Op-ed: Slowed manufacturing advancements are upending the way tech progresses.

"These price increases have multiple intertwining causes, some direct and some less so: inflation, pandemic-era supply crunches, the unpredictable trade policies of the Trump administration, and a gradual shift among console makers away from selling hardware at a loss or breaking even in the hopes that game sales will subsidize the hardware. And you never want to rule out good old shareholder-prioritizing corporate greed.

But one major factor, both in the price increases and in the reduction in drastic “slim”-style redesigns, is technical: the death of Moore’s Law and a noticeable slowdown in the rate at which processors and graphics chips can improve."

    • MrVilliam@lemm.eeEnglish
      81·
      2 days ago

      Because people continue to accept that price by agreeing to pay it. The price of a product is dictated by what people are willing to pay for it. If the price is so low that the seller isn’t happy with it, they don’t sell it and stop making it.

      In other words, if you think Nintendo prices are bullshit price gouging, then vote with your wallet. With enough votes, the prices come down or the company goes under. You don’t have that luxury of choice when it comes to groceries or shelter, but you absolutely do when it comes to luxury entertainment expenses. Make them earn your money.

      • TwinTitans@lemmy.worldEnglish
        31·
        2 days ago

        I wish people would apply this to many other industries as well. A company will rip people off the first chance that they get.

          • MrVilliam@lemm.eeEnglish
            4·
            2 days ago

            Not OP, but probably price gouging? Especially regarding things where you aren’t afforded the reasonable opportunity to make an informed decision (healthcare, baby formula plus necessary clean water). Also maybe regional monopolies (internet service) or pretty much anything involving an event or venue (ticket pricing or cost of a slice of pizza or a can of beer at a festival).

            In all of these examples, you likely don’t have a heads-up or the chance to choose something else. Admittedly, most of the examples off the top of my head were unnecessary luxury spending, but how in the blue fuck is it okay that any of them are literally a situation of “pay me whatever price I decide or else a person will die”?

            Pretty fucked up if you ask me.

            • FreedomAdvocate@lemmy.net.auEnglish
              2·
              1 day ago

              I agree with your examples, and my issue is when people call pricing a game console at $450, or a game at $80 “price gouging”.

              It’s not, in any way.

              • sunzu2@thebrainbin.org
                1·
                4 hours ago

                Up there I was talking about silicon specifically. But on this topic…

                Sure, this is 100% discretionary spend and I am deff not buying but I am also a Linux user and will use emulators for my kids because fuck Nintendo and thei r parasitic business practices

                But you have to see how a less sophisticated consumer is being price gouged? We are talking about games for kids at adult man with a job prices.

                Or is u “efficient markets” typa a guy?

                I agree with your fundamental premise but behaviour is scammy IMHO

                • FreedomAdvocate@lemmy.net.auEnglish
                  11·
                  3 hours ago

                  No one is being price gouged by Nintendo. It’s a luxury technology device. Gaming is more for adults than kids these days, and had been for a long time. The average age of gamers has been increasing for decades and is around 30 years old.