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I think this is the real answer, however it would be difficult to use it as an excuse for the model since there are laws also against selling at a loss to under
by sureIy 1y ago
I think this is the real answer, however it would be difficult to use it as an excuse for the model since there are laws also against selling at a loss to undercut competitors.
- cyberax 1y agoIt's a more difficult argument. Consoles are not competing with regular general-purpose computers, and the console manufacturers go out of their way to make it impossible to install unapproved third-party software on them. And since all the console manufacturers are selling the hardware at loss or with low margins, they can argue that it's just how the market works (free razors but expensive razor blades).
- sureIy 1y ago> Consoles are not competing with regular general-purpose computers Yes but why? They very powerful computers. New recycling laws might force companies to give up the keys to the hardware before or after their obsoletion. The precedent here is SIM-locked devices. At some point you must let the user do what they want with it.
- cyberax 1y agoConsoles have a surprisingly long commercial life, more than 5-7 years. So the usability of old consoles at the end of their lifecycle as a PC replacement is not that great. Might still make sense, though. Just for general historical preservation.