North American sales of the PlayStation 3 console line doubled in the weeks following a $100 price drop, according to Sony CEO Sir Howard Stringer.
The system sold 100,000 units in the first week of November. The average weekly sale the previous month was 30,000. Continued…
Sony has a new model PlayStation 3 on the way, and tech site Ars Technica claims it’s a 40GB unit for $399.
The Japanese electronics giant’s recent filing for the Federal Communications Commission lists a new SKU for the seventh-gen console, but gives no further details. Ars Technica claims to have inside information, that the new SKU will retail for $399.
According to “sources,” the new hardware launches November 16.
Link.
XBLRadio alleges that nationwide electronics retailer Best Buy is tacking a $3 “tax” to Xbox 360 accessories, in anticipation of the release of Halo 3 on September 25. Continued…
A top investment analyst predicts Sony will further cut the price of the PlayStation 3 console line in the second quarter of 2008.
In a letter to investors yesterday, Wedbush Morgan’s Michael Pachter stated “…we do expect Sony to be in a position to cut the price of the PS3 in early 2008, when blockbuster games Grand Theft Auto IV and PS3 exclusive Metal Gear Solid 4 will launch.” Continued…
Last Wednesday The Hollywood Reporter reported an overall $50 price drop for the Xbox 360 line, presumably in response to Sony’s recent discounts on the PlayStation 3. At that time, Microsoft refused to confirm or deny the story.
Since then, bloggers have uncovered that the unannounced price drop is real. First, both Toys “R” Us and Wal-Mart advertised a “price break” on the 20GB 360 “Premium,” with a list of $349.99.
Toys “R” Us (left), Walmart circulars.
Today, Joystiq found a Circuit City circular offering price cuts on the entire product line.
I checked Amazon.com, and the 20GB SKU is still selling for $399.99. Neither the Toys “R” Us website nor the Wal-Mart site are offering the price reduction, which suggests that only certain retailers’ brick & mortar stores are affected at this time.
Microsoft may be dropping prices in advance of three major title releases this fall: Madden NFL 08, John Woo Presents Stranglehold, and of course Halo 3.
Before you run out to Wal-Mart to save $50, be sure to read this.
