Since launch, Microsoft and Sony have each cut the price of their console SKUs exactly $100 total in the US. Sony had to do it only a few months after launch whereas Microsoft was able to wait nearly three full years. Here is a list of the consoles original prices and their current prices:
Sony
60/80GB model - $599 USD -> $499 USD
20/40GB model - $499 USD -> $399 USD
Microsoft
Premium 20/60GB model - $399 USD -> $299 USD
Arcade/Core model - $299 USD -> $199 USD
(Elite not introduced at launch)
I believe this shows two things:
(1) The public realized the PS3 didn't have the value of a $499/$599 console at launch which is why Sony had to drop the price so aggressively compared to Microsoft
(2) Microsoft has gained very significant mindshare and marketshare over Sony -- ultimately, Microsoft employed more successful strategy than Sony.
What do you guys think? Sony seems to be price dropping much more aggressively than Microsoft in the US. By the time the PS3 is 3 years old, will it have dropped $200?
