Analysts predict 360 price cut tomorrow.......

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Logan, I hope you kept your receipt handy on your Xbox 360 you just bought.........

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?op...=6299&Itemid=2

Analyst: Xbox 360 Price Cut Imminent

By Kris Graft

UPDATE - Analysts have weighed in on the PlayStation 3 price cut today, with one saying that Microsoft will be cutting the price of all Xbox 360 models this week.
Update: Added Microsoft comments.

Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter stated in a note to investors today that Microsoft will announce an Xbox 360 price cut tomorrow at the start of the revamped E3 Media & Business Summit, which takes place all week.

Microsoft is holding its E3 press conference Tuesday evening.

He said that the price cut will affect all three Xbox 360 models. The $299 Core pack will drop to $249; the $399 Premium pack will drop to $349; and the recently released $479 Elite model will drop to $399.

Such a price cut would be a likely move for Microsoft following the PS3 pricing announcement today. Sony dropped the price of the 60GB PS3 from $599 to $499 and announced an 80GB PS3 with MotorStorm bundled for $599. The price drop appears to be in response to lower-than-expected sales of the console.

The drop in PS3 price puts the standard 60-gigger precariously close in price to the top-end Xbox 360 Elite, which is currently priced at $479.

Pachter stated, “…The value proposition for the PS3 is increased at the new lower price point, putting increased pressure on Microsoft to cut the price of its Xbox 360. The 80GB and 60GB PS3 models compare favorably to the 120GB and 20GB Xbox 360 models.”

He added, “Last week, Microsoft announced a slight Xbox 360 shipment shortfall (11.6 million units versus prior guidance of 12 million units through June 30), and we do not believe that the company is prepared to allow Sony to erode its pricing advantage.”

Pachter said that he expects the Xbox 360 to lose some share to the PS3 next year, mainly due to the PS3’s secondary ability to act as a high-def movie player. He expects $250 Nintendo Wii to outpace sales of Xbox 360 and PS3 until the latter consoles come down further in price.

Lazard Capital Markets’ Colin Sebastian said in his own investor note today that such a price cut for the PS3 is likely to generate more consumer interest, but the new $499 price point “still firmly occupies the high end of the current lineup of next-generation video game consoles.”

He added, “…We are encouraged by Sony’s willingness to cut the PS3 retail price less than a year following launch as component and production costs have decreased somewhat.”

Microsoft is still keeping its plans under wraps. "Microsoft has not made any announcements regarding a price cut on Xbox 360," a rep told Next-Gen in an e-mail today.

[CraigSca]

Wow! Might have to pick up an elite at that price point.

[Flasch186]

I bought GME (Gamestop) stock today. I know its at a high and anticipate some ups and downs but I suspect that the 3rd and 4th qtr of this year could be a huge season for games, system, and accessory buying. I plan on holding it through at least next January.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

Wow! Might have to pick up an elite at that price point.

It's a good move on the Elite price point. Part of the pricing problem at $479 was that you could get a PS3 for only $20 more with a HD movie player and built-in Wifi connection. Excluding the movie player, you can now get an Elite for $399 and purchase the $100 Wifi if you want it and still spend only $499, which compares similarly to the PS3.

The next move by Sony and MS will be the add-ons like packed in games or throw-ins for online store credit, which can be given away at minimal costs. We likely will see more price cutting/giveaways before the holiday season is over.

[Deattribution]

The PS3 really needed to drop 125-150 bucks, they already tried the 499 market with the 20gig model and it just didn't work. I know there are some considerable differences between the two models but not enough that they're going to start flying off the shelves now like they initially thought they would.

Putting the core 360 in line with the Wii price (250) would be a smart move as well.

[albionmoonlight]

Capitalism = Roxxors!

[Atocep]

Microsoft's gaming division is running circles around Sony's.

This is probably enough to get me to pick up a 360 soon.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Flasch186

I bought GME (Gamestop) stock today. I know its at a high and anticipate some ups and downs but I suspect that the 3rd and 4th qtr of this year could be a huge season for games, system, and accessory buying. I plan on holding it through at least next January.

I have some, too. So far, it has been a good investment.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

Capitalism = Roxxors!

Yeah, I'm trying to figure out the right time to make the move. I would really like NCAA/Madden on a next gen system this year, but if prices are going to drop another $100 or so come the holidays, then I'd just assume play these out on the PS2 and then get a new system.

But I don't want to get into that constant waiting game always waiting for the next price cut.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by wade moore

Yeah, I'm trying to figure out the right time to make the move. I would really like NCAA/Madden on a next gen system this year, but if prices are going to drop another $100 or so come the holidays, then I'd just assume play these out on the PS2 and then get a new system.

But I don't want to get into that constant waiting game always waiting for the next price cut.

If you really want a PS3 or 360, why wait at this point? You get to play the games right now at a lower price point for both systems.

A lot of people keep waiting and then never end up buying a system. If you don't game that much, perhaps that's the best option.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

If you really want a PS3 or 360, why wait at this point? You get to play the games right now at a lower price point for both systems.

A lot of people keep waiting and then never end up buying a system. If you don't game that much, perhaps that's the best option.

I don't game that much and it's an option I'm considering.

This is basically a system for NCAA Basketball and NCAA Football and/or Madden.

[wade moore]

Dola:

But that's part of the problem with this generation and why the Wii is winning by such a large margin. This is the first generation, imo, that the price point is just so out of reach for the casual gamer.

[Logan]

LOL...read closely Mizz...I was planning on buying it this coming Sunday . Thanks for the heads-up though.

[KWhit]

Originally Posted by wade moore

Dola:

But that's part of the problem with this generation and why the Wii is winning by such a large margin. This is the first generation, imo, that the price point is just so out of reach for the casual gamer.

Yep. I could afford a PS3 or 360, but just can't justify spending that much on a console. So I bought a Wii and love it so far.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by KWhit

Yep. I could afford a PS3 or 360, but just can't justify spending that much on a console. So I bought a Wii and love it so far.

Exactly. It's not that I can't afford it, it's that I can't justify the expense for how much time I put into it.

I keep meaning to go to a friend's to play the Wii to see how I like it. If I did (especially if my fiance also likes it which I think she will), that may be my solution. I just don't know that it's that great of a solution for my sports gaming needs.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Logan

LOL...read closely Mizz...I was planning on buying it this coming Sunday . Thanks for the heads-up though.

They do price matches as long as you keep the receipt. Just wanted to make sure you were covered.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by wade moore

Exactly. It's not that I can't afford it, it's that I can't justify the expense for how much time I put into it.

I keep meaning to go to a friend's to play the Wii to see how I like it. If I did (especially if my fiance also likes it which I think she will), that may be my solution. I just don't know that it's that great of a solution for my sports gaming needs.

If the price cut for the 360 is true, you'll be able to get a Core system for the same price as a Wii and the Premium system for only $100 more. The difference in price fades away in a hurry if the price cut comes to pass.

[Pyser]

im still holding out for when rock band comes out, since it appears that wont be for ps2. whichever has a better bundle at that point, or a better deal, anyway, if it isnt bundled, will win for me.

right now, its 360.

[KWhit]

Originally Posted by wade moore

Exactly. It's not that I can't afford it, it's that I can't justify the expense for how much time I put into it.

I keep meaning to go to a friend's to play the Wii to see how I like it. If I did (especially if my fiance also likes it which I think she will), that may be my solution. I just don't know that it's that great of a solution for my sports gaming needs.

Depends on how well they integrate the Wii-mote. Once developers get better at integrating that into games (and make it a priority to do so), I think the sports gaming experience has the potential to be the best of the bunch. I love Wii Sports and would love to see what a serious sports game can do with similar control mechanisms.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by KWhit

Depends on how well they integrate the Wii-mote. Once developers get better at integrating that into games (and make it a priority to do so), I think the sports gaming experience has the potential to be the best of the bunch. I love Wii Sports and would love to see what a serious sports game can do with similar control mechanisms.

I'm looking forward to the new bowling game where you can do a pro career. It seems like an idea that could really be good given that the Wii Sports: Bowling was done so well.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think the Wii is a great, fun system. However, I can't see it ever being my primary sports console system as it is unlikely to ever get some of the best gameplay improvements that games will have. For example, I doubt the Wii will ever get gang tackling, branching animations, etc in Madden. The direction seems to be more focused on novel control in the game.

[SackAttack]

Now that's funny.

I posted the story about Sony's price cut last night around 9:30pm Pacific.

Did a little writeup after the story talking about ramifications and whatnot.

Originally Posted by Gamenikki

What I expect is more likely to happen is incremental price cuts for all three SKUs; Core down to $249 to compete with Wii, Premium down to $349, Elite down to $429 (the $1 billion charge Microsoft is taking on their new three-year warranty program for systems suffering from the "Ring of Death" is the reason I expect a more muted response).

There's a couple things in that story that I'd like to have back, but I think I predicted Microsoft's response rather nicely. Shame I whiffed on that Elite price point, though.

[KWhit]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I think the Wii is a great, fun system. However, I can't see it ever being my primary sports console system as it is unlikely to ever get some of the best gameplay improvements that games will have. For example, I doubt the Wii will ever get gang tackling, branching animations, etc in Madden. The direction seems to be more focused on novel control in the game.

Gameplay improvements? I don't know if I'd call gang tackling and branching animations big gameplay improvements. Improved graphics are nice, but they don't equal fun to me.

I had more fun playing WiiSports Tennis than I've ever had playing Madden. I'm usually a stat head when playing games, so I wish I could have been able to have some kind of career mode or something like that in the Tennis game, but it was just so damn fun that I didn't care.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

If the price cut for the 360 is true, you'll be able to get a Core system for the same price as a Wii and the Premium system for only $100 more. The difference in price fades away in a hurry if the price cut comes to pass.

The Core doesn't even have a HD, right?

[Deattribution]

Originally Posted by wade moore

The Core doesn't even have a HD, right?

Right, you can always purchase one later seperately, or purchase memory cards to save your games though.

[SackAttack]

Shoot, you can buy a 512 MB card (matching the Wii's internal memory) for $50.

Value isn't quite equivalent - game + card + system = $350 on the Core - but it makes it a much harder decision for the "one system" families that are out there.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by KWhit

Gameplay improvements? I don't know if I'd call gang tackling and branching animations big gameplay improvements. Improved graphics are nice, but they don't equal fun to me.

I had more fun playing WiiSports Tennis than I've ever had playing Madden. I'm usually a stat head when playing games, so I wish I could have been able to have some kind of career mode or something like that in the Tennis game, but it was just so damn fun that I didn't care.

I may be wrong, but I think those two new features are going to make the game much more realistic than past versions. If they do, I'd say they are significant gameplay improvements. I've played the Wii at a few friends house, and I think it is a great system and I've also had a lot of fun playing WiiSports Tennis. I just don't think it would serve me well as my primary sports console system.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I may be wrong, but I think those two new features are going to make the game much more realistic than past versions. If they do, I'd say they are significant gameplay improvements. I've played the Wii at a few friends house, and I think it is a great system and I've also had a lot of fun playing WiiSports Tennis. I just don't think it would serve me well as my primary sports console system.

Yeah, but let's face it - you're a hardcore gamer. I think it's pretty clear that the 360/PS3 are the system choices for hardcore gamers. I'd be pretty surprised to find someone using the Wii as their primary/only system when they're a hardcore gamer.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by Deattribution

Right, you can always purchase one later seperately, or purchase memory cards to save your games though.

Memory Cards, ugh..

Buying one later, ugh..

[Kodos]

I really think your best bet is to get the Premium 360. And I'm with EaglesFan27 - I can't take sports games on the Wii seriously. It's a fun party-system, but I can't see it being much good for a serious dynasty type game like NCAA Football or Madden.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by Kodos

I really think your best bet is to get the Premium 360. And I'm with EaglesFan27 - I can't take sports games on the Wii seriously. It's a fun party-system, but I can't see it being much good for a serious dynasty type game like NCAA Football or Madden.

Yeah, the Premium is what I've considered to be the sytem I'd buy if I bought one.

I'm just a cheap bastard sometimes .

[Kodos]

Only sometimes?

[albionmoonlight]

Are the new .65nm chips worth waiting for?

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=7972

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

Are the new .65nm chips worth waiting for?

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=7972

They aren't going to be faster or have any new features, just be cooler and cheaper for Microsoft to produce. With the 3 year warranty announced, is it worth you waiting months without playing it just to get a cooler box?

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

They aren't going to be faster or have any new features, just be cooler and cheaper for Microsoft to produce. With the 3 year warranty announced, is it worth you waiting months without playing it just to get a cooler box?

Probably not.

Although in my case, it looks like it will end up being a Christmas purchase anyway, so it will probably be a moot point.

[Rich1033]

Any more info on this? A search of the web just turned up random rumors and every place still selling for $399. I am looking to buy a one, Id just hate to see it drop 50 bucks the week after I pick it up.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Rich1033

Any more info on this? A search of the web just turned up random rumors and every place still selling for $399. I am looking to buy a one, Id just hate to see it drop 50 bucks the week after I pick it up.

Yes, that was interesting that nothing came through in the presentation last night. Probably should wait until E3 is complete though before we start wondering about why MS didn't drop the price on the 360. They could be just holding this back until right before the Sony presentation and then release it to upstage Sony's thunder.

But if we don't see one by early next week, then we can begin to wonder.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Rich1033

Any more info on this? A search of the web just turned up random rumors and every place still selling for $399. I am looking to buy a one, Id just hate to see it drop 50 bucks the week after I pick it up.

I'm buying it at Circuit City on Sunday, as the system will come with a free year of XBox Live. Through them, you're also protected on drops in price for 30 days...you'll get the full difference if you show up with your receipt. I figure that if it's going to happen, it will be within that timeframe, and if not, no big deal.

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

But if we don't see one by early next week, then we can begin to wonder.

I have to admit I'm surprised that MS continues to say publicly that they feel no compulsion to drop the price. Maybe that's just PR bluster and they really are going to drop their prices soon, but if not - wow. Yes, they've built up a pretty big lead on the PS3. Yes, Sony has very few exclusives left, and some games on both systems actually look worse on the PS3. But now is not the time to let Sony try to regain some ground - now is the time to put the boot to the throat and give gamers no reason to consider buying a PS3.

I have this feeling that MS has gotten too cocky with their lead, with Sony losing exclusives and with the strong lineup MS has going into this holiday season and is looking to do a little short-term profit-taking by keeping their prices static, at the probable expense of letting Sony gain some ground on install base.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

I have to admit I'm surprised that MS continues to say publicly that they feel no compulsion to drop the price. Maybe that's just PR bluster and they really are going to drop their prices soon, but if not - wow. Yes, they've built up a pretty big lead on the PS3. Yes, Sony has very few exclusives left, and some games on both systems actually look worse on the PS3. But now is not the time to let Sony try to regain some ground - now is the time to put the boot to the throat and give gamers no reason to consider buying a PS3.

I have this feeling that MS has gotten too cocky with their lead, with Sony losing exclusives and with the strong lineup MS has going into this holiday season and is looking to do a little short-term profit-taking by keeping their prices static, at the probable expense of letting Sony gain some ground on install base.

Totally agree. MS should be going for the jugular right now.

I get the feeling (especially after the Nintendo presentation) that both Nintendo and MS are a bit too comfortable with the margin and Sony's early struggles. Sony's got a lot of work to do, but they have a solid machine who's only major fault right now is that it's still $100 too high. If they can find a way to get the 60 GB system down another $100 near the holidays, MS may be wishing that they would have stepped on the throttle a bit sooner.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Totally agree. MS should be going for the jugular right now.

I get the feeling (especially after the Nintendo presentation) that both Nintendo and MS are a bit too comfortable with the margin and Sony's early struggles. Sony's got a lot of work to do, but they have a solid machine who's only major fault right now is that it's still $100 too high. If they can find a way to get the 60 GB system down another $100 near the holidays, MS may be wishing that they would have stepped on the throttle a bit sooner.

Totally agree with your 1st statement, only partially agree with the 2nd.

MS should be going for the jugular, it's just stupid that they're not.

You know as well as I do (and lord knows TroyF does) that the only major fault of the PS3 is not the cost.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by wade moore

You know as well as I do (and lord knows TroyF does) that the only major fault of the PS3 is not the cost.

What is the other issue? The reason the games aren't out for it is because there's a small installed base at this point. Some talk about that it's difficult to develop for, but they'd have no issues finding ways to develop for it if it had 10M installed base. The reason for the installed base problem? Price. It's a very simple equation and it's textbook economics.

[Kodos]

But some people prefer 30 FPS to 60! It's a fact!

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

What is the other issue? The reason the games aren't out for it is because there's a small installed base at this point. Some talk about that it's difficult to develop for, but they'd have no issues finding ways to develop for it if it had 10M installed base. The reason for the installed base problem? Price. It's a very simple equation and it's textbook economics.

Whether it is the chicken or the egg - people aren't going to buy the system in masses if the games aren't there. Right now, the games aren't there. It doesn't look like the system seller type games will be there until 08 at the earliest. You know that is a problem, just as much as the price of the system.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Whether it is the chicken or the egg - people aren't going to buy the system in masses if the games aren't there. Right now, the games aren't there. It doesn't look like the system seller type games will be there until 08 at the earliest. You know that is a problem, just as much as the price of the system.

That is a problem, but these developers are pushing back those games until '08 because of the lack of installed base. If Sony would have released a system at $399 or $499, the base would have been bigger and these games would have had these 'delays'. Regardless, Sony created the situation, so they now have to dig their way out as best they can.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Kodos

But some people prefer 30 FPS to 60! It's a fact!

Seriously? Who said that? Link?

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

That is a problem, but these developers are pushing back those games until '08 because of the lack of installed base. If Sony would have released a system at $399 or $499, the base would have been bigger and these games would have had these 'delays'. Regardless, Sony created the situation, so they now have to dig their way out as best they can.

Or they are pushing them back because the PS3 is difficult to program for as several developers have said.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Or they are pushing them back because the PS3 is difficult to program for as several developers have said.

There's also already been more than one article detailing developers who admitted that they intentionally are pushing back games that could be otherwise released. I'll buy that somewhat, but as I said, they'd have games out for the PS3 in droves by now if there was a major installed base.

I don't want to take this topic too off topic, so I'll stop there.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looks like Bill Harris was just as surprised that Microsoft didn't even attempt to go for a kill shot......

E3 Post #2--Microsoft Press Conference: Has Anyone Seen the Bridge? Where's That Confounded Bridge?

Sony stumbles into E3, covered in their own puke, croaks about a $100 price cut, and collapses. When they roll over as they dry heave, their head winds up under Microsoft's steel-toed boot.

So what does Microsoft do?

Nothing.

Incredibly, Microsoft did absolutely nothing at the E3 press conference to press their advantage. No price cut. No stealth price cut. No new exclusives.

No future, strangely, as the focus of their presentation was that all (well, almost all) of the games they were showing were coming out by the end of 2007.

It's easy to see what they were trying to do--focus on the crushing number of excellent games that are coming out for the system in the next five months--but good grief, give us a taste of the future, at least.

Oh, and they introduced a four button controller that they should have just gone ahead and called My First Imitation Wii Controller. Except it doesn't have motion sensing.

Blech. It would have been one thing to swing and miss, but hell, Microsoft didn't even take a swing.

They may well still hammer Sony this fall, but they could have "more bettered" hammered them with a price cut.

Three words: "press the advantage."

And Nintendo? Nintendo is long, long gone.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Seriously? Who said that? Link?

Exaggeration, sir. You just seem to be downplaying the fact that PS3 has a lower framerate than the 360 for some prominent sports games. Just having fun.