As far as Microsoft are concerned, It seems to be pretty much confirmed they are going to drop the Pro model and cut the Elite to it's price to compete with the $299 PS3. Whether they go lower than that and/or cut the price of the Arcade remains to be seen. I'm not sure they will. Bundles are a cert though.
Microsoft seem to be content with plodding along and soaking up what sales they can get at $199 without investing too much, presumably with an eye on Natal and 2010. I really don't see much overlap between the cost conscious consumers who will be looking to pick up a $199 Arcade and those who will be excited to pick up a PS3 at $299 so in a sense there might not be much point in them cutting prices because PS3 is going to get a significant end of year uplift anyway and Microsoft's growth area is likely at the $199 level where they will already be $100 cheaper.
The Wii by far is going to have the toughest compares this holiday and it's unclear if they are going to do anything to keep sales at their previous crazy level. It may well turn out that things are pretty equal between all three when all is said and done.
Lol? I think ur the one who is "hurt" since u keep saying the PS3 is having a lackluster year when the 360 itself is doing the same level that the PS3 is. Really u keep saying how bad the PS3 is doing and how Sony wont reach targets but the 360 is half the price of the PS3 and even in this recession it can barely beat the PS3. I was just pointing out that the PS3 isn't having as bad of a year like u say it is.
Sony have in my opinion the opportunity to run away with this years Christmas sales if GT5 does come out before Xmas the Slim arrives and a decent cut offered this will be very attractive.
But last year Microsoft saw the power of putting together a package along with a deep price cut, I just think they will not be willing the let Sony walk away with in the same way they did last year so expect they will realign the product offering, cut the price and offer bundles.
With regards to Attacking or defenging. At least it is showing some passion and getting some talking done, this site will die If we leave it as is. It needs the passion of fans.
@deftangel, I see more people "attacking PS3 and defending 360" then I see the opposite. Although I agree that PS3 hasn't done too well this year. I'm surprised it hasn't done worse in this economy.
I don't know if MS will do another price cut this year. I think if they do it will be small. Like if PS3 80 gb goes to $299. I could see 360 Pro go to $279. I think 360 bundles are likely.
Why has this become the "defend PS3, attack 360 sales" thread? Outerhaven, you keep moving the goalposts as if making an observation about PS3 sales hurts your feelings. I clearly didn't say price wasn't a factor. It just isn't the only factor.
I'll just let the holiday NPD's speak for themselves I think.
Halo 3 ODST very much like Halo, Forza 3 and Left for Dead 2 all good titles all coming out in time for Christmas. In addition Modern Warfare 2 although Multiplatform does extremely well on the 360.
Another Major Live update to coincide with Christmas which I think they will market the hell out of.
If Sony pull out a big price cut then Microsoft will follow.
I am not saying it will not happen as you say just that if you ignore the competition you will be disapointed. So far the PS3 has not lived up to its hype and consistenly disapoints. After all it is supposed to have Europe in the bag due to brand loyalty and the PS2 userbase.
THe 360 has been on the market for a long time now. Its cheaper than the wii, they just cannot go any lower with their price. Even if the drop the arcade now and promote pro i dont think they will sell that much more, especially if PS3 can be had for $100 more, ppl who have waited for a PS3 will undoubtedly go for it. There are just some people out there who are waiting for Sony to cut its price. 360 is gonna have a hard Christmas if they dont drop the price/arcade upgrade to pro because they have no games coming out this winter that are like Gears or Halo. Especially in Europe where the PS3 dominated the 360 until it cut its price below the wii.
The problem with Price is it very easy for Nintendo and Microsoft to counter. If Sony reduce the price by $100 dollars then Microsoft follow suit and what you are left with is the PS3 is still expensive. It all becomes relative.
For example Microsoft could do away with the Arcade and drop the Pro to the arcade price and the Elite to the Pro price. Nintendo certainly have room to move on price as well.
What we could end up here is what is the pent up demand for the PS3 this far down the line. I believe it is still substantial but as the PS3 has not delivered to date I would be hesistant to stick my neck out.
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Sure ok, how about we leave it at that? :-)
@welshbloke / @Joe80
As far as Microsoft are concerned, It seems to be pretty much confirmed they are going to drop the Pro model and cut the Elite to it's price to compete with the $299 PS3. Whether they go lower than that and/or cut the price of the Arcade remains to be seen. I'm not sure they will. Bundles are a cert though.
Microsoft seem to be content with plodding along and soaking up what sales they can get at $199 without investing too much, presumably with an eye on Natal and 2010. I really don't see much overlap between the cost conscious consumers who will be looking to pick up a $199 Arcade and those who will be excited to pick up a PS3 at $299 so in a sense there might not be much point in them cutting prices because PS3 is going to get a significant end of year uplift anyway and Microsoft's growth area is likely at the $199 level where they will already be $100 cheaper.
The Wii by far is going to have the toughest compares this holiday and it's unclear if they are going to do anything to keep sales at their previous crazy level. It may well turn out that things are pretty equal between all three when all is said and done.