Please support Game Informer. Print magazine subscriptions are less than $2 per issue
[UPDATE] Best Buy Charges Firmware Fee, Console Owners Unaware Of 3D Requirements
[UPDATE] Best Buy has released a statement regarding the $30 firmware update fee. The gist? "We're not sorry about it and will continue doing it."
A Best Buy spokesperson released the following statement to Industry Gamers:
"Best Buy’s Geek Squad offers services to support virtually all the gear we sell – and gaming consoles are no exception. This service has been available to our customers for nearly two years. While many gamers can handle firmware upgrades easily on their own, those customers who do want help can get it from Geek Squad, and we continue to evaluate this offering to ensure it meets their needs. The service goes beyond a firmware updates, and includes user account setup, parental control setup and other components."
[Original Story October 6 2010 01:02 PM] PS3 owners know that firing up the console usually means there's some sort of firmware update waiting that can be installed with little fuss, but the Geek Squad at Best Buy think consumers need a hand.
Reports have surfaced that Best Buy is charging consumers $30 for Sony's free firmware updates, installing the firmware as a service. We wouldn't be surprised if a few savvy sales reps have sold new buyers on the service, something these consumers can do for free on their own. While we may be aware of this, shoppers buying the console for someone else with little technical expertise could very well fall into the trap.
Consumer ignorance goes a step further as a survey by research firm Interpret shows that 63 percent of console owners think a mere firmware update is required to enable 3D gaming, neglecting the fact that you'll also need a 3D TV, special glasses, and compatible software.
For consumers aware of 3D requirements, only 13 percent surveyed are interested in purchasing a 3D television, while 10 percent report they have no interest in a new TV, according to Gamasutra.
[Via DualShockers]
I’d like to ask you to support Game Informer’s continued coverage of games with a subscription. For less than two dollars per issue, we mail you a full year of 10 print magazines, each with cover stories and preview features filled with exclusive details about the most exciting upcoming games. We profile and interview game creators. We look back on the rich history of gaming, and we celebrate what’s next.
Here on the website, we offer much of our content for free, including game reviews, daily news, videos, event coverage, and more – all with minimal ads.
We do so with a small editorial team, alongside contributing paid writers from around the world – over 65 individuals from 9 countries around the world, just in the last couple of years.
It’s not possible without support.
In a time when game makers and games coverage have faced hard struggles and layoffs, the future of this 30+ year magazine and community is at risk. Our new standalone magazine subscription is the number one way you can keep us alive – and we believe you’ll get a pretty fantastic gaming magazine in your mailbox every few weeks for your trouble.
Thank you.
