Frank-ProvoOfficial news out of Japan today, as Sony Computer Entertainment has announced a 20-percent drop in price for the PlayStation 2 in that country.
For quite a while, a PS2 has cost 20,000 yen, or roughly US$170. Now, the unit will retail for 16,000 yen, which is approximately US$138.
People hoping for a follow-up price cut in North America probably shouldn't hold their breath. This price drop in Japan actually brings the cost in that market down to match what we in the west have been paying since March ($129). Historically, Japan has been the last to benefit from Sony's price-cutting.