Ben-DutkaIt seems that everyone is holding their breath for Tuesday, when Sony will supposedly make a big announcement . One of the theories centered on a PS2 price drop, and now, it appears we have some visual evidence to support that possibility.
As pictured at VGChartz , there are images that may confirm a PS2 price drop to $99 that goes into effect on April 5. For those who don't remember, the PS2 launched in North America in October of 2000 for the price of $299 and it has sat at the current $129 price point for quite some time. However, analysts have said that Sony could enjoy the final hardware sales surge for the aging system if they cut the price to under $100. Furthermore, it could be the perfect time, as PS2 sales have been on the stiff decline so far in 2009, what with more and more people finally graduating to the current generation of consoles. You may also want to check out this thread over at the NeoGAF forums, but immediately after, you should look at this article at GameGazette, which claims that Kotaku lied about this announcement in the first place. From what we've heard, Sony hasn't exactly had a great relationship with Kotaku in the past, so it may be a viable suggestion.
We're not about to make any claims or accusations, though; we're simply reporting on what's out there. And for now, it seems to be a distinct possibility that the PS2 will experience a $30 price drop some time early next week. Guess we'll just have to wait until tomorrow to see…
I'm surprised there's any person left who doesn't own a PS2 already. Ya know what would be cool for an announcement: That they will offer PS2 games on PSN. Yeah you'd need a big hard drive but lots of people are upgrading these days.
Well if you look at the world, tech a majority of the people still don't own ps2's, or gaming systems at all. lol. Also I doubt there will ever be PS2 games on the psn, due to lack of buyers since new ps3's no longer support ps2 software.
I've had a sneaking suspicion that they killed B/C because they planned to roll out PS2 games that DO function on PS3.
I don't own a PS2. At this point I feel there's too much to look forward to for the current gen consoles than to go back. Even with a PS2 price drop its $99 I could spend on new games. But thats just my opinion.
@World…
"I've had a sneaking suspicion that they killed B/C because they planned to roll out PS2 games that DO function on PS3."
PS2 games that function on the PS3 are essentially PS3 games within themselves
*sigh* I'm aware of that.
omg if they put a bunch of PS2 games on the network, that announcement alone will make my day tomorrow! =)
Imagine if they could put over 50% of the titles from the PS2's library on the network? I would be in heaven, but my wallet.. not so much. 😉
I still couldn't bring myself to buy a second one. I'd pay $99 for 100% backward compatibility on my PS3. Or maybe they'll announce that you can link the PS2 and PS3 through USB!
ok that would be awesome, connecting your ps3 & ps2 via USB giving your ps3 B/C. I hope they do that.
would be, but it's too convoluted and probably technically impossible.
The max bandwidth of USB is 480 Mb/s. Thats 60MB/s. Simply not enough.
Ummm no that would be an epic waste of time. Hundred bucks for full b/c Awesome. Connecting two systems together just to play the older ones software. RETARDED. Why not just plug the systme itself in and play it by its self
I still cant comprehend why the ps2 still sells as much as it does, i mean everyone and their pet owns one at this point in time.
That's one way to "add" backwards compatibility:-) Unfortunately it'll cost another $100.
@LegendaryWolfeh
If it is true, then Sony could be using this price cut as "gateway" to get more people into gaming. A PS2 at $99 is a good deal, especially with a huge library. I might get one to put in my car for the kids to play on long trips.
Kotaku is a joke. Always has been and always will be. Talk about the definition of fanboyism.
I say its the best method to counter the Xbox 360's price drop. I expected this to happen in the Holiday 2008. It can hold the new comers long enough until PS3 builds enough momentum for them to upgrade.
If you think every gamer at this point owns a PS2 then you are wrong.
In Asia there's still lots of people that doesn't own a PS2, I even have friends still playing with their PS1(what the heck!!!!!!).
They're lucky though, their PS1 are still up and running.
I think it's a great idea, it's time it had a price drop, their are tons of PS2 games out there, i still buy PS2 games but my PS3 is 100% B/C. But i would consider buying a PS2 just incase (knock on wood) my Ps3 breaks.
The PS2 should have been $49 by now. When the PSOne was about 9 years old it was only $49. It probably cost Sony only $20 to make the PS2 anyway.
Last edited by psxmax on 3/30/2009 9:23:08 AM
Price is not just reflected on how much it costs a company to make the product but also in total sales. The PS2 was selling quite well at its current price point so there was little reason for Sony to drop the price. Of course now there is, since the PS2 has been on a sharp decline.