PlayStation Vita 3G teardown puts material costs at $159

Now these breakdowns are interesting, but they never mention the costs to assembe the parts, nearly always only mention the retail price, rather than also including wholesale price to retail, which is more relevent with regards to what Sony are getting, and understandably never account for storage of stock and components or transport costs (these are so changable that I guess they can't really appear).
Don't get me wrong, I still like reading the numbers, but often feel they are reported in a slightly misleading fashon, that would indicate that Sony where making £120/$150 per vita sold.

Posted:A year ago

I think we're pretty clear on these numbers being for material and not manufacturing. Also, when we find a solid source on trade price we'll happily report it (although that would fluctuate depending on the retailer as well).

Posted:A year ago

These tear downs also vary wildly.

For example, iSupply claims the Wi-Fi in the 3DS costs $5.00 but UBM TechInsights claims the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS in Vita is only $3.50. Vita's 2,200 mAh battery is $3.60 while the 3DS's 1,300 mAh is $3.50.

Posted:A year ago

And don't forget the cost of all the Research and Development which has to be recouped from sales. Plus continued servicing and updates for the product, world wide in many countries and languages. Advertising will take a huge chunk of cash as well. Add on to that the aforementioned cost of Manufacture, storage and delivery.
$300 shelf price is what I would expect.

Posted:A year ago

A retailer will be able to get it for 198€ (Wifi) to 225€ (3G). You still have to add VAT tax. I am sure the giant retail chains get a better deal, but I doubt anybody on the foodchain is really going to earn a lot of money selling these devices.

Sony probably earns the most money with favorable currency conversion.

Posted:A year ago

what about CPU GPU and VRAM???

Posted:A year ago

When they start making do it yourself game console kits like those Heathkit AM radios, I'll be more interested in these teardown articles. Still, they're good fodder for those who want to misunderstand them and say stuff like "Aha! the Vita should cost $160!" when they get drunk at a Sony press event...

Posted:A year ago