Next-gen console games prices will go up to $70

Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter predicts video games for Sony's PS4 and Microsoft's next-gen console may cost as much as $70, about $10 more than the current launch price of A-title console games. During his talk, Pachter said that games for both consoles would cost $70, which is $10 more than the current high price most PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 retail games. 

The $60 price tag was $10 higher than games for the PlayStation 2 and the original Xbox. Pachter's predictions would seem to be going against statements made by a Sony executive just after the announcement of the PlayStation 4 in February. At that time, Sony Computer Entertainment America CEO Jack Tretton claimed on CNBC that PS4 games would have a maximum price of $60. There's no information on why Pachter believes that PS4 games would be $10 higher than Tretton's limit.

Last month, SCEA CEO Jack Tretton in a TV interview said that PlayStation 4 titles will max out at $60, putting to rest any speculation that games for Sony's future platform may cost $10 more than PlayStation 3 titles.

Microsoft has yet to announce its rumored next-generation platform.

Separately, Electronic Arts chief financial officer Blake Jorgensen said last month that the FIFA and Battlefield publisher has not yet decided on pricing for its next-gen games.

Also during his talk, Pachter commented on the Wii U performance thus far and how he expects it to fare in the long run. He called performance thus far "underwhelming," noting the system is "essentially a DS split into two parts." Pachter said the Wii U is not innovative enough to drive wide interest, though new titles could reinvigorate growth in the platform.

Overall, Pachter said he believes the Wii U will sell 30-50 million units in its lifetime, with the PS4 and Xbox 720 going neck and neck, selling 85-95 million systems over their life spans. By comparison, the original Wii has sold 99 million units to date, while the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 have moved around 75 million units each.

Echoing comments from Twisted Metal and God of War designer David Jaffe, Pachter said he believes the next generation of consoles is "probably" the last.