It's in Sony's best interests to have the consuming public believe they are still losing on each console sold, when taking the whole world into account. IN individual markets they will be making a profit. When you convert the retail price in each market yo Yen there is a substantial price differential which I think can't be entirely accounted for by distribution cost differentials, tariffs and taxes. Basically those of us around the world who are paying a price that is profitable to Sony are subsidising the consumers in the markets where the losses are being made.
The definite current loss making markets are: USA (cheapest PS3 market in the world) and Japan (second cheapest market).
Possible current loss making market is: the UK
Likely current profit making markets are: everywhere else.
So you Yanks, Japanese and Poms, you better start showing the rest of us some gratitude for helping to fund your gaming habits!
As soon as consumers around the world start to think that Sony are making a profit per console on average, the next round of PS3 price drop rumours will start. Once they start making a profit per console they won't want to drop the price unless they can keep making a profit. That means they don't want to confirm per console profits too soon.
I think it's likely they are already covering their material costs. What they are probably still losing on is the marketing and distribution.
All pure speculation of course.
“The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.” - Bertrand Russell
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."
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