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Fats
09-04-2007, 05:26 PM
The simExchange has released an analyst research report indicating that it believes Sony needs to drop the price of the PlayStation 3 in the coming weeks or months in order to remain competitive with the Xbox 360 in North America.

The report, by analyst Jesse Divinch, indicates that either a USD 100 price cut or an added-value bundle would help to reduce the apparently widening gap with the Microsoft console.

Divinch believes that although a price drop would incur a greater financial loss per console manufactured, he feels that such action is necessary as "Sony’s third party software support could be at serious risk if they allow Microsoft to continue to widen the sales gap."

If Sony does announce a price cut, the logical time to do that would be the Tokyo Game Show, taking place later this month – and such a move might have repercussions on the market share in its home territory as well.

Figures used in Divinch's analysis are taken from the virtual trading in the simExchange, a prediction market which allows gamers and developers to dabble in industry forecasting, and isn't based on actual share prices or financial exchanges.


Source (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=28309)

Eh, slow news day. Though the Bold part, I happen to agree with and it's my main concern for the PS3. Obviously this won't happen and I'd bet my house on it that it won't (unless he's speaking of the 80GB dropping to $499?)

EDIT: Sort of related.

Sony are to sell around 34.5 per cent of its Financial Holdings company, raising around JPY 332 billion (USD 2.9 billion) in the process.

According to a report on Bloomberg, the proceeds could then be used to fund the production of more consumer electronics goods, such as Bravia televisions, as well as enabling a cash injection to the PlayStation division.

Mizuho Investors Securities analyst Mitsuhiro Osawa believes the move could also see its way directly to consumers: "A cut in the price of the PlayStation 3 is one option."

Pricing for the stock will be set on October 1, with trading commencing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on October 11.

Source (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=28321)

frosty
09-04-2007, 05:36 PM
ugh, analysts... though I agree and think it would be an excellent way for them to capture the holiday season.

Coded-Dude
09-04-2007, 06:37 PM
Microsoft is extending their lead?

Viper
09-04-2007, 07:03 PM
Microsoft is extending their lead?

Over PS3, yes. X360 still outsells it worldwide. Only during the PAL launch was that not true.

masteratt
09-04-2007, 09:36 PM
It's funny to see Sony sweating.
I came into gaming around PS1 days so you can understand this is a very weird scenario for me, heh.

With that new news about stock selling or whatever, yes I think Sony will give everyone a Christmas present.

But I'm not sure if that's good or bad news for Sony (considering the losses).

OmniCloud
09-04-2007, 11:35 PM
Yeah, more price cutting would be great....But, wouldn't it come with a bigger game like FF13 or MGS4 or something?

Then again, Holiday season price cut will probably have the same impact...

meh...Sony just needs God of War 3 lol

cliffbo
09-04-2007, 11:38 PM
Microsoft is extending their lead?

i was thinking the same thing

Fats
09-04-2007, 11:40 PM
Like Viper said, they currently are.

CreativeWriter
09-05-2007, 04:05 AM
If Sony isn't planning on a further price cut soon then this kind of speculation is counter-productive. Fence-sitters will simply wait for the price-drop, cutting current demand (and right now Sony's trying to clear 60GB inventory from shelves). If Sony's PR doesn't get on top of this story soon, it'll be a mistake... They've been sluggish in the last few years reacting to rumors/negative press.

If they are planning to cut the price further then perhaps early speculation will help dampen the 'desperation factor' consumers may perceive for having two price cuts in its first year on the market. Hmm...