Whilst the consoles were still marketed primarily as gaming machines, their potential as entertainment centres was gradually being realised. It is interesting to note that the Nintendo Gamecube, devoid of such additional features, was the worst-selling console of that (6th) generation (However, this was largely due to a lack of 3rd party games).

With the current generation of consoles, game-playing uses a small subset of the machine's features. They are able to connect to vast on-line libraries to download films, music and games and will play DVDs. There are even projects, now nearing completion, which enable users of the console to watch TV. The Xbox360 and PS3 are doing what the much maligned 'Media PC' never could - creating a media hub with a vast array of functionality for individuals and families.

Even from a purely technical viewpoint, consoles are still a 'good buy'. For example, the PS3 is one of the best ways to view Blu-Ray discs, the only High Definition disk format. It also contains the Cell processor, an entirely new processing architecture which debuted on the PS3. It is uniquely qualified to perform certain operations at unprecedented speeds. As well as potentially allowing for exceptionally advanced games, it has also found a use in healthcare - a PS3 user can obtain a free application which lets their PS3 search for cures for various ailments, by studying the human genome when the console is idle!

To provide similar functionality in these areas, I would have to pay 4/5 times the price for a comparable computer, which, whilst more versatile, is prone to errors and viral infections. Assuming I want a device for purely enjoyment purposes, even the PS3, recently re-priced at 250, represents tremendous value for money.

In fact, in order to price their consoles so competitively, Sony and Microsoft lose money every time they sell a console, but recoup the costs by selling games and films to the user. Nintendo is reportedly the only company who actually makes money when they sell a console, as their best-selling Wii needs only cheap hardware to satisfy its casual gamer market.

It is my honest opinion that demanded consoles at even cheaper prices is ridiculous. They already present excellent value for money and are often able to fill the roles of multiple pieces of equipment. If they were any cheaper, they would drive the gaming divisions of their respective parent companies out of business!

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