Bundles and high price creating PS3 glut

Forced bundles and high retail price putting consumers off, claims tracking firm

The high price of the PlayStation 3, along with the retail practice of bundling the console with software, has lead to a glut of stock online, claims tracking firm NotifyWire.

The company believes the fervour greeting the console launch has already slowed, with consumers put off by forced software and hardware bundles which in some cases can see the retail price doubled.

"I think we're already at the point where people won't pay a premium for the console or be forced into buying bundles," said Ian Drake, president of NotifyWire.

Drake believes interest is waning for the console, and compared the speed in which new Xbox 360 stock sold out before Christmas 12 months ago.

"Last year we tracked several one thousand dollar Xbox 360 bundles which would sell out in less than two minutes after becoming available."

Drake noted a US $1000 PS3 bundle was on offer at an online retailer for over 12 hours recently, claiming, "This sort of thing didn't happen with the Xbox 360 until well after Christmas."

NotifyWire tracks online retailers and informs members when product is available.

Drake also believes that consumers are becoming less trustful of auction sites such as eBay, where newly released consoles can sell for double the recommended retail price.

"I think people are tired of being gouged on eBay, and services like NotifyWire.com are making it easier for the everyday person to buy the PlayStation 3 online from a retailer they know and trust.

Gameindustry.biz