So Much For the PS3 Price Cut...

[SirFozzie]

Wow, way to step on your dick. You get some positive momentum by announcing a price cut.. Who knew it was just a one month sale?

http://kotaku.com/gaming/say-what%3F/60gb-ps3-being-taken-out-to-pasture-278039.php

According to SCEE president David Reeves, the now-cheaper 60GB PS3 will be sold out in the US by the end of the month. Once they're gone? No more. Ever.

"All they're doing is taking their stock in trade that they've got at the moment of the 60GB model, marking the price down and it will all be gone by the end of July."

Once that happens, he says, there'll be just the 80GB models. Which cost $599. So if you want in on some of that PS3 price-cut action, you'd best get cracking.

This announcement does little but raise a whole load of questions. Why announce such a short-term price-cut? Why is the president of SCE Europe saying this? Why are Europe and Australia still receiving models being phased out in the US? How long will the "limited edition" 80GB MotorStorm bundle last? Who knows. If you need me, I'll be out the back, scratching my head.

[SirFozzie]

I'll tell you what.. If this is true and not an idiot talking shit, Microsoft were unfortunately right when it came to not matching the price cut.

[TroyF]

Wow, way to step on your dick. You get some positive momentum by announcing a price cut.. Who knew it was just a one month sale?

http://kotaku.com/gaming/say-what%3F/60gb-ps3-being-taken-out-to-pasture-278039.php

According to SCEE president David Reeves, the now-cheaper 60GB PS3 will be sold out in the US by the end of the month. Once they're gone? No more. Ever.

"All they're doing is taking their stock in trade that they've got at the moment of the 60GB model, marking the price down and it will all be gone by the end of July."

Once that happens, he says, there'll be just the 80GB models. Which cost $599. So if you want in on some of that PS3 price-cut action, you'd best get cracking.

This announcement does little but raise a whole load of questions. Why announce such a short-term price-cut? Why is the president of SCE Europe saying this? Why are Europe and Australia still receiving models being phased out in the US? How long will the "limited edition" 80GB MotorStorm bundle last? Who knows. If you need me, I'll be out the back, scratching my head.


Something doesn't add up there. They have such a ridiculously large inventory, I don't think it's possible they sell out ofthe 499 unit by the end of July. I mean, even now, I'm seeing PS3's everywhere I go. It's not like there is some shortage that's going to cause these systems to go away anytime soon.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Something doesn't add up there. They have such a ridiculously large inventory, I don't think it's possible they sell out ofthe 499 unit by the end of July. I mean, even now, I'm seeing PS3's everywhere I go. It's not like there is some shortage that's going to cause these systems to go away anytime soon.

I'd agree. It doesn't make sense at all. Two points:

1. We're dealing with a 'news' article from what is basically a gaming blog.

2. We're taking a crazy comment from a Sony exec and assuming that he actually said what he meant to say. :)

I rest my case. Best to let this one soak over the weekend. It'll likely be a totally different angle by then.

[SirFozzie]

I'd agree. It doesn't make sense at all. Two points:

1. We're dealing with a 'news' article from what is basically a gaming blog.

2. We're taking a crazy comment from a Sony exec and assuming that he actually said what he meant to say. :)

I rest my case. Best to let this one soak over the weekend. It'll likely be a totally different angle by then.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=26702

Q:How concerned are you about possible criticisms that you should have given European consumers what SCEA has given US consumers, i.e. the option to pay a lower price?

A:Well, they're not really are they, because what the US are offering from the 1st of August is a USD 599 version with one game. All they're doing is taking their stock in trade that they've got at the moment of the 60GB model, marking the price down and it will all be gone by the end of July.

Q:So once the 60GB is gone, that will be the end of the 60GB then?

A: In America, yes.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=26702

Q:How concerned are you about possible criticisms that you should have given European consumers what SCEA has given US consumers, i.e. the option to pay a lower price?

A:Well, they're not really are they, because what the US are offering from the 1st of August is a USD 599 version with one game. All they're doing is taking their stock in trade that they've got at the moment of the 60GB model, marking the price down and it will all be gone by the end of July.

Q:So once the 60GB is gone, that will be the end of the 60GB then?

A: In America, yes.

See point #2.

[SirFozzie]

It's just mindboggling.. If this is true, they've not shot themselves in the foot, they've claymore mined their feet. if this is NOT true, then this exec should be fired.

[SirFozzie]

See point #2.

In other words, "Sony Exec says something that makes no business sense, so despite all the other idiotic moves they've made in the last few months, I'm gonna hope this is not true, too?"

Seriously man.

[TroyF]

Sir Fozzie,

I don't disagree with what the Sony guy said. Maybe they will eliminate the 60GB unit and they'll only have an 80GB unit available for $599 when that unit is gone. That sound just dumb enough that Sony would strongly consider it.

My issue is withe the 60GB machines being gone by the end of July. There are so many of those systems in the distribution channels now it isn't even funny. Even with this price cut, Sony is likely only going ot double their total weekly sales at most. That means the 60GB machines will be in the US until well into the start of the holiday season. I just don't see those 60GB units being gone by the end of July. (and if they really could go that fast by the end of July, Sony would find a way to get more there. That'd be a ridiculous month for PS3 sales)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

It's just mindboggling.. If this is true, they've not shot themselves in the foot, they've claymore mined their feet. if this is NOT true, then this exec should be fired.

Let's assume that everything is correct and that Sony has made that decision and what the guy said is true. My guess is that we'll end up seeing a monsterous amount of backlash today from the hardcore gaming community and Sony will put out a statement sometime next week saying 'Hey! We were just kidding about that whole thing! He was misquoted!'. Sounds about right, doesn't it? :)

Sony has the market cornered on dumb PR statements. I don't think there's any question about that.

[Ksyrup]

Maybe they're hoping to create a rush on the 60GB versions that will be like a self-fulfilling prophecy? Hype it to where people think they will run out, which causes enough of a spark that it either happens or comes much closer than it otherwise would have?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sir Fozzie,

I don't disagree with what the Sony guy said. Maybe they will eliminate the 60GB unit and they'll only have an 80GB unit available for $599 when that unit is gone. That sound just dumb enough that Sony would strongly consider it.

My issue is withe the 60GB machines being gone by the end of July. There are so many of those systems in the distribution channels now it isn't even funny. Even with this price cut, Sony is likely only going ot double their total weekly sales at most. That means the 60GB machines will be in the US until well into the start of the holiday season. I just don't see those 60GB units being gone by the end of July. (and if they really could go that fast by the end of July, Sony would find a way to get more there. That'd be a ridiculous month for PS3 sales)

Additionally, Sony had every intention of significanly slowing PS2 production by this point. Then, they suddenly figured out that the thing was selling like hotcakes and so they continue to push out quite a few PS2's for sale.

I totally agree with you on your point. If the 60 GB PS3 sells as well as this guys says it will, Sony will have no choice but to produce more 60 GB PS3's. Not sure I agree with his assessment, but I'm sure they'd be more than happy to back-track on the 'no more 60 GB PS3' statement in that case.

Also, if they did that, they'd have to announce to the public when the change-over is made where the 60 GB machine is no longer being produced with the Emotion Engine assuming they change the decision and decide to produce more 60 GB machines.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

In other words, "Sony Exec says something that makes no business sense, so despite all the other idiotic moves they've made in the last few months, I'm gonna hope this is not true, too?"

Seriously man.

Obviously, that's not even close to what I said.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sir Fozzie,

I don't disagree with what the Sony guy said. Maybe they will eliminate the 60GB unit and they'll only have an 80GB unit available for $599 when that unit is gone. That sound just dumb enough that Sony would strongly consider it.

My issue is withe the 60GB machines being gone by the end of July. There are so many of those systems in the distribution channels now it isn't even funny. Even with this price cut, Sony is likely only going ot double their total weekly sales at most. That means the 60GB machines will be in the US until well into the start of the holiday season. I just don't see those 60GB units being gone by the end of July. (and if they really could go that fast by the end of July, Sony would find a way to get more there. That'd be a ridiculous month for PS3 sales)

Exactly. Don't they have millions of PS3's still sitting around? I wouldn't be surprised if they still have the 60 GB models that were produced earlier this year's still available for sale into next year.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Exactly. Don't they have millions of PS3's still sitting around? I wouldn't be surprised if they still have the 60 GB models that were produced earlier this year's still available for sale into next year.

I was chatting with Bill Harris about this and he said that there is roughly 4-5 months worth of supply in the U.S right now. So it's likely at least another million sitting on the shelves at a minimum.

[Emiliano]

I wouldn't be surprised if they still have the 60 GB models that were produced earlier this year's still available for sale into next year.

Exactly what I was thinking. No way they're gonna sell out ALL the 60 Gb by the end of July. Sony really does have some odd marketing strategies...:rolleyes:

[KWhit]

Sounds like they want to try to stimulate a huge bump in sales that they can point to and say that their strategy worked. Try to get the public to believe that there is a time limit on the cheaper price point and more people might make it a point to pick one up over the next couple of weeks.

I don't think it will work too well, but that might be the motivation.

[Kodos]

The posters on that board were saying that it's likely the 80 gb version will drop to $499 once the 60 gb units are gone.

I would almost rather have a 60 gb with the EE than an 80 GB without the EE.

[Big Fo]

But for the extra $100 you get a $60 game! ;)

I don't get this, a $600 console is just never going to work in this country. And yeah, agreed with everyone else that it will take more than a month and a half to sell all the 60 GB units.

[BrianD]

Maybe they're hoping to create a rush on the 60GB versions that will be like a self-fulfilling prophecy? Hype it to where people think they will run out, which causes enough of a spark that it either happens or comes much closer than it otherwise would have?

They have been doing this for most of the life of the PS3.

Sony: We promise to speed up production to eliminate the shortages everyone is seeing.

Everyone: Shortage? Everywhere I go I see a pile of PS3s...

[SirFozzie]

It's been confirmed by Kaz Hirai (the current President and Group Chief Operating Officer of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc)

http://atvs.vg.no/?id=10235

"Well, again, just from a hardware perspective, the 499 dollar price adjustment that we did for the 60 GB version, for the American market, we're no longer in production for that product, so once that product is gone from the retailer shelves, then we're back to the $599 SKU only, so it's not like we have a two price strategy here in the US market. We found out very early on, you know, consumers react mostly to just having one SKU as opposed to two."

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

It's been confirmed by Kaz Hirai (the current President and Group Chief Operating Officer of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc)

http://atvs.vg.no/?id=10235

"Well, again, just from a hardware perspective, the 499 dollar price adjustment that we did for the 60 GB version, for the American market, we're no longer in production for that product, so once that product is gone from the retailer shelves, then we're back to the $599 SKU only, so it's not like we have a two price strategy here in the US market. We found out very early on, you know, consumers react mostly to just having one SKU as opposed to two."

Not smart. Just when you thought they were actually making a good decision......

[SirFozzie]

It's Not The Features of the System that are limiting sales..

"It's The Price, Stupid"

[Icy]

Umm i guess they want to do the following:

#1 Get rid of the 60 gb Ps3 for the following reasons:
- A 80gb HD cost is probably the same than the 60's one.
- The 80gb console has software PS2 emulation like the European, instead of the more expensive PS2 chip that the early USA 60gb PS3 has. This will save them a lot of money.

#2 Create an "Starting pack" like they are doing for Europe, bundling the PS3, 2 games and one extra sisaxys controler for $599 (this pack is for sale since today in Europe at 599€).


If that is true, they should have said it, that the lower price is only until the stocks are gone and that after that, the "starting pack" will be the remaining offer, instead of making everybody think this was a definitive discount.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Umm i guess they want to do the following:

#1 Get rid of the 60 gb Ps3 for the following reasons:
- A 80gb HD cost is probably the same than the 60's one.
- The 80gb console has software PS2 emulation like the European, instead of the more expensive PS2 chip that the early USA 60gb PS3 has. This will save them a lot of money.

#2 Create an "Starting pack" like they are doing for Europe, bundling the PS3, 2 games and one extra sisaxys controler for $599 (this pack is for sale since today in Europe at 599€).


If that is true, they should have said it, that the lower price is only until the stocks are gone and that after that, the "starting pack" will be the remaining offer, instead of making everybody think this was a definitive discount.

Actually, by the time they clear out the 60 GB stock, they'll likely have component prices to the point where they can offer the 80 GB for $499.

[TroyF]

It's another in a long line of idiotic moves from Sony and the PS3. . . but it doesn't really matter here. They aren't getting rid of the 60gb models as quickly as they think they will. The idiots will still see those on shelves for months.

By the time the shelves are empty of the 60gb model, they'll be forced to drop it back to 500. When I think Sony has hit rock bottom, they take out the jackhammer and find a way to dig deeper. It's like it's some sort of sick contest.

Public: Well, we aren't buying these peices of crap, there are no games and Sony can't possibly get dumber. They'll make a price cut anyday now.

Sony: Price Cut

Public: We told you so. We knew you had to wise up eventually.

Sony: Only a temp. deal guys. Price cut will be gone before you know it. Idiots.

Public: ?????

[dervack]

Am I the only one seeing that they want one SKU? Which means they are going to do away with the 20GB model also?

[SirFozzie]

WTF?

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6427&Itemid=2

Now SCEA is saying NOT true?

Who's running this PR campaign, Moe Larry and Curly?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

WTF?

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6427&Itemid=2

Now SCEA is saying NOT true?

Who's running this PR campaign, Moe Larry and Curly?

Told ya. And you thought I was silly for suggesting this would happen. FWIW......it had to be true, but they pulled an about-face before it could become 'officially' true. The sad part is that I was able to figure out what stupid move Sony would pull next before it happened. They're becoming awfully predictable in their tom-foolery. :)

[Kodos]

One wonders how they managed to be so dominant for the last 2 generations if they are indeed such bunglers now.

I just looked the PS3 lineup, and Resistance is the ONLY game of theirs that I am interested in that isn't out on the 360.

[Icy]

Am I the only one seeing that they want one SKU? Which means they are going to do away with the 20GB model also?

If I'm not mistaken, the 20gb model was discontinued some time ago.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

If I'm not mistaken, the 20gb model was discontinued some time ago.

Yes, it's been gone for several months now.

[SirFozzie]

from the couple of gaming sites I've seen, it's basically what Troy said earlier.. that the $499 SKU will not be replenished, that it's what Sony and retailers have on hand (which is probably a great big amount), but it's not going to be out next month.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

from the couple of gaming sites I've seen, it's basically what Troy said earlier.. that the $499 SKU will not be replenished, that it's what Sony and retailers have on hand (which is probably a great big amount), but it's not going to be out next month.

They haven't changed anything. The slip-up today was revealing what the plan was all along. The correction said that they had stock 'for the foreseeable future'. That's code for "we've got a ton of these things on the shelves, so we won't run out for a few months anyway". When they run out of these 60 GB models, they'll just drop the 80 GB price to $499 to avoid a perceived 'price hike'.

[gstelmack]

When they run out of these 60 GB models, they'll just drop the 80 GB price to $499 to avoid a perceived 'price hike'.

They should have plenty of those by then, too, as who will be buying them?

[SirFozzie]

They haven't changed anything. The slip-up today was revealing what the plan was all along. The correction said that they had stock 'for the foreseeable future'. That's code for "we've got a ton of these things on the shelves, so we won't run out for a few months anyway". When they run out of these 60 GB models, they'll just drop the 80 GB price to $499 to avoid a perceived 'price hike'.

Well, they did it completely backasswards then.. but I guess this is par for the course.

"We've secretly replaced the PR Team for Sony with Folgers Crystals. Let's see if anyone notices the difference"

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Well, they did it completely backasswards then.. but I guess this is par for the course.

Well, not really. They didn't plan on revealing it at all, but someone forgot to tell the bumbling idiot in charge of the European division that they weren't to talk about it in public.

[dervack]

Yes, it's been gone for several months now.
Oh ok. Well, I don't follow the PS3 news usually.

[SirFozzie]

Well, not really. They didn't plan on revealing it at all, but someone forgot to tell the bumbling idiot in charge of the European division that they weren't to talk about it in public.


I can just see him shuffling into Kaz's office.. "Um.. oops?"

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I can just see him shuffling into Kaz's office.. "Um.. oops?"

I'm guessing he'll blame the French and all will be forgiven........

[TroyF]

They haven't changed anything. The slip-up today was revealing what the plan was all along. The correction said that they had stock 'for the foreseeable future'. That's code for "we've got a ton of these things on the shelves, so we won't run out for a few months anyway". When they run out of these 60 GB models, they'll just drop the 80 GB price to $499 to avoid a perceived 'price hike'.

At this point, I'm not even buying that. If their inventory somehow ran out in a few months, I think they'd take that as a sign that their comeback was well underway and that they could support the $599 price point now.

I think they are complete idiots. This continues to be the worst launch in console history and it shows no sign of improving. Simply unbelievable.

[Schmidty]

You people care too much about video games.

I, for one, am going to sell my SNES and take up double dutch.

[bulletsponge]

Wow, way to step on your dick. You get some positive momentum by announcing a price cut.. Who knew it was just a one month sale?



wow, and i thought i was the only one hung so well i can acidentally step on my dick!

[sabotai]

If I happened to buy one of the last remaining 60GB PS3s for $499, and a week later when the supply ran out they dropped the price of the 80GB PS3 + game model to $499, I think I would be REALLY, REALLY pissed off.

[TroyF]

If I happened to buy one of the last remaining 60GB PS3s for $499, and a week later when the supply ran out they dropped the price of the 80GB PS3 + game model to $499, I think I would be REALLY, REALLY pissed off.


Just wait until yo actually get it home and unwrapped and realize you don't have more than 2 quality titles to play on the damned thing.

[IMetTrentGreen]

You must have really high standards, unless you mean ps3 exclusive.

Hell, Motorstorm alone rocks so much ass it should count as 2 by itself. NG Simga, too.

[Bee]

At first I thought MS would have to respond to this price cut by Sony, now I think if I were MS I would just sit back and watch the show. I never imagined a company could fuck up a price cut.

[TroyF]

You must have really high standards, unless you mean ps3 exclusive.

Hell, Motorstorm alone rocks so much ass it should count as 2 by itself. NG Simga, too.

Motorstorm is ok, but has a lot of issues. The first is that it isn't all that lasting of a game. A couple of dominant trucks/cars in the game. Get them and you blow through it like there is no tomorrow. After the initial "wow" impression, you find there just isn't a lot of depth to the game. Resistence is an A++ title. Terrific game.

If you haven't played Oblivion before, that's good. (and still the highest overall ranked PS3 game) Virtua Fighter is a very good "niche" game that was big at the start and now has about 20 used copies at my local Game Crazy. MLB: The Show is a game I think is overrated. (personal opinion, others here love it.)

Haven't played NG yet, but I've heard it's good.

That's essentially your PS3 lineup right now, 7 months after the release of the system.

I count 2 games with depth and long term playability. Oblivion and Resistence. Others will argue about The Show and NG. I haven't heard a lot of people try to make the arguement for Motorstorm. (you are one of the first to be honest)

If that lineup is enough for you to spend 600 bones on. (ok, 500 now for the 60GB), that's great. The Blu Ray player is fantastic and the system seems rock solid.

But as a gamer, I'm incredibly dissapointed in the amount and quality of games for the system to this point. My PS3 has spent more time playing Planet Earth Blue Ray movies than actual games. That's not a good thing.

[sterlingice]

Who's running this PR campaign, Moe Larry and Curly?
I believe that would be "Dewey, Cheatem & Howe"

SI

[IMetTrentGreen]

Well, we'll just have to disagree about Motorstorm, but I do agree how dissapointing the early games have been overall. But it's not like the Wii has some amazing lineup, either, unless you're 12.

I got one this weekend for the blu-ray player and NCAA 08, and I'm willng to be it's worth the money in very short order for me. In fact, along with blu-ray, I'd be willing to bet that just with Motorstorm, Ninja Gaiden, NCAA 2k7, NCAA 08, and the $8 I spent on Stardust HD, I could get 500 bucks out of it over the next year, easy.

So it's not totally unreasonable that the ps3 is the most attractive system for someone.

[IMetTrentGreen]

And Motorstorm online gives it as much long term playability as Resistance, easy.

[Mac Howard]

Exactly what I was thinking. No way they're gonna sell out ALL the 60 Gb by the end of July. Sony really does have some odd marketing strategies...:rolleyes:

They'll withdraw them from the US market and ship them out here where they sell for $A999 :( ($A1 is approximately 84 US cents)

[TargetPractice6]

They'll withdraw them from the US market and ship them out here where they sell for $A999 :( ($A1 is approximately 84 US cents)That's gross.