PS3-PSP bundle spreads to UK

[QueenB]

Originally Posted by qjnet

Not so long ago we told you that Amazon Deutschland (Germany) was offering PS3 pre-orders for 599 Euros providing you buy a 199 Euro PSP as well. Now it looks like this idea is spreading, with HMV, a large music, DVD and video games retailer from the UK, refusing to accept PS3 pre-orders unless the buyer agrees to buy a PSP too. It isn't the standard PSP pack either: the HMV online store asks you to buy a 4GB PSP pack as well as the 425 console, bringing the grand total of the bundle to 675 ($875).

The e-mail containing this message was sent to everyone who has signed up on the HMV website to receive updates on the PS3 console and says: "Anyone who takes advantage of this offer will get priority over other HMV.co.uk customers for the PlayStation 3." You will also get Killzone Liberation and Gangs of London for the PSP with this offer. With many saying that the price of the PS3 is too high already, this will not go down well with buyers. Then there's PSP owners - aren't we getting a raw deal?

If you already own a PSP you don't really want another one, and now this bundle offer has sprung up in two territories across Europe. If this is a Sony directed offer then they need to get their priorities straightened out and remember that the thousands of PSP owners are supporting them already, so surely they should get priority over other customers.

Well, I saw this myself last night on HMV....not impressed. Is it a Sony plan or is it the retailer that's trying to scam us - yes, scam. I believe it's a scam. Give us the PS3, stop being so damned awkward about it!!

[QueenB]

Meanwhile in a more sensible, consumer friendly way:

Originally Posted by qj.net

Argos is now accepting pre-orders of the long-awaited next-gen console. UK customers can now pre-order their own PS3 ahead of the launch, but with a six month, 0 interest payment plan on credit. Delivery to the home isn't free though and adds another 5 (US 9.83) to the total costs.

It is widely believed that other well-known UK retailers will follow suit soon, while Sony has been in constant contact with them with regards to the launch. We could be more certain that they probably are talking with GAME to see if they can offer a similar payment option.

With the questions of the PS3's hefty price tag for Europe and the UK, this is probably Sony's best move yet to appease the European market after hinting a no-price-cut policy.

More reasonable I think

[Bex]

Lol, i seen this on the HMV website last night too lol


I was just saying bout gettin a PS3 from HMV too, get one of their credit cards, and get 10% off first purchase but forgot bout the PSP had to get with it. I've got three PSPs, isnt that enough for you Sony?

I think it must be a retailer thing, and not Sony, otherwise itd be at more places that you had to buy a PSP with it.

[Bex]

And whatcha know? [Only registered users can see links. ]

Originally Posted by qj.net

We can't help but wonder how many actually signed up for [Only registered users can see links. ] by major retail chain [Only registered users can see links. ]. Because as much as it is a good offer, we can't deny that the price tag is a little too steep for an average consumer. The pre-order consists of the PS3, a 4GB PSP, and two PSP games for a total price of 674.99, or roughly US 1,327.

While the offer [Only registered users can see links. ], the major retail store is currently being criticized by fellow retailers. Choices [Only registered users can see links. ] Head of Games Martin Baxter said that their company won't be following the lead of HMV on the pre-order bundle.

When asked why, Baxter was rather direct as he said that Choices would never hold their customers to ransom. Likewise, Stephen Lynn, [Only registered users can see links. ] Head of Promotions, agrees that the pre-order bundle is a rip off. Lynn explained,

HMV's deal is up to them at the end of the day, but it's not the sort of thing we'd offer our customers because we're trying to keep things simple on PS3. We wouldn't want to risk confusing our customers over any product let alone one of this expense.

In the end, we guess HMW has any right to employ any marketing strategy it wants. If it works fine, kudos to the company. If it backfires, well, better luck next time. After all, it is the consumers who will eventually [Only registered users can see links. ] - not only of the PS3 - but of every single business as well.

[QueenB]

Originally Posted by qjnet

In light of the heavy criticism that has confronted HMV regarding its 625 PSP/PS3 bundle, the UK-based retailer announced that it will now be offering PS3s on a first come, first served basis, with priority going to those customers who registered an initial interest to receive PS3 pre-order details once they were confirmed .

HMV further notes contacting those who took their previous offer asap, and will ask whether they still prefer the original bundle, or just the PS3 pre-order. HMV plans to make its pre-order stock of PS3s limited online, with the bulk of pre-orders to be passed on to the retail store chains around the U.K.

The PS3 is set to cost 425 when it launches this March 23 in Europe, with a total of 220,000 units expected to be available in the UK come the said day.

Didn't see that coming

[Bex]

Originally Posted by QueenB

Didn't see that coming

Ooooh, yay, wow.
Think i mite get mine from there now then lmao with me reward card thing - although no double points, only 300 extra for pre-orders - which is fine with games, cuz games = £30 = 300 points.......

Thanks for the follow up news