PS4’s ‘cheap price a big surprise’ to Level-5 president

The PlayStation 4's $399 price-tag was the "number-one surprise" at E3 for Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino.

"I think anyone can look at that and think 'This is Cheap!'" he told Famitsu. "Putting cutting-edge PC specs into a game machine that costs just a few hundred dollars really brings across how serious SCE is about this generation."

Hino acknowledged that Microsoft's Xbox One is also "pretty cheap considering what you get with it as well." The Xbox One is currently priced at $499, $100 more than the PlayStation 4. Hino believes that price differential means Microsoft will "have to do something to oppose that." Prior to E3, Microsoft's something different was a digital future, but the DRM restrictions were actually met with sharp criticism from consumers and media alike. As a result, Microsoft reversed its policies and the Xbox One became a lot more similar to the PS4, but with a Kinect included (and that explains the higher price).

It's worth noting that Level-5 is rumored to be working on a PS4 exclusive title, so take what he says about the PlayStation 4 with a grain of salt.

"Looking at all the new media, it's easy to see how console gaming is still the main entertainment space people work in. I can't wait for the next generation to really spread out into households," he concluded.

Have you pre-ordered your PS4 or Xbox One yet? If so, was price a factor in your decision?

[Famitsu via Polygon]