Topic: The relative prices of video game consoles adjusted for inflation

[JonLeung]

These are in US dollars, and this was made before the Wii's price was announced.  At $249.99, though, it would make it really inexpensive, with only the Dreamcast and GameCube for less.

[RT 55J]

I remember seeing that quite a while ago. I find it interesting that only three consoles have been more expensive than the Channel F after 1982. Since then it appears that that the console prices have averaged slightly above the $300 line.

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[Revned]

I've never really been satisfied with prices adjusted for inflation. It seems to me that it only works if you make the scale with items that are in the same price range as the ones you're going to convert later. For example, if:

Loaf of bread now = Loaf of bread in the 1920s * Inflation constant 1

High-end car now = High-end car in the 1920s * Inflation constant 2



I don't feel like the constants are necessarily the same.

[JonLeung]

You're right, I've heard that it isn't constant, Revned, and I've heard it said that electronics in particular are trickier.

[RT 55J]

Here's the original article JonLueng pulled the graph from. It has a graph with pricesnot adjusted to inflation, for those who are curious (like me).



http://curmudgeongamer.com/2006/05/history-of-console-prices-or-500-aint.html

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[JonLeung]

Actually, I saw it from somewhere else.  It's nice to see the original source, and with absolute prices, too.  Seems $200 is a popular price point.