I'm not going to speculate as too the increase in PS3 sales. Certainly it is clear to all that such an early release of a PS3 Slim would be a sign of desperation, only possible due to the original removal of "core" PS3 features.
Furthermore, it is clear that this would signal (along with GT5's release) the end of almost anything significant Sony are capable of doing to push their console. If the results are anything less than extraordinary to the point of the relentless crushing of the Xbox 360 for months and months on end, it is the end of the PS3's chances of ending anything other than third.
One final point: In the last quarter Sony released what was arguably the most expensive shooter ever made. It was a first party title, maximizing revenue. They still lost over $200 million that quarter. Perhaps bear that in mind when discussing the $299 PS3 notion.
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