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40GB PS3 for $399 on the horizon? Everybody say "wheee!"
The PlayStation 3 price rollercoaster reaches another peak today as Game Informer puts the rumour out there that a new 40GB SKU is on the cards. The price? $399. We've also heard ourselves that this has been in the planning stages for a number of months. When asked for confirmation, Dave Karraker stonewalled us with the following statement: "We won't be making any further announcements regarding our PS3 model hardware strategy in North America until the 60GB model is exhausted and market conditions are evaluated."It's clear, then, that we won't be seeing any new price drops or SKUs hit the market until the 60GB PS3s are sold out. Once that happens, as Pachter said, we'll see the 80GB system drop down to the price of $499. If not, we'll see a new 40GB SKU come in at a price of $399. There's no reason why both of these things couldn't happen, but we're not convinced that's the case. Since the rollercoaster started, we've been saying that the problem Sony is facing is that people can't afford the PS3, not that they won't buy it. A $399 ticket to the PS3 party would be excellent, especially if it were to start before the Christmas buzz hits. However, all this price craziness is making things confusing for potential buyers who keep up to date with PS3 news. Once the mainstream have bought out all of the 60GB models (All 2 to 3 million of them; It could take a while) we'll see something happen.
PS3 price cut will stick, says industry analyst
Adding a negligible amount of fuel to a fire which should probably just burn out already, industry analyst Michael Pachter predicts that the 80GB PS3 will drop in price to $499 once the remaining stocks of the 60GB version have sold through. Of course, Sony has flip-flopped so much on this issue that it's hard to take this sort of "news" with anything other than a massive grain of salt. Regardless, according to Mr. Pachter, "the Sony entry level price of USD 499 is here to stay." So frugal PS3 fans, take heart... or don't take heart. Honestly, it's just really tough to say right now.
Competitors pricing not caving to iPhone emergence
Considering that Verizon went way out of its way to get noticed on iDay, it follows logic to think that it, along with a handful of other rivals, would at least consider slashing prices temporarily in order to redirect attention from the oft-hyped iPhone. Interestingly, none of that actually proved true, as Verizon went so far as to raise the prices of a number of handsets, while neither T-Mobile nor Sprint introduced any huge discounts in order to garner attention. Reportedly, AT&T was the carrier that implemented the most price cuts, as the Pearl, KRZR, and N75 all saw lower prices surrounding the iPhone launch. Of course, it could be that competing carriers simply succumbed to the fact that those eying an iPhone weren't likely to be tempted by anything else, and for all intensive purposes, they'd be absolutely correct.
Sony not cutting price in Europe ... ouch!
We just felt Europe's pain. Sony has announced that they will not be cutting the price of the European PlayStation 3 and they will not be offering the 80GB PS3 at this time either. To compensate, Sony will offer a "starter pack" at the respective countries current price. For example, in England, the £425 PS3 will allegedly have an extra £115 of content included as well. No word yet on what that will be.So, um, yeah. There's speculation of a second price cut in the States before the end of the year and Europe just can't get any love. Hey, at least for this they've got universal healthcare, good cheese, cheap wine ... we're just trying to find the silver lining in this. Sorry.[Thanks GiantHaystax]
Europe to get "PS3 Starter Pack"; SCEE announcement still to come
MaxConsole.net is reporting that they have received news of a new bundle for the European region. The "PlayStation Starter Pack" will allegedly contain a 60GB PS3, Resistance: Fall of Man, Motorstorm and two controllers for the "no-changes-there" price of €600. Those hoping for a price drop may be disappointed. Technically. Though if you think about it, you're essentially getting the 60GB and controller for €430, after deducting the price of the games and extra controllers.Sounds like an ok deal to us, though it doesn't help the people who just can't afford that sort of money. It might push a few fencesitters over the edge, though. We'll keep you updated with SCEE's planned announcements as and when they happen. Price information aside, we're hoping for some juicy PSN news. We've heard rumblings.
Microsoft plans on slashing 360 to "mass market price point"
Hot on the heels of Sony's well received PS3 price drop and various rumors to this effect, Microsoft's Shane Kim has admitted in an interview that Microsoft needs to cut the 360's price to lure casual gamer types that are currently falling for the Wii. "We need to compete effectively for that customer and part of that is getting to the mass market price point for the console," said Kim. "We definitely are working on that area." He also mentioned that no such announcement will be made at E3, and there's always that hairy little problem of "profitability" that Microsoft's games unit has contended with for ages. Luckily, that new Falcon chipset should ease the pain a little bit. Kim also mentioned in the interview that Microsoft "feels very good with where we are at right now," and doesn't feel the heat from Sony's price cut, but we'll see how long that optimism lasts.[Thanks, Robert W]
Bloomberg: Microsoft planning 360 price cut
Bloomberg is quoting Microsoft Game Studios President Shane Kim as saying that his company needs to lower the price of the Xbox 360 to attract more consumers. "We need to compete effectively for that customer and part of that is getting to the mass market price point for the console. We definitely are working on that area.," Kim told the financial news site.The article gives no indication of when or how much the reduction will be, so this is pretty much just confirmation that the price cut we all know will happen eventually will ... happen eventually. Still, it's nice to know that some Microsoft higher-ups are paying attention to the issue.
PAL markets to see PS3 price drop on July 12th?
It's practically a foregone conclusion that the price drops we North Americans saw on Sony's PlayStation 3 would hit other markets eventually, but the managing director of Sony Computer Entertainment in Australia may have revealed exactly when that drop is coming. According to a blurb at SmartHouse News, Michael Ephraim has apparently stated that a "PAL market announcement will be made on July 12th regarding price cuts to the PAL market PS3." More specifically, consoles sold in Australia "could be cut by as much as 17-percent," which would purportedly lower that model to AUD$829, and gamers in the UK could see the PS3 lowered to a much more respectable £350 if the percentage discount carries over. Only time will tell, eh?[Via PS3Fanboy]
European price cut leaked by SCEAu Managing Director?
We know an announcement is coming from SCEE this Thursday that is "related to the US price cut", but SmartHouse News claim that they already have the scoop. Michael Ephraim, Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment Australia has reportedly confirmed that PAL regions will be seeing a price cut of "as much as 17%".While this is potentially great news, and 17% would bring the PS3 down to a much friendlier price of £350 in the UK (making it the cheapest Blu Ray player available), we're not going to hold our collective breath. One way or the other, we'll know on Thursday.[Via NeoGAF]
Konami exec. says Metal Gear Solid may go to other consoles
Konami executive Kazumi Kitaue, head of Konami North America and European ops, dropped a bombshell today saying that Metal Gear Solid 4 may move to other consoles in an attempt to recoup development costs. He also said the PS3 price drop may not turn the ship around. The natural assumption, given the console hardware technology, is that Metal Gear Solid 4 will see its day on the Xbox 360, destroying one of the final feathers in Sony's hat of exclusives.In regards to the PS3 price cut, Kitaue unleashes the backhand with quickness. "I don't expect a substantial impact ... with $500, you can buy a person computer," Kitaue told Reuters. It's been surprising to see the mainstream media pick up on the $100 price drop without acknowledging that there is a new "better" model at the same price which caused all the calls for a price drop in the first place. But for gamers, the first acknowledgment that Metal Gear Solid might find its way to other consoles is what's really going to shake things up. Kitaue says, "Since Metal Gear Solid was born for the PlayStation, we would like to keep it a PlayStation game. But we might have to take some steps." Whether those steps are announced this week or if this is some last ditch effort by Konami to force Sony to pony up exclusivity cash, which they say they do not do, is worth wondering about. If MGS goes to the Xbox 360 ... well, all eyes will be on Final Fantasy XIII as the last famous third-party man standing.
Microsoft 'Falcon' to bring cost reductions, 65nm CPU to the Xbox 360?
We knew it was coming, but it sounds like we finally know what it's all about: the 65nm Xbox 360 is apparently being code-named Falcon, according to Dean Takahashi. Stands to reason we can expect long-fabled cooler / less failure-prone / cheaper 360s to be Falcon's result, but hey, we'd take just two out of three at this point.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
PS3 price drop causes a 2800% jump in sales at Amazon.com
It already looks like the price drop for the PlayStation 3 is having an effect on sales. After official confirmation of the price drop, sales at Amazon.com for the 60GB PS3 have spiked by 2800% and have overtaken the Wii and Guitar Hero: Rock the 80s as the best selling item in the Video Game category.While it's hard to judge the success of the price cut in only one day, it's interesting to see how many people are snapping up the new $499 PS3. A price cut of $100 is not insignificant but the PS3 is still the most expensive console, and industry watchers were curious to see just how many people would be moved to purchase the console after a 'mere' 17% price drop. Judging from the early evidence though, the answer is 'a lot.'
Microsoft has Xbox 360 price cuts in the works as well?
Oh, don't act so surprised. Was there ever really any chance that Microsoft would let Sony get a free ride for long on price cuts and start swiping console sales? Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter doesn't think so, and he's come out with predictions of price cuts across the board for the Xbox 360, in response to Sony's impending $100 PS3 slash. Michael expects the Elite to drop from $479 to $399, the Premium to sink from $399 to $349, and the Core to fall from $299 to $249. He seems to think it's connected with the Xbox 360 shipment shortage of late -- which could just as well be caused by a potential heatsink revamp, but his price-cut logic probably isn't far off either. Unfortunately for those of you waiting for a Nintendo console to make less of a dent in your wallet, Wedbush Morgan doesn't expect the Wii or DS prices to move by the end of the year, as sales remain strong for those two.[Thanks, Pachter]
Report: Sony cuts PS3 price by $100, $599 80GB model hitting North America in August
[Update - Sony has since issued a press release, confirming this report once and for all.]According to a syndicated Associated Press report, Sony has confirmed that the 60GB model of the PlayStation 3 will receive a $100 cut in price, effective as of Monday. Bizarrely, Sony is unwilling to leave a $499 model to fend for itself in the retail world and will be introducing another PS3 SKU at the universally loved $599 price point -- one bolstered by an 80GB hard drive and a copy of gratuitously grimy racer, MotorStorm. The more expensive model is due for release in North America this August.We've contacted Sony for comment.[Via Engadget]
Target stores selling PS3 at $499
Listen up boys and girls, if you've been cramming change into your piggy banks and patiently waiting, you'd better go get a hammer, because Target has got your PS3 for $100 cheaper. Hot on the heels of the Circuit City circular rumors, we've gotten word that certain (read: not all) Target stores are offering the Sony game system for $499.99, although it appears that the reduction is making its way through the company's computers. Either Sony is headed towards a price drop, or Target is just being real generous.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
60GB PS3 sold at Target for $499.99 [UPDATE]
Has the price cut already been put into effect? Potentially, yes. One of our readers has let us know that he was able to get his hands on a 60GB PS3 for no more than $499.99 at a Target today. In our attempts to verify this we called the store he bought it from. They confirmed that the 60GB PS3 was, indeed, in the shop's system at the price of $499.99. Whether this is an error on the individual shop's part, with the price drop being put into effect early, we weren't sure.We are currently in the process of calling more stores nationwide, to see how isolated this event really is. We will update this post as and when we get more information. If true, then this is an excellent start for what promises to be an excellent E3. Already Microsoft's keynote is overshadowed by Killzone 2. A pricedrop by Sony before the event even starts only adds to the pressure.[UPDATE 1] A Kansas Target has the 60GB PS3 in its computer at $599[UPDATE 2] Another tipster has told us that today they sold two at Circuit City at $499. Confused, the manager called it in and got a confirmation that it was correct. We are in the process of verifying this.[UPDATE 3] A Target store in Rancho Cucamonga in California has confirmed that the 60GB PS3 is in their system for $499. It looks like there's no pattern to which stores are and aren't offering the price cut.[Thanks Nathan and Alexander!]
Sony has "no plans" to cut PlayStation 3 price
Wait a tick -- if Sony has "no plans" to hack off a cool hundie from the price of its PlayStation 3, what mothership is directing Circuit City? In a brief blurb that can't exactly be taken as the unequivocal truth, Sony President Ryoji Chubachi told Reuters that "at present, we have no plans" to lower the pricetag attached to its PS3 console. Of course, we mustn't forget those contradicting reports showing that Sony actually has been mulling PS3 price cuts since the beginning of this year, and better yet, Sony's been known to deny blatantly obvious price alterations a time or two before. So there you have it, a denial that reeks of non-denial, but even analysts are betting that Sony (officially) trims at least a Benjamin from the machine in the relatively near future.
Behind the price cut: The long, strange saga of the $599 PS3
If the recently rumored $100 price cut for the PS3 turns out to be true, it will end the era of one of the most controversial pricing moves in the history of consumer electronics.The writing was on the wall early on, with former SCE President Ken Kutaragi hinting way back in July 2005 that he hoped gamers would "work more hours to buy [a PS3]." When the price was officially announced at Sony's E3 2006 press conference the first wave of ridicule was practically immediate. Kutaragi's comment that the price was "too cheap" for what consumers were getting just stoked the fires, leading at least one Joystiq blogger to call the company "out of touch." Hey, $599 is pretty cheap if the thing is made of uranium.Yet by launch time there were some signs that the high price wasn't really a deterrent. Despite some launch window reviews saying the system "just isn't worth it yet," the initial stock of PS3s sold out to mobs of fans who waited in the November cold to drop up to six Benjamins on a game console. Many of those who managed to get one of the limited initial allotment put them up on eBay, where some fetched ridiculously inflated prices. Maybe $600 was a bargain after all.
Rumor: Circuit City ads for post-E3 shows $100 price cut on the PS3
Over at Cheap Ass Gamer there is a forum regular by the name of Speedy1961 who regularly posts early pre-release leaks of ads from Circuity City, Target and Best Buy. He's been doing it a long time and appears to be extremely reliable. And he just released the information on the Circuit City ad for the week following E3 and guess what appears? The oft rumored 100 dollar price cut on the PS3.People have been calling for a price cut since immediately after last year's E3 and their voices have reached a deafening crescendo recently, so it is by no means a big surprise that Sony would drop the price. Unfortunately, this is still going to be filed under the 'Rumor' category because of the lack of hard evidence. Some supposed scans have shown up on the net, but they're a bit dubious. Also there is confusion over whether or not this is a permanent price cut. It seems absolutely insane that it wouldn't be; a temporary price cut (one week) would just aggravate things. We'll find out next week for sure though!
Sega thinks a price cut would do Sony good, also
While one should take console advice with a grain of salt when it comes from Sega (we loved your systems, though!), they aren't alone in their opinion for a price cut of the PS3. Corporate director for Sega, Masanao Maeda, says that "superior marketing and pricing strategy will be the key for Sony." He makes this observation knowing the software is tough to differentiate between itself and the 360 and taking into account the recognizability of the brand. It doesn't matter if you know the brand if you can't afford it, right?We don't know how much longer we can dance this price slashing dance. So many people have demanded it, Howard Stringer has promised it, others say it's fine, but it keeps coming up as the number one issue. In a few months, we've got to keep ourselves thinking, we will have a heaping pile of quality games to play and the knowledge there will be a price cut by the end of the year. Whether an announcement will be made at E3 or the Tokyo Game Show, we aren't certain, but we know it'll pop up. What will there be to complain about then? Seriously, we'd like you guys to think what the next "big problem" will be once games and price aren't an issue.[via CVG]
