Analyst: Dropping PS3 Price Would Be A Nice Gesture
See Full ImageMany gamers are seeking restitution of some kind for this whole PSN/SOE ordeal, and Sony has already said they'll be rolling out a "welcome back" plan when everything is back up and running.
But that might not be enough. According to Lazard Capital Markets analyst Colin Sebastian, perhaps gamers require a longer-lasting incentive: a PS3 price drop. He said a hardware price cut "would be a nice olive branch right now," and let's not forget that Nintendo plans to drop the retail price tag of the Wii later this month. As a result, some believe both Sony and Microsoft might announce price drops for their consoles come E3. Of course, we all remember how sales of Sony's machine soared when the price dropped to $299 with the introduction of the new Slim model; another cut could be highly beneficial. But Sony has only recently started to turn a profit on the console and they've often called the $299 price the "sweet spot."
Price drops always result in hardware sales spikes. The question is whether or not such a move is necessary as a result of the recent unpleasantness.
Tags: ps3, playstation 3, ps3 price, psn, psn outage
5/2/2011 9:11:21 PM Ben Dutka
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Comments (78 posts)
tayizfire
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:07:52 PM
0 up, 4 down
iwillbetheone
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:01:56 PM
Last edited by iwillbetheone on 5/2/2011 11:03:17 PM
7 up, 1 down
StangMan80
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:05:09 PM
P.S. Best $600 I ever spent.
3 up, 0 down
totozero18
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:07:51 PM
0 up, 0 down
Superman915
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:30:59 PM
Reply
2 up, 1 down
Superman915
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:32:17 PM
Reply
0 up, 1 down
Clamedeus
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:34:21 PM
5 up, 1 down
Superman915
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:36:50 PM
2 up, 0 down
Clamedeus
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:49:59 PM
2 up, 0 down
SayWord
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:06:47 PM
Last edited by SayWord on 5/2/2011 10:07:12 PM
2 up, 4 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:10:51 PM
2 up, 0 down
AcHiLLiA
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:40:24 PM
0 up, 0 down
Clamedeus
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:55:11 PM
0 up, 1 down
slugga_status
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 10:53:29 AM
But if you're not worried about trophy info then just create another account..
0 up, 0 down
Clamedeus
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:28:59 PM
Just to get that correct.
0 up, 0 down
tayizfire
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:34:35 PM
Reply
4 up, 1 down
sha4dowknight05
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:39:31 PM
Reply
I would rather sony do something else besides putting games in with ps3s. Here is what I think they should do:
- Make more colours of consoles besides black for the north america.
- remake the ps3 slim
Smaller RSX and CBBE in nano meter size so the chips produce less heat, cheaper to produce, and better in general.
- 6 usbs ports (if not 6 go back to 4)
- card readers again!
- ps2 chips back on the mobo without raising the cost again or make a seperate model that does play ps2 games?
- less electricity
- N wireless?
I know it's a lot to ask but I'de like to see some of these features especially rhe smaller chips so the console is better that way.
4 up, 4 down
tayizfire
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:50:14 PM
1 up, 1 down
slugga_status
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 10:57:54 AM
You can always buy a USB hub if you seriously need more ports..
Putting the PS2 chip back into the PS3 would actually increase the price which is why then went from chips to emulation to nothing.
0 up, 1 down
CH1N00K
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 11:51:05 AM
0 up, 1 down
sha4dowknight05
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:53:31 PM
Sounds like a ps4??
You obvisouly didn't read that I said I'de like to see some not all.
And who wouldn't want this?
Can't you dream??
You obvisoulsy can't.
If ps3 had some of these it would be better off.
Sony should stop lowering pirce but adding features into it instead of lower price.
So for example:
Sony is going to drop the ps3 down to $250 why not keep it $300 but add in more usbs and a card reader?? N wireless?? Sounds a heck better for $50 extra bucks?
1 up, 1 down
slugga_status
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 3:01:07 PM
You are not realizing that in order to get to the sweet spot of $299 we had a lot of features removed.
Additional USBs are more money
Additional card reader are more money
Adding N wireless is ridiculous in cost
Dude it just isn't possible..Not trying ruin your "dream" but just not possible.
0 up, 1 down
Snorge
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 3:07:08 PM
Last edited by Snorge on 5/3/2011 3:07:19 PM
0 up, 1 down
sha4dowknight05
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 5:45:57 PM
Sometimes people just don't recognize, and don't read it completely.
I said instead of lowering down the price of the system, maybe they could use the money drop to add more hardware features on the system.
For Example:
SONY is going to lower the ps3 down to $250 well that saves us $50 right?
Quite the bit, but I would rather pay $300 since it's an awesome price but with ore features.
So SONY saying, "well we made the ps3 even cheaper to produce at it's current state, so how about we lower down the price?"
ME: "How about not changing the price aroudn but adding more hardware features to make up for the $50 drop point." "You know, some people could use more USBs and card readers, or maybe other things."
So why not use that extra $50 to expand the system with more capabilities?
1 up, 1 down
slugga_status
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 6:01:32 PM
What we are saying is that it isn't financially realistic. Sony is just now turning a profit at the $299 price. By dropping the price $50 they begin to lose again..
Now by dropping the price $50 and adding the features you mentioned is taking a loss financially.
N wireless by itself would prove to be extremely costly to do with each system. Add in your card reader, the b/c chip, and more USB ports..the cost to make the PS3 would be thru the roof and they'd actually have to increase the price just to break even.
Your thought of keeping the price of $299 and adding the above features you mentioned would not be profitable for Sony.
The b/c chip was already costly..and you add in N wireless..too much money spent to only sell for $299...Now what I feel that Sony should do is simply bring back emulation for the PS2 games.
0 up, 1 down
slugga_status
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 6:01:36 PM
Last edited by slugga_status on 5/3/2011 6:03:52 PM
1 up, 0 down
slugga_status
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 6:01:43 PM
Last edited by slugga_status on 5/3/2011 6:04:18 PM
0 up, 0 down
sha4dowknight05
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 6:42:49 PM
Hahh get back on firefox internet exploer isn't as good.
I go on google chrome!
Sure they would be taking a finacial lost at this point, but what about int he future like a year from now, if lower down the CPU and GPU in nanometer size they could reduce production cost.
I think instead of lowering price which is unlikely to happen, they should add feautre if they do.
Also, to think there is a large majority of people who wnat backwards compatible back on ps3.
Last edited by sha4dowknight05 on 5/3/2011 6:43:30 PM
0 up, 0 down
slugga_status
Wednesday, May 04, 2011 @ 9:12:41 AM
Man we need some type of b/c if you ask me. I don't understand why we can't have some form of PS2 emulation.
I like Google Chrome and Safari as well. Even though the recent version of Safari has bugs. Anything is better then IE
0 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:46:06 PM
Reply
As for a price drop. I'm sure we'll see something happen this year. I have no doubt about that.
4 up, 1 down
tayizfire
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:49:28 PM
4 up, 1 down
kraygen
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:17:03 PM
1 up, 1 down
Underdog15
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 8:36:51 AM
lol I keep envisioning Ed from the Lion King.
Anyone?!
1 up, 1 down
packersfan66
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:47:58 PM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
Clamedeus
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:50:48 PM
2 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:14:03 PM
2 up, 0 down
Codeez
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:26:12 PM
0 up, 0 down
Fabi
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 10:25:40 AM
1 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:50:27 PM
Reply
If people are wary of buying a PS3 now, it is not because of price. Lowering the price might make Sony look desperate after these harsh times with the PSN and SOE.
Waiting til around E3 or after E3 when the PSN is up and running and secure once again might be the better gesture. As for free PS Plus? I think it's a great welcome back incentive!!
If Sony really want to get in peoples good books, they don't have to drop the price of anything. They can do 2 things.
1. Display (not in full, for security reasons) just how secure the PSN is now after attempted hacks. This will please customers and allow them to be comfortable with making PSN purchases and making accounts once again.
2. (The biggest one) Catch the hackers responsible and make a public statement naming and shaming them all. Huge fines along with a few years behind bars would really restore the general public's faith in Sony.
I just hope Homeland Security, FBI, British Intelligence and all police institutes worldwide can successfully capture and punish these cyber-terrorists for all the trouble they have caused. Theft will not go unpunished!!!
Last edited by Dancemachine55 on 5/2/2011 9:52:15 PM
7 up, 1 down
Temjin001
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:56:53 PM
I agree. I think lowering the price right away would lower the products perceived value with an already skeptical audience. Confirming, as if, their second-rate, insecure services have "cheapened" the value of Sony's PS offering.
I see Sony taking a different angle on this recovery process.
3 up, 0 down
Dreno
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:59:36 PM
Reply
I'm gonna have to agree with parts of what sh4dow said. Let's get some more colors for the consoles ( I think that'd be sick. @ben I effing fell in LOVE with that blue ps3 you guys gave away, it was a pretty piece of hardware. Maybe a bright lime green would be nice ttoo)
Um, the ps2 bc was absolutely awesome, I would love for that to make a return.
And who wouldn't want their ps3 to run cooler? That means longer play time.
Now don't get me wrong, I personally don't think sony needs to do any kind of goodwill gesture.
I just think these things would be cool too.
2 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:16:34 PM
0 up, 0 down
kraygen
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:19:55 PM
I'll try and find the site and post a link.
0 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:31:49 PM
I believe it's probably "Colorware" that did that blue PSXE PS3.
But they're expensive, $149 for one color.
They also do two-tone colors & colorize controllers too.
You can check them out here
http://www.colorwarepc.com/p-197-ps3-slim.aspx
0 up, 0 down
kraygen
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:03:43 AM
Pricey, but it's done really well and I forgot that one of the options are to chrome it out.
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:11:49 PM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
kraygen
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:21:28 PM
Reply
They just need to fix the issue and make sure people know it's safe and they will do all they can to protect their customers.
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:51:48 PM
6 up, 0 down
kraygen
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:21:34 PM
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:23:24 AM
3 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:38:23 PM
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After all the stuff that's been going on against Sony the last couple weeks & all the multimillion's that it's going to wind up costing them once it's all totaled up, I just have to think a price drop would be extremely detrimental to their bottom line at this time.
3 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:50:57 PM
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 5/2/2011 10:51:14 PM
2 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:14:51 PM
0 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:26:39 PM
No, I shipped it by USPS to Gophermods to repair it.
And GopherM emailed me as soon as it had arrived, but but also added that they found my PS3 smashed up after un-boxing it.
Now I know it wasn't any fault of my packing as I had wrapped my up in bubble wrap, 4 times vertically & another 4 times horizontally too.
Plus I force-packed a roll & 1/2 of crumpled-up heavy brown Kraft paper all along the outer sides of it.
At that time, Gophermods thought they could still fix it & put it in another shell($75 more), so they did my original repair, but then when they hooked it up to a TV to test out their repair, they found the whole A/V was totally gone & couldn't be fixed.
They also stated that it was almost 100% due to the USPS having dropped my PS3 down hard on it's front right edge.
Anyway I just had Gopgermods send it back to me so I could show it as proof of the damage, & Gophermods uses FedEx exclusively.
Last edited by BikerSaint on 5/2/2011 11:34:14 PM
0 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:49:58 AM
1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:59:19 PM
Reply
I'm now in the claims process, but I hear it takes well over 2 months to get a decision from them.
And who knows how much longer after that if they deny it & I have to go through their appeal process too.
No effing wonder they're called the "snail mail"
0 up, 0 down
Alienange
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:17:28 PM
Reply
And any analyst who thinks PS3 and/or 360 need to drop their prices in order to follow Nintendo needs to be systematically removed from his office and put in a cardboard box on the street.
4 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:36:35 PM
Reply
"Will analyze for food"
3 up, 0 down
Darwin1967
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:37:50 PM
Reply
The outage, while annoying, was not a huge catastrophe in my life. I got plenty of yard work done, spent time at the gym and went on with my life. For those looking to 'get something' beyond what SOny has already promised or who claim this was life altering and making them reconsider their PS3 ownership...that's really, really, sad. Counseling might be something you may want to invest in.
0 up, 0 down
Naztycuts
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:42:04 PM
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Nike-"Hey sorry I lost your personal information I thought I'd go ahead and lower the price of those shoes you're wearing."
Me-"I already own them, good for the next guy who buys a pair though, Michael Jordan is gonna be pissed!" I try to be logical and you see where it gets me.
If he would have said it may be a way to try and negate some of the bad press and win some new customers I would have understood him perfectly.
0 up, 0 down
gray_eagle
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 2:30:31 AM
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but i'm happy with what sony is offereng.
0 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 2:33:48 AM
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0 up, 3 down
Excelsior1
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 2:33:49 AM
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0 up, 4 down
xnonsuchx
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 3:03:50 AM
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2 up, 0 down
___________
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 4:31:56 AM
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with all the games coming this year if there not enough to coax you in, then i dont think a 50 dollar price drop will either!
instead of a cheaper price they need different colors, different shapes, heaps of skins, things like that for people to customize there ps3s.
i thought with the success of the GT5 faceplate sony would do more, but nope.
gets kinda boring seeing the same system day in day out, i want to give it a makeover!
1 up, 0 down
frylock25
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:19:34 PM
0 up, 0 down
dead_prince
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 6:35:08 AM
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1 up, 0 down
frylock25
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 8:44:43 AM
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2 up, 0 down
Lairfan
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 2:51:24 PM
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The good thing is that Sony still cares for their customers, no matter how greedy or selfish some of the louder ones may be. Besides, I'll definitely try out my free one month PS Plus subscription, if only to see what its like.
Last edited by Lairfan on 5/3/2011 2:52:52 PM
0 up, 0 down
Danny007
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 3:04:30 PM
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0 up, 0 down
Kiryu
Reply
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:24:41 PM