Dolla Dolla said:
They've already pretty much announced their end of year plans. They are phasing out the 40GB PS3's and are replacing it with 80GB PS3's in September. The price will remain $399 until at least next year sometime. So, we may see 40GB PS3's for $349 when the 80GB launches. Sony may continue to just offer more "value" rather than cutting prices. This appears to be the approach for both Microsoft and Sony. Fire sale on old models, replace with newer "better" models. Assuming Sony can reach 20 million by January of 09, they will be averaging less than 10 million a year. They have to do something VERY drastic to reach 15-16 million a year average. And if they are shooting for profitability, price cuts won't be the answer. |
I agree, but I wanted to point out that while I think too that an immediate price cut to 299 would make them bleed money, postponing it for 9-10 months would be affordable for their finances and would let PS3 a long period to enjoy the effects of being below an important psychological price threshold. Postponing it for 18 months wouldn't steal too much from this grace period, but would make in exchange PS3 profitable before. So perhaps Sony is already evaluating between dropping price sooner, sell more units and have more power, but earn less, and doing it later, selling less unit, but earning more money and a little less power in gaming market.