Brazil might find it difficult to sell the new PS4 due to the high ranking prices. Sony is distraught to discover that their PS4 will sell for nearly $1,840 US dollars (R$3,999) in Brazil due to import taxes. This will not only make it difficult for Brazil’s gamers to connect with the next-gen consoles, but it gives Sony a terrible reputation.
Why, Sony, why?
Sony announced that the price isn’t the companies fault or idea. The price is mostly consumed by 63% going towards import taxes, 15.5% to the retailers, and 21.5% towards the console itself. Sony won’t be reaping the rewards on this price tag, but the Brazilian government will surely be gaining quite a bit.
“We have read thousands of your comments and heard your frustration loud and clear about the PlayStation 4 retail price of R$3,999 in Brazil,”
“We want to emphasize that it isn’t in the interest of Sony Computer Entertainment America to sell PS4 units at this high retail price, as it’s not good for our gamers and it’s not good for the PlayStation brand. We have always maintained an open and honest dialogue with PlayStation Nation in Brazil, we want to be fully transparent as to what makes up this price, so gamers can be fully informed and make their own conclusion.”
Sony has been trying their hardest to appease all the opposers of the price, but there’s nothing they can do about it. This call is out of their hands, and they must grin and bear it. If they wish to continue the distribution of PS4s in Brazil, they must comply with the Brazilian import tax and the laws.
“Our primary focus right now is to ensure we are in full compliance with Brazilian import tax laws and look ahead [to] the opportunity to locally manufacturing [sic] the PS4, which will significantly reduce the retail price…”
Manufacturing in Brazil
In the past it has been beneficial for Sony to start manufacturing their consoles in Brazil. This was discovered back in May when Sony started manufacturing their PS3 in Brazil, and the price became extremely affordable in the process. Although the prices are still high with a conversion, after the manufacturing it was nearly $506 US dollars (R$1,099). Unfortunately, they can’t produce their PS4 in Brazil yet, so the country will have to deal with the price tag until further notice.
Xbox One vs. PS4 Prices
On the contrary, the Xbox One is significantly cheaper in Brazil than the PS4 is. Ranking at $1,012 US dollars (R$2,199) in Brazil will make getting the Xbox One more realistic than the PS4. If Sony wants to start competing with Microsoft, they’re going to have to find a way to lower their prices.
