Lower prices always help. But the 360 has too many regions where it is underperforming to turn the tide. That said, it's better than nothing.

In short, NO....I do not think Sony will ever be below 360 in weekly sales for the rest of this generation cycle.

This.

The 360 is up YOY in Europe and the price cut is one of the reasons.

It will undoubtedly help but the 360 will most likely remain behind its competitors in Europe. Keep in mind that Sony hasn't done a price cut in almost a year and yet it's doing great in Europe. Would be nice if they followed Microsoft's example and slashed prices by at least $50 across all regions.

I wouldn't base MS's improived YOY sales on the price cut. the 3rd year of a console is almost natoriuosly known for being the best in sales, so I would attribute most if not all of MS's YOY improvement to the 3rd year factor. Secondly this is still very much a rumor and I would hazard to guess it is 50/50 at best that it will happen at all. Afterall, they already cut the price in Euro once this year and the recent cuts in the rest of the regions just match that one. personally I think MS would be better served focusing more on profitabily like Sony this year (even if they are making profit they would be making more by not price slashing) These price cuts better have some long term effect, otherwise I think they damaged themselves more than helped. Let's face it the name of the game is to make as much money as you can, not win some silly war that only fanboys care about.

Well, in the past the 3rd year saw the best sales because that used to be when prices reached mass market levels and the library of available games were large in variety as wells as having a growing number of budget options. Since the prices this gen started so high, maybe another price cut wouldn't hurt MS.

I'm not saying hurt in the traditional sence. I far from believe this would kill MS or it's "Entertainment" Division, but if you can make more money why wouldn't you. At the very least this cut Europe is pushing them to break even if not outright losses. Why do that? It's not like they are going to catch the Wii. What do they get out of holding off Sony if they loose money, or not make as much as they could? this cut just seems like a sensless act of desperation with no reward. At this point Sony and MS should focus on making as much as they can. Marketshare does not carry over to the next gen as I have said in the past. they all startall over at 0. This cut just seems to be driven more by ego than smarts. honestly MS should just worry about MS, and Sony should worry about Sony. this Console war nonsense just seems to be making Smart people do really stupid things. i just don't get it i guess.

Well, I could see what motivates MS to do this. One could be to make prices about equal across all regions. Another is that the cost of production is low enough that these price cuts are justifiable. A third could be an attempt to capture the market interested in the HD systems but couldn't afford it. Or hell, maybe Bill just wants to have some fun squeezing Sony's balls or making them bleed cash (which they have considerably less of) to keep up.

seems the cut is now confirmed, but i am not sure how much it will do for the sales. a short time spike definitely, but i doubt it will hold longer than the last cut. and for the arcade it will most likely be the last price cut in Europe its already nearly at PS2 price and cannot have much profit left (if its not already sold at a loss).

After 2 price cuts this year in europe ms will be at the limits for next year, and i don't see them doing any noticeable pricecuts in the next year (and probably never another price cut for the arcade, i guess they will rather phase out the arcade and replace it with a harddisk model at the same price)

Lol, 360 is cheaper in UK than US now, that must be a first for a console.

UK:

Arcade: £130 = £110 + VAT = $200 + Tax
Premium: £170 = £145 + VAT = $260 + Tax
Elite: £230 = £195 + VAT = $350 + Tax

US:

Arcade: $200 + Tax
Premium: $300 + Tax
Elite: $400 + Tax