Masayasu Ito adds that efforts were made to include PlayStation Eye camera, but this proved too costly.
Sony originally planned to include a PlayStation Eye with all
PlayStation 4 units, but to keep the system at the "magic price" of
$399, the decision was made not to bundle the camera, executive Masayasu
Ito told Business Spectator in a new interview.
This decision was driven by "pressure from above," the publication
reports, adding that Sony is already losing an estimated $60 per every
console sold. Sony aims to recoup this loss by selling peripherals,
software, and services.
The PS4's lack of a packed-in camera isn't all that upsetting to SCE CEO
Andrew House, as he said he does not deem the PlayStation Eye as a
system-seller.
"Certainly for the earlier part of the lifecycle, the vast majority of
the audience that we speak to tells us that their primary wish is for
the full controller interface and there's not necessarily a huge
emphasis being placed on camera interaction," House said.
Over time, however, House said Sony could "adjust messaging" on this
front. Sony, and other console manufacturers, are known to release new
system bundles after launch.
The PS4 launches on November 15.
Sign up here with your email