Stern have never really been "that big" to be worried about. The bubble is about to burst. I speak to operators and respected dealers almost daily and the price hikes and the 3 model system is not going to be a good business model in Australia moving forward.
I think Ghostbusters looks AWESOME, but there would be no way I'd buy a machine at that price, that is effectively an incomplete machine. But I love the artwork, and it is designed by the the best designer at Stern.
As a hobbyist, I didn't mind the 2012 Pro pricing of $5950....a stripped down Game of Thrones at $8150 no longer seems good value anymore. That's tough to swallow.
I'm looking forward to Ghostbusters, but am anticipating disappointment that something cool will be ripped out of the Pro version.
It is very disappointing that Stern always talk about the operator, but I don't see the humble op being helped out any with this type of pricing.
What will happen when the bubble bursts?
As a collector, I would buy TWD Pro, Ironman VE and I'd look at a Tron at the price point of $6000. I know a lot of collectors that would do the same. Several KISS fans would have bought the Pro at that price.
Ghostbusters Pro with the current artwork - I'd definitely buy - code issues included.
