misterd said:
My point is that MS does make mistakes - big ones, even. It's just, like the Yankees, they have enough money to keep those mistakes from crippling them. I also think they mishandled the 360 in 2007 - the PS3 has too many headline titles coming in 2008. MS should have been even more agressive last year, to keep Sony from capitalizing on these games. Now they've let the PS3 off the mat, and are trying to fend off the perception that 360 is going to lose. For the record, I'm a Wii owner and XBox owner, and am dying for a 360 cut so I can finally play Dead Rising, Mass Effect, and Bioshock. And I will never own a PS3. However, I must disagree with your assessment of the 360 lineup. As Sony has learned, new IPs that appear promising in January can prove embarassing come December. GT, FF, MGS all have proven track records. Alan Wake does not (and only the geekiest of us would know the connection to Max Payne). I also want to say that one big price cut would be better, PR-wise, than 2 small ones. A couple of quick adjustments injects uncertainty in the market - if MS cuts prices every 6 months, a consumer is likely to be willing to wait a few more for the next bargain. It also implies uncertainty on the part of MS, if not outright failure (cutting price again? First one must not have worked!). And of course psycghologically, $50 cut doesn't look as good as $100 (which is why the $30-$50-$20 cut was referred to as a "$100 cut over 3 systems" in the press releases). A $100 cut by MS would be a bold move that, I think, would convey confidence to the gaming audience, and likely allay fears that an even cheaper price would be coming soon. |
Oh, MS is far from perfect, but ... one price cut this year, and another next will extend the momentum. All you have to do is look at the numbers. MS is still hanging with the PS3 in several markets (except Japan) and Sony is really using a tiny ice pick to chip away at MS's lead. And it's working, but it's driving Sony so far into the red, you'd think they're Russian. MS is smart not to do a full-court press against a formidable opponent. Even the best basketball team can't do a full-court press for 48 minutes straight.
The point I am trying to make is - a $100 price cut would work well for gamers, but not for MS. It would be a short-term gain for MS. When Sony's heavy hitters come out, MS needs something to counter the Sony steamroller. A deeper price cut, with an impressive library in the background, would foil Sony's efforts big time.
It's all about momentum - and right now, it's a tug-o-war. Who would have dreamed MS would be solidly in second place this time anyhow? It's a marathon - and having two smaller price cuts will keep the MS ball rolling.
I do enjoy reading all of this logic on this board. It's civilized and no fanboy rants. Impressive ...
