XBL Vision Camera - Anyone else angered at the pricing?

[daphatty]

Am I the only one angered by the fact that you can't buy the Vision camera by itself? Maybe I am crazy but it doesn't make sense to not sell the camera solo for those of us who already bought UNO and/or TotemBall or already have 1 yr subscriptions to XBL. I feel like I am being forced to pay for something I already have just to get the one item I want. Sheesh... :roll:

[mtxbass1]

What? The camera is sold seperately...
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105110

You don't have to buy the one year live package.

[daphatty]

What? The camera is sold seperately...
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105110

You don't have to buy the one year live package.

The base $39.99 version comes with two games that I've already purchased. Hence my rant.

[mtxbass1]

The base $39.99 version comes with two games that I've already purchased. Hence my rant.

Two games? It comes with Uno.

Edit: And if you are speaking of Texas Holdem...how can you purchase something that is still Free (until tomorrow) in the marketplace?

[RedvsBlue]

Personally, I have little interest in the camera to begin with so I'll probably just wait until it drops or has a game packed in that I don't have yet.

[daphatty]

Two games? It comes with Uno.

Edit: And if you are speaking of Texas Holdem...how can you purchase something that is still Free (until tomorrow) in the marketplace?

Still doesn't change the fact that I already have the games and have paid for them (had to pay $400+$50/yr to get THM for free.)

[GF_Eric]

You aren't paying for the extras, you are paying for the camera. Period.

[mtxbass1]

Still doesn't change the fact that I already have the games and have paid for them (had to pay $400+$50/yr to get THM for free.)

That's a moot point. Saying that you "had to pay" $400 for the console is just plain rediculous. Purchasing the console wasn't the reason you got THM for free.

[jeffreyjrose]

Daphatty, did you forget to eat your Wheaties this morning? :lol:

[KingDox]

The uno is a code I think. You can always trade it here on CAG. I'm sure there are plenty of people here willing to trade something for it.

Also who here on CAG is really going to pay the 40 bucks the base unit costs ? You know we are going to find deals on it.

[daphatty]

That's a moot point. Saying that you "had to pay" $400 for the console is just plain rediculous. Purchasing the console wasn't the reason you got THM for free.

The only way to get THM for free is to buy the console.

But that is besides the point.

It's a fucking webcam and I don't want to pay for shit I already fucking have. Period. :bomb: :bomb: :bomb:

Maybe I should have eaten my Wheaties... :D

[mtxbass1]

The only way to get THM for free is to buy the console.

But that is besides the point.

It's a fucking webcam and I don't want to pay for shit I already fucking have. Period. :bomb: :bomb: :bomb:

Maybe I should have eaten my Wheaties... :D

And the only way to play any of the Xbox 360 games, free or not is to buy the console. What is your point? Buying the 360 does not mean you are entitled to anything more than the console itself.

If you don't want to pay for it, then wait and buy one used when it comes out. It's a matter of time before you find one of these used in Gamestop/EB after it comes out.

Not to mention this thing is $40. $40 freaking dollars. It's not like it's a requirement or it's going to break your bank here.

Like everyone else has said, sell the Uno code or give it away in a contest. This really isn't that hard.

[RedvsBlue]

wow, if this keeps up I think this thread will end up getting moved to the VS. forum.

[Jedi1979]

i positively absolutely 100% undeniably agree with daphatty;)


anyway now that the asskissing is done i would say they should have just included 400 points this way you can choose to download what you like

[daphatty]

wow, if this keeps up I think this thread will end up getting moved to the VS. forum.

No it won't. You see, we here at the CAG forums have a handy Ignore feature. I use it quite often. :D

anyway now that the asskissing is done i would say they should have just included 400 points this way you can choose to download what you like

Now that is a great idea. (I meant the marketplace points not the ass kissing.) :lol:

[LinkinPrime]

daphatty, why is it that every thread you create on here is to complain about the X360.? If you're unhappy with your purchase, sell it or trade it.

On topic:

Did you ever think that maybe the camera was priced at $40 to begin with to cover costs and make revenue and they threw in the Uno code for free? :shock:

[mtxbass1]

No it won't. You see, we here at the CAG forums have a handy Ignore feature. I use it quite often. :D


Spoken like a true government employee. Ignore the facts. ;) jk

Daphatty, I understand you are "pissed" at paying for something twice, but honestly, it's $5. Uno costs exactly 400 points in the marketplace. It's not a big deal. A good webcam for the PC alone costs at least $35 (if not more). I don't see what the problem is here considering what you are getting in that package. How much more of a cheapass can you be?

[daphatty]

daphatty, why is it that every thread you create on here is to complain about the X360. If you're unhappy with your purchase. Sell it or trade it.

Let me look into that... I'll get back to ya. :)

But to address any myths, I do love my 360 and have become an xbox believer.

On topic:

Did you ever think that maybe the camera was priced at $40 to begin with to cover costs and make revenue and they threw in the Uno code for free? :shock:

The short answer, yes and no.

The long answer: I believe that a) $40 for a webcam that isn't even doing QSIF is too expensive, and b) giving away games for free, while totally commendable and appreciated, is a rare occurance in this day and age.

[KaneRobot]

I've already talked about this eslewhere. Daphatty isn't wrong - although I'm more annoyed having to pay for a headset I don't need than Uno.

[zewone]

Now that is a great idea. (I meant the marketplace points not the ass kissing.) :lol:
So this is all about $5 of marketplace points?

Of course the camera is an overpriced webcam, but it's console specific so you're always going to pay a premium. Just like the Eyetoy (which is a piece of shit, compared to the Vision cam).

How much was your Linux kit for PS2 and how much does Linux cost on a PC?

(had to pay $400+$50/yr to get THM for free.)
This is getting ridiculous. So with this logic, using the CAG website isn't free because you had to pay X amount of dollars for your CPU, mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Not to mention the fact that you also have to pay X amount of dollars per month to your ISP. This is one expensive website to visit. :roll:

[daphatty]

How much was your Linux kit for PS2 and how much does Linux cost on a PC?

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on this one.

[Brak]

daphatty, why is it that every thread you create on here is to complain about the X360.? If you're unhappy with your purchase, sell it or trade it.

On topic:

Did you ever think that maybe the camera was priced at $40 to begin with to cover costs and make revenue and they threw in the Uno code for free? :shock:
Word.

[terribledeli]

Am I the only one angered by the fact that you can't buy the Vision camera by itself?

Yes

What is the other acceptable answer to your problem? Microsoft offer the camera sans anything for $40? Not give away UNO and just give away Totemball? Remove the extra headset?

Then we'd just have a thread saying "XBL Vision Camera - Anyone else angered at the lack of extras?"

[LinkinPrime]

Yes

What is the other acceptable answer to your problem? Microsoft offer the camera sans anything for $40? Not give away UNO and just give away Totemball? Remove the extra headset?

Then we'd just have a thread saying "XBL Vision Camera - Anyone else angered at the lack of extras?"

:applause:

[D4rkN1ght]

yeah ill have to agree, they could have just made it the same price as a game 59.99, and sold JUST the camera, and people still would have bought it, so i think for 40 its a good deal

[GizmoGC]

So would you prefer MS to just sell the Camera buy itself for $40? Then another package with the Camera, Uno, 1 Month of XBL, and a Headset for $40? Which one would you buy?

[argyle]

Of course the camera is an overpriced webcam, but it's console specific so you're always going to pay a premium. Just like the Eyetoy (which is a piece of shit, compared to the Vision cam).


Do we have to drag Sony into every 360 conversation? What does this have to do with anything?

If you insist on comparing against Sony, can you at least wait until the Eyetoy 2 comes out & compare apples to apples? Comparing against last-gen hardware, I would hope the Vision cam is better.

[zewone]

Do we have to drag Sony into every 360 conversation? What does this have to do with anything?

If you insist on comparing against Sony, can you at least wait until the Eyetoy 2 comes out & compare apples to apples? Comparing against last-gen hardware, I would hope the Vision cam is better.
Im just giving an example. Nothing against Sony, Im just letting him know that every console specific accessory costs more than a 3rd party, unofficial product you can get anywhere and at least its better quality than the eyetoy.

[epobirs]

Do we have to drag Sony into every 360 conversation? What does this have to do with anything?

If you insist on comparing against Sony, can you at least wait until the Eyetoy 2 comes out & compare apples to apples? Comparing against last-gen hardware, I would hope the Vision cam is better.

It's a completely valid comparison. The EyeToy is the existing basis by which to judge video capture accessories for game consoles. Sony has had ample opportunities to offer feature comparable to what Microsoft is doing at launch of their product. Sony is still charging $30 SRP for the EyeToy with no software or other accessories. EyeToy Chat is a $30 item all by itself and cannot be shared. Getting video chat integrated with board and card games is a $60 investment on the PS2.

For just $10 more than the naked EyeToy, the Xbox Vision camera with software bundle and headset is quite well priced. The month of Gold is a nice test drive for those new to online multiplayer and should be addable to existing subscriptions. The code for Uno should be readily tradeable on this and other venues.

So the value compares quite well, arguably even superior to Sony's offering. Unless Sony has a big price cut for the PS2 EyeToy planned, it appears their PS3 EyeToy will be quite pricey. A running theme for that platform.

[screwkick]

Personally, I have little interest in the camera to begin with so I'll probably just wait until it drops or has a game packed in that I don't have yet.

Seconded.

[argyle]

It's a completely valid comparison. The EyeToy is the existing basis by which to judge video capture accessories for game consoles. Sony has had ample opportunities to offer feature comparable to what Microsoft is doing at launch of their product. Sony is still charging $30 SRP for the EyeToy with no software or other accessories. EyeToy Chat is a $30 item all by itself and cannot be shared. Getting video chat integrated with board and card games is a $60 investment on the PS2.

For just $10 more than the naked EyeToy, the Xbox Vision camera with software bundle and headset is quite well priced. The month of Gold is a nice test drive for those new to online multiplayer and should be addable to existing subscriptions. The code for Uno should be readily tradeable on this and other venues.

So the value compares quite well, arguably even superior to Sony's offering. Unless Sony has a big price cut for the PS2 EyeToy planned, it appears their PS3 EyeToy will be quite pricey. A running theme for that platform.


1) Most everyone has found the Eyetoy, bundled with a game no less, for far less than $30.

2) Most of the features that the Vision camera allow are a result of Live, and since Sony won't have their unified network up until the PS3 hits, the comparison is still invalid.

3) Bringing up Sony, and their prices, in every 360 thread just screams "fanboy" to me. The 360 should be, and IS, an excellent value independent of any comparisons to Sony.

Don't let my sig file fool you, I'm fast becoming a big 360 suporter. I'm not planning on picking up the Vision camera right away, mainly because I don't personally have a need for it yet (once some friends get a 360 & Live, then maybe, but I don't care for random strangers seeing me sit on the couch). But I do think it's a very fair value at $40 for what you get, and trying to compare it to last-gen hardware just cheapens your argument.

[epobirs]

1) Most everyone has found the Eyetoy, bundled with a game no less, for far less than $30.

2) Most of the features that the Vision camera allow are a result of Live, and since Sony won't have their unified network up until the PS3 hits, the comparison is still invalid.

3) Bringing up Sony, and their prices, in every 360 thread just screams "fanboy" to me. The 360 should be, and IS, an excellent value independent of any comparisons to Sony.

Don't let my sig file fool you, I'm fast becoming a big 360 suporter. I'm not planning on picking up the Vision camera right away, mainly because I don't personally have a need for it yet (once some friends get a 360 & Live, then maybe, but I don't care for random strangers seeing me sit on the couch). But I do think it's a very fair value at $40 for what you get, and trying to compare it to last-gen hardware just cheapens your argument.

1) Funny, weren't you just complaining about not comparing apples to apples? The OP complaint was based on the SRP of the Microsoft product, which will eventually be subject to clearance sales like the EyeToy. It has only been available for a few days, however, so no retailer is yet likely to discount it.

None the less, most shoppers will see the EyeToy at Sony's SRP. If you go to Best Buy's site right now the prices I mentioned are in effect.

Personally, I have six EyeToy cameras at the moment due to extreme clearances of software bundles while the standalone versions of the software remained at full price or weren't in evidence. That Sony has made mistakes in the ratio of bundles to standalone games which resulted in major clearance markdowns is neither here nor there. If you ask Sony the price of the EyeToy, they'll tell you it starts at $30 for the camera alone.

Remember, CAGs are not normal people. We see the prices others don't.

2) Utter nonsense. EyeToy Chat is a PS2 product released in Europe in 2004 and scheduled for a US release next month. (There are a lot of regional EyeToy products that should be everywhere but only Sony can answer to that issue.) From third parties there is already World Championship Poker 2 with EyeToy support in online play. World Series of Poker: Tournament of Champions, due out next month, will do the same on both the PS2 and Xbox 360. Any PC webcam user can tell you there is no need for an integrated network to do this stuff. The list of devices sold to do this without any dedicated backend server support in the last decade is very long.

Integration to Xbox Live is primarily a marketing issue. Microsoft believes the strongest selling point of the product is video enhancement of games where voice and sometimes text was the previous options. Games directly driven by the camera are seen as secondary. They are leveraging the strength of Xbox Live but is not a technological requirement for the product.

The EyeToy did a strong early business but lost momentum do to the failure of gesture controlled games and activities to achieve a sustained novelty with the mainstream audience. Microsoft is looking for a stronger primary reason for Xbox 360 owners to buy the camera. The gesture controlled games and such will be a lesser attraction. If they do good business there will be more but the hope is to achieve a very high installed base among the Xbox Live subscribers just for the increaed interaction with other people as opposed to the machine.

3) OP was making a complaint about price of the product. The most comparable product happens to be the one from Sony. I truly couldn't give a flying fuck how many other threads invoke Sony prices. It is entirely germane to the subjet of this thread, just as prices for PC/Mac products can also be used to inform the conversation. If the Vision package was $100 it would be entirely appropriate to question how Microsoft justifies this in comparison to the Sony product that is the most comparable item currently in the market.

To date, Microsoft has built a very healthy profit margin into Xbox 360 accessories, both for itself and retailers. It compensates Microsoft for losing money on the console itself and the retailers for not making and meaningful profit on the console. The same is true of many first party and licensed accessories from Sony and Nintendo.

The issue is whether this is an unfair burden on the consumer. Based on the hardware ad what margins Microsoft has placed on other Xbox 360 gear, the SRP would scarely be lower if thre was nothing in the box except the camera and a slip of paper showing how to plug it in, leaving everything else up to interactive material on Xbox Live. The software involved is first party and not costing MS anything, whereas a third party would have to be compensated. The included headset has a cost measurable in pocket change. Removing it from the package would at best justify a price reduction of $5. Including it cost few sales, insures that those new to Xbox Live Gold have a headset, and provides a spare for those already equipped.

Hardly a burden compared to what the camera delivers and its increasing value as supporting software increases.

[fraggedbylaggers]

If you get the $80 pack you could likely sell the 1 year code for $50 (ebay) the head set for $5 (ebay) and you could sell or trade the uno code to someone hear. I think I may do that because then I will be getting JUST the camera for less than $40 (more like $25).