Would you spend $600 on a video game system?

[sweeps]

Sony plans to sell its new Playstation 3 console for $500 and $600. Plus don't forget to add the games, extra controller, memory sticks, etc.

Article

[Ima saver]

No, I wouldn't spent $6 but then I don't care for video games!

[sakigt]

To some people thats two car new car payments.

Everyone has their hobby

But no, I wouldnt. I like my old NES system.

[Ima saver]

Heck, that is less than one car payment for me, but I like cars a lot better.

[boefixepa]

No way, but I know lots of people who will!

Just one of many things I don't get.

[robex]

Absolutely not! Our 3 kids share one game boy, and that's all the video game set ups we're buying...most of their friends have one or two systems and they play at their houses with them. Our house has a very limited screen time rule and Dh and I have no plans on changing it!

My nephews (ages 7 and 10) are coming to stay for 4 nights next week and they're going to be going stir crazy. They're allowed as much screen time (computer, X Box, t.v. etc.) as they want at their house. It should be an interesting few days!

[gavinmccallister]

I think you might like this article, Sweeps.

SNK Neo Geo AES

Shin Nihon Kikaku (SNK) first ventured into the arcade market in 1989 and was successful with its unique 2D arcade machine, which was powered by an impressive custom graphics processor, 68000 and Z80 CPUs and offered 330Mbit ROM storage space. This arcade version was known as MVS, or Multi-Video Output and allowed 1 of 6 games to be loaded at any time. The Neo Geo AES (Advanced Entertainment System) was a home version of the Neo Geo MVS and played the exact same games as the ones in the arcades. In fact, even memory cards could be switched between the two, allowing players to save their progress on one machine and load it on the other.
The major weakness of the Neo Geo AES was the high price tag on the cartridges. Most games sold for about $200! The console itself was also fairly expensive, retailing at $650. Its arcade-style joystick and excellent arcade ports made it a very attractive console. A Multi-Link cable was released for the Neo Geo AES that allowed two Neo Geos to be connected together and be played on two separate televisions.

Some truly amazing games were released on the Neo Geo such as the King of Fighters series, the Metal Slug series, the Samurai Shodown (Spirits) series and the Sengoku series. If only the Neo Geo AES console and cartridges had cost less, it would have definitely been a winner and sold more units than it did.

Technical Specs:

CPU: 16-bit Motorolla 68000 (12MHz) and 8-bit Zilog Z80 (4MHz)
RAM: 64KB (68000) + 2KB (Z80), Video RAM: 68KB
Colors: 64K (4K on screen)
Sprites: 380
Game Media: Cartridge
Resolution: 320x224
Sound: 3 PSG, 4-FM synthesis, 7-digital, 1 noise channel

Back then when I was into video games the average price of a new console was $99.99 to $149.99 I guess with inflation and everything else this console would probably cost around $1000.00 if it were brought out today with cartridges costing around $500.00+. Does anybody remeber the 3DO made by Panasonic it was CD based and cost $800.00 it didn't survive though it was short-lived.

[Haku]

It costs to be an early-adopter.

I guess when I was a teenager, I would have done just about anything to get my hands on something like that. In fact, you'd probably see me camping out overnight at a nearby Best Buy on opening night.

But, today, I no longer own or buy video games. I still love to play it, but I only do it at a friend's house now. To some, it may be worth the money, but it's just not to me anymore.

gavin:
I've never owned a Neo Geo (but then, not many did). However, I used to play it all the time in the arcades. To me, it really is the pinnacle of 2D games. It really is. The King of Fighter series, Metal Slug series, Samurai Showdown series, and don't forget Last Blade 2 and Garou: Mark of the Wolf! The hits just go on and on.

As great as the games were, it's a shame that the SNK hardware never really took off. It was understandable, but still....

Speaking of which, you know what I heard recently? That they're going to make Metal Slug in 3D! Who are these heathens and when are they going to be exorcised?

Now, Trip Hawkins' 3DO platform was an interesting animal. Trip was definitely right on when it came to the future of gaming, but I suppose one could say that it came out TOO early. Consequently, between the high prices for the hardware and the shortage of quality titles, it was bound to flop.

What I find really interesting was when Sony's Ken Kutaragi came along, and how he and his collegues studied the 3DO and tried to understand why it flopped. Another interesting factoid about it is that Mr. Kutaragi's original Playstation was met with stiff internal resistance, even from the CEO at the time. Ironically, it was only through a corporate "scuffle" with Nintendo that actually gave the Playstation the boost it needed to launch. Even on the date of the launch, there were Sony executives that privately stated the Playstation was doomed to fail.

Er... yeah, anyways, it's probably safe to say that I do enjoy video games, but as much as I do, I still refuse to buy any more of them. It's just all too expensive for my taste, even buying the previous generations.

[Ima saver]

When I was a kid, we just hung around the cave all day. [Automated by GetSmile]

[poundwise]

I remember when my family got the Sears version of the Atari game system. It was like $450 or something.

I will not pay more than $100 for a system nor more than $20 for games. I do not have a system now. When the X-Box (original) gets down to $99 (maybe soon) I may do it. Used games can be had for $10. Then, and only then, might it be worth it for me.. but I doubt it.

[gakline]

My birthday gift to my bf is a Playstation 3. That being said, he has to wait until it comes out. We've discussed it already. When I buy it, we might list it on ebay and see if we could make any money off of it.

[markio26]

it would depend on the situation for which it is being purchased... when my sons were teen agers i bought every game player and the games they wanted... but, with times of the day that they were allowed to play.... it kept them from hanging with bad friends and they looked forward to playing the game and obtaining higher points.. my cop son still relieves his stress by going to the arcade at the mall or at home on his puter playing games with other ppl. online. i know it can be expensive.. but, if you shop wisely their are rebates galore....

[tgavin71]

We paid $300 for our x box. Was the kids combined christmas present in 2004. It is the best money we have spent. It gets played daily. They have some games but mostly we hire them for $5 from the video shop.

[Majan]

Nah, why should I? I play games, but my new laptop only cost $800. I can play games on the laptop.

Specs:

[cicy33]

NO WAY! We did spend about $250 on a play station 2 and that to me was very costly for a game. But it was for my husband and now the kids play it. Though we retain ownership. I try to find games on ebay to keep cost down and at yard sales. But $600!!! That is more than my mortgage.

[poundwise]

Originally Posted by gakline

My birthday gift to my bf is a Playstation 3. That being said, he has to wait until it comes out. We've discussed it already. When I buy it, we might list it on ebay and see if we could make any money off of it.

Wow! That's an expensive birthday present.

I'm sure he will enjoy it.

[gakline]

Originally Posted by poundwise

Wow! That's an expensive birthday present.

I'm sure he will enjoy it.

He's been drooling about it since I gave him a "Good for one PS3" certificate I made. He's even been bragging to his family and friends. So I think it's worth it. Depending on when it's released, it might turn into a Christmas present too if I add an additional game or two.