Last year the PS3's sales skyrocketed (relatively speaking) after substantial price cuts.  The last month or so has seen the perception build that the PS3 is losing some momentum relative to it's competitors.

The Xbox 360 is almost certainly set to get an enormous price cut on the Arcade model and substantial cuts on the new 60GB Pro and the Elite models.  This is set for early September and will add to the increase in momentum the Xbox 360 is already seeing from it's 20GB "clearance sale."

The PS3 doesn't have a single heavy-hitting 'PS2 upgrading' exclusive left this year after MGS4, whereas the Xbox 360 has Fable 2.  Finally, the PS3's biggest game of the holiday season Resistance 2, will be easily overshadowed (at least sales wise) by Gears of War 2.

When added to the undeniable success of the Wii, all these factors combine to suggest that the PS3 will struggle relative to it's competitors in the North American region this Christmas season.  With many suggesting that the PS3 has lost any chance of maintaining enough competitive market share in Japan to secure third party Japanese exclusives, can Sony really afford to lose market share on the continent primarily responsible for the production of Western titles and consumption?

Now Sony of course will not ever admit to a price drop until one is imminent.  That said, does anyone reasonably believe they will cut the price of the PS3 this year in North America?  If so why, by how much and when?  Please provide comprehensive reasoning and sources where possible.

Well isn't the new 80gb to be for $399 if I recall, I just don't' know when that is suppose to be released though.

No, the whole new 80GB thing will be their plan for the holiday season. Suprised they didn't bundle a game though...

I don't think the PS3 will get a price cut this year, they're starving for profitability right now.

Price cuts are always a good thing for the consumers. Consumers do not care whether it means a loss of money to a greedy corporation.

A $50 price cut in America would be a great thing but PS3 prices would remain the same in Europe they have to subsidise the american price cuts. The american economy is going terribly at the moment with the sub prime mortgages, recession looming and the ongoing war in Iraq.

Yeah I was thinking they'd bundle a title or two. But I guess that could still happen. Maybe boost sales of a couple of older titles, or expand the userbase on a few underperforming first party IP's.

Well... If I am getting a console, it would definitely not be for GoW or Fable 2(which I'm absolutely looking forward to play!) as they are both bound for PC anyway. As far as heavy hitters are involved, I'd say Resistance 2 and LBP are bigger.

but it all depends on taste I suppose... Which game will appeal to the biggest and most crowd... PS3 fit! or PS3 sport lol!

hahahahaha

I didn't make a quality comparison at all.  I said that Fable 2 is the only large upgrading title from last generation hitting either HD console.  Take a glance at userbase and past iteration sales for R2 and GeoW2 too see which will be the bigger title.

Please stay on topic.

???

You realize I said 'PS2 upgrading?'  I know the PS3 has some big games this holiday season, they just arn't carry over franchises from last generation........