So would they be making profit off the PS3 right now, if it wasn't for the recession?

recession or not, it costs $450 to make a PS3 in a factory.

so the $499 model makes profit then? the $450 is still debatable. only sony knows the true numbers. but the recession certainly doesnt help the situation, given the fact the stronger yen hurts alot. i guess the only way to know for sure is wait till this gen is over and read a book that someone from sony writes lol

I seriously doubt it, because PS3 wasn't making any money before the recession.

they wouldnt be making money off the hardware but would be making more off the software

Sweet hypothetical thread, bro

Probably not though. The business model behind the PS3 is inherently flawed.

Unlikely, though over the next year, they probably will start making money on the hardware.

Sony's initial expectation was to break even around this time if the Dollar/Euro hadn't collapsed. This means the answer is "probably not", they'd be breaking even instead.

I think it would matter more if the currency exchange rates didnt get as skewed as it did. I think if those exchange rates stayed closer to what they were last year they might be breaking even by now. But I guess one could argue those rates changed because of the economy.

Yes.

but not much.

they made 4 million more like of software psp/ps2 sales

but gaming division and sony as a whole would.