Arnold-KatayevRumors of a price-drop for the PlayStation 3 have been as rampant as rumors can be. We've been getting some light confirmation of future price-cuts in store, and now we've received some more news regarding it. Sony President Ryoji Chubachi spoke to the Financial Times and informed them that Sony is "re-examining" their pricing stance.
"We are re-examining our [PS3] budgeting process in terms of pricing and volume. Sales assumptions change and the market is competitive. We are in the midst of revisiting our strategy for the PS3." Chubachi believes that Sony has managed to successfully ship 6-million PlayStation 3s worldwide before the end of their fiscal year this past March.
The Financial Times cites analysts who are claiming a $100 price-drop this Christmas, which isn't impossible considering that Sony has offered the PS3 for $500 in the form of the 20GB version. If a price-drop does occur in the near future, you're safer betting your money on a $50 price-drop than anything else.
Kazuo Hirai, president of Sony Computer Entertainment, stated yesterday that Sony expects the PlayStation 3 to outlive the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. "We're looking at it as a marathon rather than a sprint," said Mr Hirai. "The real test of a platform's [longevity] is in three years from now or five years from now."
This Holiday season will prove to be the most important for Sony – ever. If they time their price-drop to coincide with Grand Theft Auto 4 and the PS3's other AAA titles (Metal Gear Solid 4, Ratchet & Clank, etc.) for Winter 2007, then expect Sony to emerge as the victor of this year's Holiday season.
