Some Players Believe the $600 PS3 Launch Price Was Worth It
Twenty years ago, the PlayStation 3 launched with a price tag of around 19,500 Thai Baht, which, when adjusted for today’s currency value, equals about 32,000 Baht.
Even though the PlayStation 2 became an all-time best-selling console, achieving millions in sales right up until its final days, its successor, the PS3, had a much tougher start. The high launch price, along with early hardware issues like the notorious red light of death, made the PS3’s early days challenging. Over its lifecycle, Sony adjusted the design, materials, and price several times to address these issues.
It’s well-known that the $600 starting price caused an immediate backlash. At the time, it was the highest price ever set for a console. While the cost translated roughly to 19,000 Baht back then (excluding the official Thai retail price, which wasn’t available at launch), adjusting to 2025 values puts the price closer to 32,000 Baht. Despite this, a recent viral post from a user named HB Rainy argued that the PS3 was actually worth every penny.
HB Rainy highlights that the original PS3, sometimes called the “fat” model, featured impressive graphics processing power with the RSX Reality Synthesizer. It supported multiple disc formats, including CD, DVD, and Blu-ray, and came equipped with four USB ports, as well as slots for SD and MicroSD cards, plus HDMI output. For 2006, these technologies were cutting-edge. Many gamers echoed this positive view, with the post garnering over 8 million views.
Another major advantage was online play, which was free at the time. Unlike later consoles that required paid subscriptions, the PS3 let players connect to the internet and play worldwide with just an internet connection. Many believe we may never again see such a leap in technology in a single console generation. Moreover, standalone Blu-ray players in 2006 were priced around $700, so the PS3 offering gaming and Blu-ray playback for $600—was actually quite reasonably priced. In fact, some argue that the outrage was unwarranted. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so join the conversation with us at ThisIsGame Thailand.
The PS3 was first revealed at E3 2005 and launched in 2006, boasting full internet integration, Blu-ray Disc support, and powerful graphics and processing capabilities. It also featured many high-quality exclusive games that remain beloved today, like Uncharted and The Last of Us.
Final Thought
Looking back, the PS3’s $600 price was more than just an expense; it was an investment in innovation. With its advanced hardware and multimedia functions, the console redefined the future of gaming. While the price may have seemed steep then, it reflected the technological leap and value offered. Today, the PS3 stands as a reminder that sometimes, groundbreaking progress demands a higher price but ultimately delivers lasting impact.
