anexanhume
Veteran
Yes, I would argue the half-step buying trends are all the data you need to support the viability of a Lockhart design. The high-end console then helps you catch the whales and the platform evangelists who amplify your halo effect.Modern 6.5 digit models from reputable brands are all in that price range. My scope is a old crap that's a LOT less expensive. EE students think the scope is where you have to put all your money, that's no longer the case with cheap chinese brands, there are really great (hackable) scopes for $400.
Yet my phone is always the "free" model with the cheapest contract.
I mean to say the important launch price target is how much the majority of people are willing to pay for a gaming console, not the forum posters who obviously are much more passionate than average. There might be 10 million of gamers willing to pay $600 USD, but not 100M+. We have data with mid-gen refresh: the vast majority didn't think 2.3x or 4.5x more power was worth $100 more, and that was 2 and 3 years ago. Inflation didn't make it a more acceptable expense, neither did the teraflops. Launch year might get away with 499 for early adopters, but it will need a price drop the next year or two, and another one with a slim. Engineering for cost is about the entire generation, and predicting the memory market, and 5/3/2nm is going to be difficult and risky.
And psh to your DMMs and scopes. I live in the frequency realm