Fumanchu on 11 June 2012
...in a vacuum. These points have to be relevant against the competition.
Microsoft was willing to lose ~$150 per 360 at launch. This time they'll be buoyed by 20 million live subscribers. They could very well do the same and only have their marketing costs to cover.
I don't know if the analysts are over dramatising and exaggerating Sony's financial woes in recent times, but it does read like they're in a precarious position heading into next gen. Their capacity to continue with their loss leading 'razor-blade' pricing strategy is a concern, let alone indulge in a huge marketing campaign.
