MS predicts a Playstation 3 price cut 'soon'
by Dustin Burg 
{ Jan 6th 2009 at 2:15PM }
With a 28 million Xbox 360 base and keeping a sales lead over the Playstation 3, Microsoft knows that the worldwide console price cuts they enacted in 2008 have been a key component to their strategy. Something that Sony has yet to do with PS3, which Microsoft exec Aaron Greenberg finds surprising.
"We absolutely expect the PS3 price drop to happen in the next couple of months," Greenberg told Edge. "We're frankly surprised it's taken this long... I would expect they'd have to move on price, sooner than later, for sure." Color us surprised as well.
Continuing into 2009, Microsoft is well aware that Sony will become more aggressive in their PS3 pricing which, truth be told, is still an expensive piece of hardware for the casual market. Greenberg is right though, it's truly odd to see Sony staying firm on their pricing structure, especially with how things are playing out in the industry.
[Via Eurogamer]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Monkey Madness @ Jan 6th 2009 2:23PM
Epic photoshop, that is awesome.
Kizzle @ Jan 6th 2009 2:51PM
I laughed.
Mauricio @ Jan 6th 2009 2:23PM
Hopefully sooner than later. Wanna play MGS4
yo @ Jan 6th 2009 2:41PM
dont worry you aint missing much, i bought a ps3 for that alone. its worth a play through just to see how it finishes the series but it aint worth another
KD in KC @ Jan 6th 2009 2:25PM
I think Sony is going to drop the price in the next 6 months, the kiddies have to have something to do during summer right? But I am glad to see the 360 going strong. There are still people out there that are griping and complaining about the hardware failure rates, but after 2.5 years of hard running, my pro gave it up for a couple weeks until 20 buck in parts fixed it. Where as my PS3 lost it after less than a year and had to be sent in for server after about 40 hours of gameplay.
They will need to do something to stay competitive, and if you believe in a 5 year life cycle, then One more year and MS will have a new unit to debut, leaving Sony in the dust.
myabsolution @ Jan 6th 2009 2:34PM
if Sony doesnt want the install base gap to widen even more, then they will drop the price sooner rather than later.
Arnie @ Jan 6th 2009 2:37PM
Well I dont know about others but I own both of them, though PS3 only for about 3 months. I like them both and am glad I can afford both.
There are some good games on the PS3 but the controller is so small even in my smallish hands that it becomes uncomfortable after a few hours.
KD in KC @ Jan 6th 2009 2:59PM
Arnie I agree,
Owning all three, I still find the 360 controller the best fitting. I play 'Monsters' on the PS3 with my wife and it's such a difference. I've tried to think of a way to give it more weight and found some triggers for the R/L 2 buttons.
There are a handful of games I would play on the PS3 that are exclusives, like Uncharted, Little Big Planet (music is great) and MSG4.
But bang for the buck means more than 'processor' and hard drive to me. Like streaming through Netflix, in game chat with a headset included with the controller, not a separate add on, and functionality with a universal remote instead of bluetooth.
I like some of the features of the PS3, but my monthy company LAN party is for XBOX 360's not PS3's since only two out of the 8 even have them.
Digitalspirit @ Jan 6th 2009 3:46PM
It's not a case of being able to afford a PS3. I could buy one tomorrow no problem. The real issue is that they are nothing more than a glorified blu-ray player and tbh my PC streams digital HD content to my HDTV anyway so it's (optical media) already yesterdays technology for me. Unless they pull some serious games out of their ass then $ony can kiss goodbye to their bullshit strategy.
Arnie @ Jan 6th 2009 4:00PM
I am sorry , watching HD streaming is not HD. I have a 32" HDTV with just 1080i and even I can notice the difference between upscaled HD and Blu-Ray stuff.
I know I bought it for the Blu-Ray movies so I am getting my worth. However, I got some used games which were exclusive to PS3 (Uncharted & Heavenly Sword) both games are extremely fun and I am really enjoying them so your hate is seriously unjustified. It's expensive and a lot of people cannot afford it so is not as popular in the US.
Xiphias @ Jan 6th 2009 4:09PM
From a PC it is still HD...
I stream (via ethernet) full HD movies from my PC HDD and watch them on my TV, no loss in quality.
Arnie @ Jan 6th 2009 4:13PM
Pray tell how you get HD source material from ? The only source of 1080p material is a Blu-Ray disc (or HDDVDs).
Eric E @ Jan 6th 2009 4:34PM
yeah its not the same.
and netflix streaming (for $50/year + netflix) isn't that great.
I use my ps3 web browser more, it has full flash support and watch Hulu for free. Even watched its a wonderful life on google video (full screen now!)
I also perfer ps3's controller. but 360 is your option if all your friends have it.
However my 360 cost more than a ps3. After HDD, Wifi, year Gold membership. ($200 my butt, try $450)
You should see the ps3fanboy site about this news.
Alex @ Jan 6th 2009 4:38PM
Heh... HDDVDs... Bless their cotton socks.
xenocidic @ Jan 6th 2009 4:45PM
@arnie not that I condone it, but HD content can be ripped.
Digitalspirit @ Jan 7th 2009 8:02AM
From reading the replies I can see what a bunch of n00bs (apart from Xiphias) you all are. 720p/1080p x264 rips of blu ray are common place and if you have a HDMI enable video card you simply plug it into your HDTV and play the video directly to it, it's not rocket science. You clearly aren't as up to date with technological advances in any shape or form. "Upscaling to HD" seriously, what a n00b.
RazLeBoL @ Jan 7th 2009 10:49AM
@digitalspirit
The quality is still not the same as Blu-Ray or HD-DVD though. There is a great loss of quality with the rip for the video and the audio. You also don't have all the bonus features which may or may not be important to some.
Arnie @ Jan 7th 2009 10:54AM
Not mention its illegal. Sorry mate, I would rather use something like Netflix.
HAAS599 @ Jan 7th 2009 12:13PM
Netflix streaming can also be done on the PS3 using the PlayOn! software.
Digitalspirit @ Jan 8th 2009 5:39AM
@ RazLeBoL: So you've compared both sources side by side? Because the difference is minimal with decent compression, all you get is slight artefacts in some scenes, but the quality is very close, obviously not quite as good, but certainly not bad as some people here are saying and from what I gather you can't really pass comment if you are just talking from hearsay. Sony are just trying to push technology no one really needs. The future is physical drives not optical media and if you disagree then just wait a few year and then you will see.
Deck @ Jan 6th 2009 2:43PM
I only own a 360. But if the price of the PS3 drops just enough, I will probably pick one up. I'd like to play MGS4 and Uncharted (as well as Uncharted 2 when it comes out) among of a few others.
My 360 is plenty to keep me busy, and I love it so. I am definitely a fanboy to an extent, but I wouldn't be opposed to owning a PS3 as well if the price comes down.
MadamTampini @ Jan 6th 2009 2:50PM
There's no way Sony can cut the price of the PS3 unless they somehow manage to release a PS3 "slim" or something of the sort, cutting out some of the hardware.
Edge @ Jan 6th 2009 3:46PM
Unfortunately, they can't cut out anything else. Their strategy focuses on so many bullet-hole components they don't have a way around it. They can't shed the Cell or the Blu-ray drive since they are at the core of the system strategy. They can't drop the hard drive because Blu-ray necessitates installs.
Sony put themselves in this hole thought downright lousy strategy, making the whole PS2 era look like a fluke.
Khaled @ Jan 6th 2009 9:44PM
The can take out some features though. For example, take out the wireless, make it 40GB.
What I expected them to do is instead of getting rid of the 40GB, they just make it $50 cheaper, leaving the 40GB at $350, and the 80GB at $450.
master811 @ Jan 7th 2009 8:33AM
@Khaled, the cost difference for Sony between a 40GB and 80GB PS3 would be minimal. This is why they have upgraded the drives, but left it at the same price. They would lose MORE money if they were to drop the price of the 40GB, and
HDD sizes are constantly increasing, so Seagate (who make the drives for the PS3 stopped producing 40GB ones anyway, the 80GB simply replaced it.)
fuser197 @ Jan 6th 2009 2:54PM
My 2.5 year old Elite just died over the weekend, not a RROD, just a general video failure. Was watching a DVD, and everything started having a green tint, restarted, and then nothing. But, thanks to BestBuy's extended protection plan, I got a brand new box, and $50 since the price dropped since I bought it, nice little surprise.
So, it wasn't a bad experience, but I think I'd feel differently if I didn't have that extended protection plan, I would have been SOL, since the warranty is only for a year (3 for RROD).
KD in KC @ Jan 6th 2009 2:59PM
Fuser197 -
My pro I got back in 06 shot craps with the same video issue after an 8 hour COD4 binge one night. Found the vids on youtube, got Artic Silver, screws and washers and the pro has been working fine as my 'travel' xbox (for lan parties) ever since.
fuser197 @ Jan 6th 2009 3:20PM
Oh, nice, thanks, I'll keep that in mind when my current warranty runs out and if it dies again (knock on wood).
pete @ Jan 6th 2009 5:00PM
"My 2.5 year old Elite"
the elite isn't even 2 years old yet. nice try
fuser197 @ Jan 6th 2009 5:14PM
Whatever, man, got my dates mixed up, it's a 1.25 year-old Elite.
RoarrrUK @ Jan 6th 2009 2:57PM
I own all three and tbh my ps3 sees the same level of use as my 360. There's a lot there that isn't on 360 and it does have its positives.
Sony have a cracking 2009 lineup compared to 360 (from what has or more accurately not been announced so far) so I guess they are confident that they can keep the price up. Also with the euro so strong, a sale in the EU is clearly subsidising other regions and of course their bottom line which in light of recent shake rumours, I imagine is very important.
RoarrrUK @ Jan 6th 2009 2:59PM
I am incidently looking forward to the 360 lineup this year also. The nearest release is Race Pro, which I'm hoping will succeed forza 2.
Tony @ Jan 6th 2009 3:11PM
There was some article the other day, I think on 1up, about how they were finally almost breaking even on the system. They're losing only $50 a unit now, or something.
A price cut would raise that again... I think they need to do it to get some attention, but it makes you wonder when they'll EVER break even on the hardware.
Bravo6 @ Jan 6th 2009 3:00PM
I wouldn't be opposed to picking up a ps3 if the price is right. Hopefully it will hold my interest longer than the Wii did.
Numbn8 @ Jan 6th 2009 3:12PM
Sony should have done a price cut and advertised the PS3 focusing heavily on the Blu-ray aspect of it.
If it wasn't for the blu-ray aspect I would have sold mine when FFXIII when multi-platform. (not saying that I love the FF's that much, but it more or less confirms that sony is done with exclusives beside first party).
yo Naturale @ Jan 6th 2009 3:40PM
My only two gripes about the PS3 are the price and the controller.
I have no real need or desire for a Bluray player so it's hard for me to justify the extra couple hundred dollars for this console at the present price-point.
The controller on the other hand... it had been a while (read: years) since I had done much extended game play with the Dual-Shock controller. Then a friend of mine bought a PS3 (he doesn't own a X360) and he picked up a copy of Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 to go with it. We then proceeded to have a marathon gaming session to beat the game on co-op.
The Horror! My hands were sore and stiff for two days after the fact. I was even starting to seriously wonder if I was starting to show signs of an early-onset of arthritis. Hilarious, I know.
Honestly, I never remembered having that issue when playing many hours on my own PS1 and friends' PS2s.
I guess what doesn't kill you, does make you stronger... and my XBox controllers (*You're my boy, Duke!*) have been the La-Z-Boy to my hands' demise.
All that said, I would consider buying a PS3 *if* the price came down. Way down. I'll just stick to playing the FPSs on the X360 though...
Edge @ Jan 6th 2009 3:48PM
Then try this sucker out. I give it my stamp of approval.
http://www.loadingreality.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1474:xcm-cross-battle-adapter-review-360-controller-on-ps3&catid=3:multiple-consoles&Itemid=142
yo Naturale @ Jan 6th 2009 4:22PM
Interesting.
I hadn't ever seen that peripheral before.
A little more appealing to me than buying and trying out a third-party controller which may or may not be any better.
Araskaz @ Jan 6th 2009 4:53PM
I hate fanboys. I mean - they have really contributed to making people stupid... even the intelligent people out there.
360 fanboys keep saying the PS3 is "Just a blu-ray player" but I have to tell you... I've never even bought a blu ray player on my PS3. Okay, it plays blu-ray... is that bad? Nope, it's good... if games require a lot of space... it can be on Blu Ray.
The thing is, people don't get a ps3 because 360 fanboys keep saying it's just a blu-ray player... when they haven't even played it. They aren't in the position to even judge it. I have both a PS3 and a 360... and I play more of my PS3 for Warhawk, Socom, and COD4. I've even went as far as canceling my XBL membership because I didn't want to pay for something I didn't use.
I'm just saying.. if you are reading this... don't listen to people that say the PS3 is just a blu-ray player... or that it doesn't have games... it has MANY exclusive games... and they are amazing. There is a lot coming out this year..
No fanboy. A PS3 and 360 user who hates it when people talk down on the PS3... when in my opinion it's better.
josh @ Jan 6th 2009 6:09PM
Wrong site dude. Think you wanted to go here. http://playstation.joystiq.com/
billkutari @ Jan 6th 2009 8:38PM
@Josh
Where would a doctor be better placed, in a land where everyone is healthy, or in a land where people are ill.
What good is it telling PS fanboys that the PS3 is good, when it is having zero effect. But if you told a 360 fanboy that PS3 is good, then you are having a much more 'potential' effect.
(please note: I am not in any way, shape or form insisting that 360 supporters are ill or in any way inferior, I just used that as an analogy)
JD @ Jan 6th 2009 11:04PM
WTF? I agree with josh. This is XBOX360fanboy. It's great that you love PS3... even better than your xbox. You're entitled to your opinion dude. But a lot of people come to this site cause they like their 360 better. I think the service (XBL) is what sets it apart from PS3 and Wii. Chat parties while playing games or watching movies... new content everyday... it's a whole gaming community. I'm sure the hardware is great.. but i have a friend who isn't happy with his PS3 cause the sense of community isn't there. Plus... the lack of MUST HAVE exclusives with tons of games going multi-platform... there is really little incentive to get one. The exclusives vs the price are not worth it for me. I have too many games on the 360 to play as it is.
And if some of you like to own more than one console... that's cool.. but stop saying "I'm glad i can afford more than one." I can too.. but I have no desire to be bombarded with nothing outside of video games all day long. Sometimes... one console is more than enough for people. Why is that so hard to grasp?
Matt @ Jan 6th 2009 4:59PM
Streaming HD (which i do on my laptop) cannot not even come close to comparing to the visual and aural quality of a Blu Ray disc. I have been on the HD bandwagon since its inception but was slow to adopt blu ray as i have a very extensive DVD collection however, this christmas my wife got me a PS3 and NO NO NO streaming HD is not even close to a Blu Ray disc. You do not know what you are talking about, unless of course you are watching said streaming on an inferior receiver.
JCP @ Jan 6th 2009 5:26PM
since Microsoft is expecting a price cut, I wonder what their next move will be.
I want to purchase a Ps3 mainly for MGS4, I consider myself a game fan before I am a console fan, but everyone here knows that the 360 is really where the best fun is.
Sjeltur @ Jan 6th 2009 5:56PM
Just before Christmas the PS3 40gb dropped to 250 euro (just for couple of days) in 2 stores in Holland. Sign of the Times...?
PBone @ Jan 6th 2009 6:36PM
Really? you guys are crying about the price. all Ive heard from you people is the ps3 is to high, and i'll only get one when they drop the price.
If most of you picked up a 360 pro and a elite when it first came out you all paid 399 to 479 dollars for either one. thats the same price as the ps3. STOP BEING CHEAP AND LOOKING FOR REASON NOT TO GET A PS3.
I own all three system I bought them when they first came out.
and also for the people that say ps3 dont have any REAL games. Your just a lil fanboy go do some research about the games you will be more surprised.
Alien Lord @ Jan 7th 2009 1:23PM
They do have games but the multi-platform games suck bad and their exclusives are worse.
PBone @ Jan 7th 2009 1:54PM
@Alien Lord said...
"They do have games but the multi-platform games suck bad and their exclusives are worse."
wow what a fanboy comment. your not very smart. Soo I guess you say msg 4 was a bad game? hmmmm and cod 4 multi-platform was trash on the ps3? and GTA 4?
by your thinking, Ps3 dont have any great games. wow you have the brain of a 5 year old.
i have all three systems by the way.. Soo i know what the 360 has and alot of there games are wayyy over hyped.
J @ Jan 7th 2009 2:54PM
PBone said...
"wow what a fanboy comment. your not very smart."
Did you read the name of this site before you clicked on the link and posted a comment?
I'm sorry, but I do have to question the intelligence of someone who comes to a site with "fanboy" in its name to complain about... fanboys.
I'm pretty sure that's the definition of trolling.
chase @ Jan 6th 2009 8:50PM
i bitched about the ps3 price... then a buddy from work sold me his ps3 for 200$.. no games or anything tho... which sucked... but another friend let me try some of his games (mgs4, uncharted, resistance, and little big planet)
WTF.. they suck balls! bluray players cost 200$ so I basicly bought a bluray player that can play my ps1 games... because they fagged out and took away ps2 capibilitys... so yeah... i guess i can wait for god of war 3.. but shit..
(btw i still dont own a ps3 game and its been 2 months lol)