Rumour: Slim PS3 to hit stores as early as 2009 for £200/$300

[Impulsivity]

They need both a price drop and a way to bring attention back to the PS3 after the holiday. The price drop mixed with the new model accomplishes both. Just dropping the price wouldn't have nearly the effect nor would a 400 dollar PS3 slim (slim alone isn't the same as a price drop).

The main point of the slim is reducing costs once going slim is possible, not just making the system sexier.