If $299 Bluray players are happening this year, it's pretty safe to say that a $299 PS3 will happen this year. That is unless PS3 takes over at current pricepoints, but MS will likely retaliate with a price cut, which would again push Sony to price cut.
I still expect PS3 & 360 (Pro) to have a $299 SKU available this year. I predict the following to happen by the end of the year at the latest point:
PS3 80gb (bundle w/ MGS4 or later PS3 title) $399. PS3 40gb (perhaps w/game or movie) $299 360 Arcade $229-$250 360 Pro $279-$299 360 Elite $399-$379 Wii $250 (Nintendo won't budge this year)
Of course all this could change if they decide to release new SKUs.
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I still expect PS3 & 360 (Pro) to have a $299 SKU available this year. I predict the following to happen by the end of the year at the latest point:
PS3 80gb (bundle w/ MGS4 or later PS3 title) $399.
PS3 40gb (perhaps w/game or movie) $299
360 Arcade $229-$250
360 Pro $279-$299
360 Elite $399-$379
Wii $250 (Nintendo won't budge this year)
Of course all this could change if they decide to release new SKUs.