Canadian Prices: One Month Ago
Here's a follow-up to yesterday's article, concerning some of the material attained when I first began investigating the price situation for the PS2.
Published: August 11, 2000
Following up to yesterday's 'Canadian Price Game' article, it should be noted that of the retailers I spoke with, even though many had pre-order plans in place allowing consumers to reserve their PS2's for the launch date, none of them were able to confirm that all individuals who pre-order the console would actually receive it, due to the limited quantities available. It should also be noted that the console itself (non-bundled) comes with the base unit, and a single controller, for the retail price of $449.99 before taxes (meaning the controller mentioned in the Toys 'R' Us bundle is actually a second controller).
In the first week of July, when I had the chance to speak with retailers, I was able to get some facts in regards to the price situation early on. Here's a general comparison of what retailers said a month ago in regards to the price. You can also read up on the current price situation here.
Compucentre
Compucentre was the first retailer to mention the bundled package that they would be selling to consumers at time of launch. The original package included one game, and a memory card in addition to the system itself. It turned out at the time that bundled deals weren't anything new for Compucentre, as they also offered a similar bundled package for the PlayStation console. Additionally, very little information was available concerning the availability of specific games or accessories, such as the vertical stand. No information concerning the official price of the bundled package was available, other than the ballpark figure of $600.00 Canadian.
Toys 'R' Us
Toys 'R' Us was very sketchy in the beginning, as they had very little information in regards to the PS2, other than the fact that the console's suggested retail price in Canada would be set at $449.99 before taxes. When asked about if they would be selling the consoles in bundles, several locations seemed to be very unsure, while others claimed that if other stores were doing it, they would probably do it too. At the time, no information was given out in regards to pre-orders.
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart was able to provide some more specifics in regards to the pricing. They admitted early on that they would be selling the console for $449.99 before taxes. They also confirmed early on that there would be no pre-ordering taking place for the console. The retailer was able to provide me with a short batch of games that could be available at launch, including Gran Turismo 2000, The Bouncer, Tekken Tag Tournament and Street Fighter EX. When asked if the retailer planned on selling the consoles in bundles, some locations admitted that they may have to, while most others claimed that the console would be sold as a separate unbundled piece.
Electronics Boutique
Electronics Boutique (EB) was able to provide me with a handful of information early on. They were also taking pre-orders of the console at the time. They were able to provide a definite price on such things as a pre-order deposit ($30 minimum), along with the idea that the deposit could be split on other PS2 accessories as well. While the store did admit that like other stores, they would be receiving a certain amount of accessories with each order of the consoles, they would not be selling their consoles in bundles.
In only one month, we have now been able to generate far more accurate details concerning the pricing of the PlayStation2. And in September, it is expected that even more details will be unleashed as the final release date for the console gets closer and closer. Of course, PSX2.com will be there to cover any new developments.
In the first week of July, when I had the chance to speak with retailers, I was able to get some facts in regards to the price situation early on. Here's a general comparison of what retailers said a month ago in regards to the price. You can also read up on the current price situation here.
Compucentre
Compucentre was the first retailer to mention the bundled package that they would be selling to consumers at time of launch. The original package included one game, and a memory card in addition to the system itself. It turned out at the time that bundled deals weren't anything new for Compucentre, as they also offered a similar bundled package for the PlayStation console. Additionally, very little information was available concerning the availability of specific games or accessories, such as the vertical stand. No information concerning the official price of the bundled package was available, other than the ballpark figure of $600.00 Canadian.
Toys 'R' Us
Toys 'R' Us was very sketchy in the beginning, as they had very little information in regards to the PS2, other than the fact that the console's suggested retail price in Canada would be set at $449.99 before taxes. When asked about if they would be selling the consoles in bundles, several locations seemed to be very unsure, while others claimed that if other stores were doing it, they would probably do it too. At the time, no information was given out in regards to pre-orders.
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart was able to provide some more specifics in regards to the pricing. They admitted early on that they would be selling the console for $449.99 before taxes. They also confirmed early on that there would be no pre-ordering taking place for the console. The retailer was able to provide me with a short batch of games that could be available at launch, including Gran Turismo 2000, The Bouncer, Tekken Tag Tournament and Street Fighter EX. When asked if the retailer planned on selling the consoles in bundles, some locations admitted that they may have to, while most others claimed that the console would be sold as a separate unbundled piece.
Electronics Boutique
Electronics Boutique (EB) was able to provide me with a handful of information early on. They were also taking pre-orders of the console at the time. They were able to provide a definite price on such things as a pre-order deposit ($30 minimum), along with the idea that the deposit could be split on other PS2 accessories as well. While the store did admit that like other stores, they would be receiving a certain amount of accessories with each order of the consoles, they would not be selling their consoles in bundles.
In only one month, we have now been able to generate far more accurate details concerning the pricing of the PlayStation2. And in September, it is expected that even more details will be unleashed as the final release date for the console gets closer and closer. Of course, PSX2.com will be there to cover any new developments.
