Chapter 10: Product Concepts

Sony doesn’t just sell PlayStation the console. They also sell other Sony products like head phones compatible for the console for online play, the compatible camera, controllers, PlayStation online memberships, and the most important of all video games to play on the console. Sony doesn’t just try to exceed expectations they go ahead and raise the bar. With PlayStation 4 being the modified version of its predecessor certain elements had to be changed and new products and to be invented in order to please the target markets expectations. Also with Microsoft hot on its trail Sony had to be innovative in their approach and sleek with their design of their products.

 The controller for example it’s called the dual shock 4 and it was designed preferably for players who play more shooting games. The price is retailed at 54.99-59.99 American dollars. That’s a hefty price for a single controller but the features of the controller that I recently explained in past posts goes to show that Sony had this price tag in mind form the start of production. The console itself was the talk of the town when the price tag was shown at $399.99. This was big for gamers and marketers because the previous console had a price tag of $499 and $599. This drop in price was a marketing strategy to make the console profitable from the start enabling Sony to make enough money over a long period of time before they would make a price drop.

 The strategy proved successful because they are selling more consoles than projected. Microsoft and their Xbox One had priced their console at $499 but included their camera module as bonus for the higher price tag. Sony also has a camera for their console too. The camera has been in high demand as well, the price of the new camera is $70. The camera serves a similar purpose as Xbox Kinect but minus some features like voice recognition.

The games for the console also took a price hike because of production costs and the console running on new technology. Production teams take more time to develop games for PlayStation 4. The costs to produce these games has gotten more expensive as well but the quality and product value is pleasing for the consumer. The games look better, play better and provide the consumer with a whole new experience that is truly next generation.

Sony has released a prototype virtual reality headset that will be compatible with PlayStation 4. It is only in the prototype stage but this new product is the start of a new wave for Sony to create a new innovative way to play games at home. The VR headset is called Project Morpheus and is compatible with PlayStation Move and the PlayStation camera. This headset provides a more detailed gameplay for the gamer. Allowing 90 degree peripheral vision without allowing the lenses to fog up. The head set also doesn’t place any heavy weight on the face and nose allowing comfort for the player. This new innovation is still early n development but shows how Sony is raising the bar for gaming in the future.

Sony as a brand strives with the PlayStation because of their loyal customers. Sony makes sure to keep their customers satisfied with new inventions and innovations that will benefit consumers and their loyal customers.