They sell more and actually have some marketshare compared to the previous years. Just because they don't sell Samsung numbers doesn't mean things don't improve.

Selling 6 million at a profit over the  nov to jan holiday period is better than selling 8 million+ at a loss.
Sony will make lots of easy profit on software sales on an install base above 70 million.
Late in the generation and a new system is on the horizon.
New systems cost money in R & D and are usually initially sold by Sony at cost or at a loss.

so what is your opinion based on?

As long as Nintendo doesn't run into manufacturing problems, Wii U sales are going to crush PS3 sales from 11/18/12 - 12/31/12.  You can quote me on that...

As much as I would love to see Sony have a larger share of the market, I think this is the right move. I don't see a single platform ever dominating like PS1 and PS2. With the rumors of PS4 chips being more main stream, I think Sony is coming to terms with the fact that they just have to be a player in a much bigger market. They just need a console out there that is easy to support, and profitable. Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come.

Sony has cut the price of the PS3 to $350 since launch to the last price cut. The only console that needs to drop price is the 360.

Or perhaps they are waiting for a price cut on the Wii U's launch date? They could use the momentum from the Slim in September and then try to get an extra boost in November.

sony numbers

First to reach 5M next gen wins! Go Wii U!

Before the reveal, everyone was saying how Sony is going to release a new slim and a pricecut and will dominate blah blah blah.

Now, I am getting a complete different tone.