The big news at the E3 Media and Business Summit (formally the Electronic Entertainment Expo) is that Sony Corp. is dropping the price of their Playstation 3 console by $100. This was a widely expected move given that Sony is getting crushed in the console war by Nintendo (Wii console) and Microsoft (Xbox 360 console).
So what does this mean to said war? With a new price of $499 for its 60GB PS3 model, Sony definitely is competitive with Microsoft’s Premium and Elite versions of the X360. However, the rumor mill is suggesting that Microsoft will adjust its console price as well to take the steam out of Sony’s announcement.
Sony’s price cut still keeps it at double the price of the Nintendo Wii console. The Wii is still selling like hotcakes and one would still find it difficult to casually stumble upon a Wii in a retail store.
So there you have it. The war is just starting and things are already becoming better for the consumer. Look for more interesting things to surface with this week’s E3 Summit.
Man, I know tons of fans that are pissed off at this move. They got shafted. Now you can get a better PS3 system for less money. Talk about a slap in the face!
The 360 was supposed to have a REAL price drop long ago but, instead, Microsoft decided to repackage, rebrand, and market the bundles differently. The XBox LIVE Arcade bundle shows a distinct move to make the system more affordable/accessible and also raise awareness of XBox LIVE’s downloadable content.
I think that, after seeing Sony’s desperate moves, the suits at Microsoft changed their minds about real price drops. They don’t want to create some bad ju-ju I guess.. Apparently, lowering prices is like admitting you have an inferior product. If you ask me, it’s just a nice way of telling people that don’t have money to piss away, “Hey, we want you to join the fun too!”
One thing is for sure: in 2008, you can expect some big moves, perhaps some desperate moves, and a good buyer’s market for the consumer. I think Microsoft should consider price drops or at least some sort of perk to customers, both new and existing. They need to take advantage of having the playing field to themselves, for the most part. After all, the Wii is pretty much unaffected by anything Sony and Microsoft do; meanwhile, the PS3 is a metaphorical shot in the foot, through and through.. Unless your priority is watching movies in HD! =oX