Purchasing

The prices for both sets, the fischertechnik Robotics TXT Discovery Set
(€400, reference 524328) and the Lego Mindstorms EV3 (€350, reference 3131), are actually entry prices. The boxes are very clear about what is needed but not included.

Some additional purchases are optional, other are compulsory. Because of those options, comparison isn't easy.
The Lego Mindstorms EV3 was introduced in January 2013 at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) and launched in September 2013.
The fischertechnik Robotics TXT controller and the Robotics TXT Discovery Set were introduced in February 2015 at the Spielwarenmesse, the Nuremberg toy fair, and launched in September 2015.

Batteries
The Lego Mindstorms EV3 brick provides an enclosure for internal batteries, 6 AA for the main controller. The remote requires 2 AAA batteries.

​Options include a rechargeable Li-Ion battery (€100, reference 45501) and an AC adapter (€30, reference 45517).
​
The fischertechnik Robotics TXT Discovery Set doesn't feature an enclosure for batteries. It requires an external power source, and the purchase of either the NiMH Accu Set with its charger (€53, reference 34696) or the Power Set (€20, reference 505287).

​However, a bundle including the Robotics TXT Discovery Set and the Accu Set is available with a €390 price tag at the official reseller.
​
Left, room for 6 AA batteries
​Right, the NiMH Accu Set provided in the bundle

Line of Products and Accessories
The Mindstorms set is the unique offer on the Lego robotics line.
Contrary to Lego, the fischertechnik Robotics TXT Discovery Set is part of the extensive Robotics line along with Electro-Pneumatic (reference 516186), Automation Robots (reference 511933) and Explorer Robots (reference 508778).
​
​Other items include optional motors and sensors.
Optional motors and sensors are available as spare parts. The remote controller is a separate product, Control Set (€70, reference 500811).
​
The EV3 controller is available separately (€200, reference 45500).
​
The Robotics TXT controller is available separately (€300, reference 522429).
Lego doesn't offers any camera for the Mindstorms EV3.
​
The fischertechnik Robotics TXT Discovery Set includes a camera.

Distribution
Lego has an official on-line shop. ​

The set is also available on the major online resellers.
Links on the fischertechnik website redirect to the external D-Edition distributor. ​

The set is also available on most of the major online resellers.

Conclusion

When adding the options to obtain comparable products and excluding the camera, final prices are almost identical. 

The Lego Mindstorms EV3 totals €480 and the fischertechnik Robotics TXT Discovery Set reaches €460, both with rechargeable battery, AC adapter and remote controller.

However, comparing offers is the best way to save, as prices vary greatly on time, stores and countries. 

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