One of the big pre-E3 rumors is that Sony will announce another PlayStation 3 model at the show. Some believe it will be a redesigned Slim PS3 while others think it will have the same cosmetic design, but will boast different features.
Well, we still don't know the specifics but this leaked pic of the Best Buy database (courtesy of Joystiq ) essentially confirms that a new PlayStation 3 SKU is on the way. It's set to go active after E3 next week and while the price is still set at $399 for an 80GB machine, it's also labeled as a "Limited Edition" bundle. This package will include two unknown games and it quickly reminds us of Target's PS3 bundle they offered after the GDC; it included both Resistance: Fall of Man and MotorStorm . The release date is listed as June 9, which is less than a week after E3 concludes. Now, this news may be disappointing to those of you who are hoping for a price drop announcement, but any new bundle deals are always appreciated by the savvy consumer. This package may also be exclusive to Best Buy – although we can't be sure at this point – which means it may or may not make a big splash at Sony's E3 press conference. There's really no way of knowing the specifics at this point but even when a manufacturer wants to hide everything, the retailer can't always control the flow of info…
Anyway, it's just something else we'll be on the lookout for during Sony's conference next week. 'adds it to an ever-growing list that's over ten feet long already'
I seriously want a pricedrop. Although i already own a PS3, increasing the install base of PS3 will ultimately bring more RPG developers back to Playstation.
Anyway… E3 has too many Sony game announcements already. This year is probably focused on the massive library of new games and not the price of the console.
Let us re-look at this debate… does Sony need to reduce the price if the software line up is so good… As Ben has always said… software sells hardware… Sony may have the upper hand here and therefore does not need to cut the price…
Q!
"i am home"
I still wholeheartedly believe doesn't need a price cut. You get what you pay for and the PS3 gives you that and much more.
Yeah but unfortunately most people can't shell out 399+ tax for a video game system
@fundando
Actually, something like 24-25 million people have done just that. Remember Sony's financial report for the end of December 2008 indicated a total sale of 22.3 million units by the end of December 2008. We're already 5 months into 2009, and no matter how other sites want to paint it, PS3 has been selling decently during 2009, which translates to a guesstimate of between 24 and 25 million units by now – the slow time of year for console sales.
Sony will do a price drop when the slim is ready to go. In the meantime a bundle with two A-list games is like giving a $100 discount. In other words you're paying $299 for the hardware in the bundle, which is what the core system will launch at in the Autumn when a pile of slim units has been assembled.
this is like the tenth "redesign" of the PS3 if I may call it that…I personally prefer the original 60gig…hasn't failed me yet…
and btw fundando…
when the PS3 launched…I payed nearly 800 dollars for it…so 399…doesn't seem that bad to me for what you are getting…
Last edited by SarahPalinMILF on 5/26/2009 11:51:55 PM
Those people who are insisting on a price drop dont want the console. If you want something bad enough, you can get it.Saving for the console isnt so unreasonable is it?
… add a wife, kid, and mortage into the equation, then tell me how easy it is to come up with and justify dropping $400 + on a game console, instead of say… groceries.
and i DO want this console, badly. in fact i had a 60GB that i DID save up for and bought at launch, it's dead now, and i need a new one. but that just ain't gonna happen without a price cut.
@gumbi
Depending on the reason for it's dead-ness you can arrange a repair for about $150. Replacing the BluRay drive runs about $150, you can replace the HDD yourself, if it's the motherboard that's passed on, then it's a bit more pricey. I would suggest exploring the situation with Sony, they offer decent repairs, and you pay less than you would for a new system.
yeah i called them to see what my options were. the rep said it would be almost $200 after taxes and stuff (Canadian), and that there was no way to recover what was on my HDD, even if the HDD was fine (man that burns me). She also said I wouldn't be getting my console fixed, I'd get a refurb.
I just wasn't willing to pay $200 for a refurb with only a 90 day warranty when there were rumours of a price cut screaming across the internet. Yet here we are 3 months later, and I'm still PS3'less. but now I'm committed to holding out for the price cut.
edit: I know it's not the HDD, i replaced it with a WD 250Gb ages ago. when it crapped out i tried putting the old 60Gb back in and still no dice. took it to a local electronics dude who does PS3 repairs and he said mobo is toast, which is the one thing he can't fix.
Last edited by gumbi on 5/28/2009 8:57:41 AM
@gumbi
Alright, then put the 60GB drive back into the PS3 and package your 250GB drive up carefully. Send the 60GB PS3 back to Sony for repair, and when they send you the the replacement/repair back swap your 250GB drive back in.
hmm, could they possibly be releasing a prototype bundle seeing as how it shares the same release date? Or it could possibly be an inFAMOUS bundle.. either way i would be royally confused, seeing as how prototype is the direct competitor for their hot new first party title (inFAMOUS) and releasing a bundle with it would seem to be against their best interest. On the other hand an inFAMOUS bundle would not bode well for the sales figures of said game.
All in all, i'm intrigued and truly curious, E3 needs to happen now!
I don't now, but … look at the dimensions.. The old ones are: 19 x 9 x 16 inches ; 15 pounds on Amazon and the one in the article are
17 x 7 x 14 inches ; 15 pounds.
That's the dimensions of the box, not the system.
Okay seriously. A pricedrop is necessary if they're going to outsell the xbox 360.
Outselling the 360 may not be their aim. After all, does anyone think that BMW expects it's 3 series to outsell the Ford Focus?
What matters to Sony – and to game publishers – and to us PS3 owning gamers is that PS3 sells enough to make money for Sony and justify publishers making games for the PS3. That's all. The rest is a contest dreamed up by tech/game bloggers and fanboys.
But what about those that want a playstation 3 but do not have the money to buy one?
Sony could very well sell more systems at a lower price and still gain the same profit as they are now.
Personally I want a price drop just so they could sell more units and shut microsoft up on how they're winning the next gen by selling more systems.
Last edited by Andysw on 5/27/2009 3:50:07 PM
What of those who want a PS3 and can't afford it? I'm sorry, there's lots of things I want and can't afford. I do one of two things, I save, or I learn to cope with having my hopes dashed by reality.
I mean, I'd love a BMW 7 series, but there is no way I will get one. Hell, I'll be lucky to find a used Ford Fiesta.
Yes, Sony will sell more units with a cheaper price, but frankly expecting Sony to willingly accept another $100 loss per unit on a system that they're taking a pacific ocean sized bath on is ridiculous at best.
As for shutting up Microsoft, I would have to point out that Sony's software lineup is doing a very nice job of shutting Microsoft up. I would rather Sony succeed on the merits of their console and it's software than anything else. A price cut is definitely going to happen, but not until Sony has the components to build the system for $300 or less. That will require 45nm chips and the most recent generation more highly integrated and slimmer BluRay drives.
A price drop is what Sony needs to move more PS3 consoles and adding BC wouldn't hurt either. For the price of a "free" pack-in game or two, Sony could easily have a model with and without BC just as they have the 80GB and 160GB with bundled with Unchartered Drake's Fortune !
Come on Sony and do the right thing !
$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Temporary Price Drop $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Dell home has the 160 GIG Bundle for $399 fs.
http//accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Games/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A2328439
Also 15% off all other consoles and accessories
with this code: 65G7RQ11J?M2LH
Last edited by psxmax on 5/27/2009 8:05:30 AM
seriously… i'm pumped for the new games and all. but i'm going to be completely disappointed with Sony this E3 if we don't see a price cut. i coughed up $700 for a launch PS3 and after a couple years it died on me. and there's just no way i can pony up another $400 + tax for a new one.
i don't care about a redesign, i don't care about game bundles or limited editions, all i care about is a cheaper PS3 so i can get back to the great games i have and can't play.
dude, send it to sony and all you have to pay is 149, why would you buy a new one when you can just have them fix that one??
sigh, they said they wouldn't fix it but they would send me a refurb. and $149 is the US price. I live in Canada and after tax they want almost $200… for a refub, with only 90 days warranty.
@Gumbi,
I do have a husband 2 kids and a lot of bills, but what i do is save, i want another ps3 and i have a jar solely for that so when i work extra hours or my husband does we put a little into the jar it takes a bit of time but it's all worth it at the end. Also just send it to sony, you have a launched console why get rid of it they can fix it for 149 bucks as yogi and thehighlander stated.
I've said it before and i'll say it again, Sony does not need a price cut and why people think the 360 is cheaper it maybe in hardware but you don't get all the extras like wireless capability, bluetooth capability,harddrive cause their cheapest model doesn't even come with a harddrive. My friend kept telling me oh its far cheaper than a ps3 i told him to save his reciepts and we'll totally them up well by the time he was done paying for the darn thing he spent well over 100 more than the Ps3 so he could of had a PS3 for cheaper, now he regrets his purchase. People need to look at what you get with the console not what the price is.
About Box size… smaller box means smaller ps3 to fit in it…
Not necessarily. A smaller box could just as easily mean better and smaller packaging. There is a lot of wasted space those PS3 shippers.