Retail cutting PS3 prices, Slim + pricecut incoming?

LookingFor

Seems to be some major price slashing going on with PS3 on the continent. Deals ranging from €299 + games bundled in Germany to €249 in Italy (!), and all sorts of other deals too.

It looks like they're wanting to clear out stock of the 80GB PS3 ahead of the rumoured announcement of a new slim PS3, which supposedly will be €299. The announcement is mooted for August 18, with a release on September 1 or 2.

Not sure if there've been new deals at retail here in Ireland yet?

But just thought it was worth throwing up a thread about, in case anyone was hear considering purchasing a PS3. It would probably be worth your while to either wait for the Slim or go bargain hunting now in advance of it.

DePurpereWolf

Heard the same rumors. http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/08/the-ps3-slim-is-coming-evidence-builds-for-updated-system.ars

I would probably hold buying a ps3 until the anouncement and then buy an old one on clearance.
From pictures I just don't see it being such a great redesign. Better buy a cheap fatty than an expensive slim if it is going to do the same stuff.

LookingFor

Yeah, I dunno if I'd turn my nose up at a €299 PS3 fat if I was in the market for one right now. The slims might start out at €399 too.

noodler

LookingFor wrote: »

Yeah, I dunno if I'd turn my nose up at a €299 PS3 fat if I was in the market for one right now. The slims might start out at €399 too.

They absolutely won't.

HashSlinging

sorry for the noob question, but will this slim Ps3 be able to play the ps2 games.

Thanks

amacachi

Is this more of that strategy Sony copied from the car industry? i.e. remove features, increase the price?

amacachi

HashSlinging wrote: »

sorry for the noob question, but will this slim Ps3 be able to play the ps2 games.

Thanks

Well since it still hasn't actually been announced as such, we don't know. If it's a slimmer version then at best it'll be emulation, if Sony are bothered.

GothPunk

HashSlinging wrote: »

sorry for the noob question, but will this slim Ps3 be able to play the ps2 games.

Thanks

There are some rumours that it will be added via new firmware in the Slim, but I doubt it. It probably will come back at some point, just don't get your hopes up. Not that I wouldn't like to see it come back!

amacachi wrote: »

Is this more of that strategy Sony copied from the car industry? i.e. remove features, increase the price?

Well the PS2 Slim was an improvement over the PS2 (apart from removing the space for a HDD, not that I think many people in this country used that feature, bar pirates), and the PSP Slim added features, so what makes you think that the PS3 Slim will have features removed? Or are you talking about the loss of PS2 B/C and 2 USB ports from the 60GB PS3?

amacachi

GothPunk wrote: »

There are some rumours that it will be added via new firmware in the Slim, but I doubt it. It probably will come back at some point, just don't get your hopes up. Not that I wouldn't like to see it come back!

Well the PS2 Slim was an improvement over the PS2 (apart from removing the space for a HDD, not that I think many people in this country used that feature, bar pirates), and the PSP Slim added features, so what makes you think that the PS3 Slim will have features removed? Or are you talking about the loss of PS2 B/C and 2 USB ports from the 60GB PS3?

Perhaps "removing features" was the wrong term, but I can't see them adding anything, if the leaked pics are real then it looks tatty and cheap, yet it will probably just be a way to keep the price buoyed up.

Leave me alone, only awake after 2 hours feckin sleep. :pac:

projectmayhem

amacachi wrote: »

Perhaps "removing features" was the wrong term, but I can't see them adding anything, if the leaked pics are real then it looks tatty and cheap, yet it will probably just be a way to keep the price buoyed up.

Leave me alone, only awake after 2 hours feckin sleep. :pac:

I thought it looked quite smart tbh.

GothPunk

amacachi wrote: »

Perhaps "removing features" was the wrong term, but I can't see them adding anything, if the leaked pics are real then it looks tatty and cheap, yet it will probably just be a way to keep the price buoyed up.

Leave me alone, only awake after 2 hours feckin sleep. :pac:

Heh Alright I'll let you away with it, but just this once! I know what you mean, but I think to a lot of people, a smaller sleeker model of anything is preferable. The leaked pics indicate a larger hard drive, so that's something. Given the choice between my shiny 60GB PS3 and the matt Slim, I think the matt is pretty smart looking. All nerdy things said and done, I think most people will be paying attention to lower priced hardware. :pac:

amacachi

GothPunk wrote: »

Heh Alright I'll let you away with it, but just this once! I know what you mean, but I think to a lot of people, a smaller sleeker model of anything is preferable. The leaked pics indicate a larger hard drive, so that's something. Given the choice between my shiny 60GB PS3 and the matt Slim, I think the matt is pretty smart looking. All nerdy things said and done, I think most people will be paying attention to lower priced hardware. :pac:

I just think it's funny how not that long ago someone was trying to explain to me how the PS3 is better than the 360 and one of the things they came up with was the look of the console. :pac:

I get the sleekness thing, but my point was that even a bigger harddrive (which would probably cost Sony about a quid or two more per console) doesn't justify the price being kept inflated.
But yeah, I also realise that some people do see the appearance of a console as important, something I've never been able to get my head around.

GothPunk

amacachi wrote: »

I just think it's funny how not that long ago someone was trying to explain to me how the PS3 is better than the 360 and one of the things they came up with was the look of the console. :pac:

I get the sleekness thing, but my point was that even a bigger harddrive (which would probably cost Sony about a quid or two more per console) doesn't justify the price being kept inflated.
But yeah, I also realise that some people do see the appearance of a console as important, something I've never been able to get my head around.

There have been some funky looking consoles in the past, surely it's the games that matter in the end.

I always thought that the price being kept inflated was because they lost/were loosing so much on each console sold. Even at the high launch price the PS3 was sold at a loss. Apparently costs have come down as much as 70% now so a €299 or €249 system is not too far off (most rumours put the Slim at €299). The PS2 sold the most at it's $199 price point so I think Sony have been smart and gone for the long haul (10 year life cycle, blah blah yadda yadda). Each time they reduce the price they'll get renewed interest, but whether the high price for the first 3 years has hurt them too much in the long run won't be seen for a while.

About the hard drive thing, I think that smaller hard drives are probably more expensive to source as they might have to make a special order from a supplier. 160GB and 250GB 2.5" drives are much more commonplace than >= 80GB these days. However, to the average consumer thanks to mp3 players, I think everyone feels that more GB is better and may pay for the privilege.

alastair_doom

A price cut would be nice, but considering that Sony are releasing the PSPgo (slim line with stuff removed) with a price tag of €250, considerably more than the model its replacing, it actually wouldn't surprise me if they kept the price the same for the PS3 slim and just relied on the new design to stir up the new sales.

CombatCow

Personally, depending on the price of the slim im tempted to trade in my ps3 against it, i'll get a new warranty on the slim and id imagine it will be more power efficient too, but thats only if they keep the HDD in it...which im sure they will, so I can swap it out for my 500Gb one


The only thing removed from the PSPgo is the UMD drive,besides that theres actually more features in the GO than the 3000.

CC

GothPunk

CombatCow wrote: »

The only thing removed from the PSPgo is the UMD drive,besides that theres actually more features in the GO than the 3000.

CC

Yes like delicious Bluetooth support and MOAR RAM! The fact that the Go! will have in-game XMB is pretty cool too, due to the extra RAM it'll have, so it has a few unique software features as well.

lindtee

I got a PS3 earlier today in Harvey Normans for €360, that was for the 80gb console, Killzone 2 and an extra controller. It also inlcuded an extended warranty. Its for my sons birthday in a few weeks, I didn't feel like holding off, as I'd spend the money elsewhere anyways. Just wondering was that a good price? (Too late if it isn't anyways!)

Josey Wales

I think you got a very good deal there lindtee.

lindtee

Thanks for replying. Thats a relief! It was a bit lower than what I expected to pay, I went in only wanting to get the console itself which would have been €336 (399 with 16% off) but for the extra 24 I got the game/controller/extended warranty...I think a mistake might have been made, so I left the shop niftily after paying!

Headshot

a price slash would probably make sense

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ps3-now-70-per-cent-cheaper-to-make

The manufacturing costs of PlayStation 3 have dropped by 70 per cent, according to Sony CEO Nobuyuki Oneda.

He was speaking during a conference call, as reported by TVG.

"The cost reduction since we introduced the PS3 is very substantial and this is on schedule," Oneda told investors.

"We don't disclose how much of the PlayStation 3, specifically the cost deduction, was achieved during the past two years. But that is on schedule."

When pressed further on how much the cost has come down Oneda replied, "About 70 per cent, roughly speaking."

Sony's never said exactly how much it costs to make a PS3. However, back when the console launched estimates put the price of manufacturing each machine at $800 / £485. In January last year, reports indicated the cost had fallen by 50 per cent to reach $400 / £243.

GamesIndustry.biz's own Carol Vorderman calculates that a further 70 per cent drop would put the current cost at $240 / £146 per unit.

Could that mean a price cut is on the way? Or perhaps they could start giving them away for free?

Roar

I'd buy a slim for the bedroom.

Although I can't imagine the missus would be best pleased.

projectmayhem

Roar wrote: »

I'd buy a slim for the bedroom.

Although I can't imagine the missus would be best pleased.

Sell her on the idea of awesome blu-ray films and Nathan Drake's sex appeal.

LookingFor

It cometh?



I'd echo the sentiment about the deal lindtee got though. I doubt you'll get great bundles with these new ones, at least starting out.

Dman001

If the slim will start at €299, I'm sure we could expect at least expect a €50 decrease in the price of the old stock of PS3s.

Flaccus

That's 299 euro estimated retail price in Europe according to one gamestop manager I spoke to. He reckoned with the higher VAT in Ireland, we could be looking at around 340. All speculation of course.

CombatCow

160GB Hard drive, full backwards compatibility(?),built in wi-fi,4xUSB, all in one memory card reader,Blu-Ray,1xHDMI,1xController


CC

Headshot

when is the release date ?

CombatCow

Cant gat anymore info than that from the ad, my eyes hurt.....

SKU:8112394

**somebody is saying 6 of september.....

CC

noodler

CombatCow wrote: »

Cant gat anymore info than that from the ad, my eyes hurt.....

SKU:8112394

**somebody is saying 6 of september.....

CC

Very upset if its hardware BC. Don't have my 80GB 8 months.

Headshot

CombatCow wrote: »

Cant gat anymore info than that from the ad, my eyes hurt.....

SKU:8112394

**somebody is saying 6 of september.....

CC

6 of the september all over the world or just japan ?

CombatCow

Yeah seems too good to be true, lets hope its not a photoshop......... :eek:


CC

GothPunk

CombatCow wrote: »

Yeah seems too good to be true, lets hope its not a photoshop......... :eek:


CC

Well it's using the fanmade mock-up from NeoGAF, so I'm going to say... fake!

That mock-up has 2 USB ports btw, so the fake maker didn't really do a good job with the fake specs. I don't doubt that the slim is coming mind you.

WolfForager

Stop your ramblings. Stop going on about this and just wait for Sony to make an official statement.

amacachi

noodler wrote: »

Very upset if its hardware BC. Don't have my 80GB 8 months.

I've mine about 4/5 months, the extra USBs would be another slap in the face. ¬_¬

ongarite

All the ads are fakes, confirmed by the guy who made them on NeoGAF.

CombatCow

Yeah the K-Mart ad from yesterday is.....the best buy one is still unconfirmed.


CC

amacachi

I guessed the ads were fake, the placing of the PS3 on the "console" looks ridiculous.

Just saying that if they were to add more things that had been taken out of the 80gig version I will be very annoyed.

Flaccus

WolfForager wrote: »

Stop your ramblings. Stop going on about this and just wait for Sony to make an official statement.

Why should we ? This is a ps3 form and the thread is about the slim and ps3 prices. :rolleyes: People are entitled to speculate. Anyway, I hear there will be an annoucement on the 18th with the slim being released in September. This is what the shops are expecting. Hope it's true as PS3less at the moment.

WolfForager

Flaccus wrote: »

Why should we ? This is a ps3 form and the thread is about the slim and ps3 prices. :rolleyes: People are entitled to speculate. Anyway, I hear there will be an annoucement on the 18th with the slim being released in September. This is what the shops are expecting. Hope it's true as PS3less at the moment.

People are speculating on something which could very well not exist, there is no trustworthy evidence to support that there is a PS3 slim.

Now, if you'll excuse me i'm off to the history forum to start a topic on the German's contact with alien lifeforms during the second world war.

noodler

WolfForager wrote: »

People are speculating on something which could very well not exist, there is no trustworthy evidence to support that there is a PS3 slim.

Now, if you'll excuse me i'm off to the history forum to start a topic on the German's contact with alien lifeforms during the second world war.

Back to bed with you Grandpa!

There are plenty of reasons to believe this exists, I won't insult you by pointing them out cos I am certain you know them too.

There is more than enough to go on to justify speculation

WolfForager

noodler wrote: »

Back to bed with you Grandpa!

There are plenty of reasons to believe this exists, I won't insult you by pointing them out cos I am certain you know them too.

There is more than enough to go on to justify speculation

Well my cao results are coming out tomorrow, i have the right to be knarky :P

I know them alright, but they're very flimsy! Photoshopped adverts, shoddy videos from china..

Tbh with ya i like to stir **** when i'm nervous

Josey Wales

I think actually think it does exist and that a price cut is going to be announced this week.

Flaccus

That's what the shops are guessing too. Tommorrow for annoucement. Availability in early September.

CombatCow

http://playstationlifestyle.net/2009/08/17/sony-gamescom-document-reveals-new-ps3/




CC

projectmayhem

Yup, leaked document confirms what Sony will talk about tomorrow.

All we need now is the price!

GothPunk

projectmayhem wrote: »

Yup, leaked document confirms what Sony will talk about tomorrow.

All we need now is the price!

All the European retailers who have commented or have adverts showing price cuts say €299.

RobertFoster

projectmayhem wrote: »

All we need now is the price!

And if anything's been added or taken away (ports, backwards compatibility, wireless etc.).

Headshot

RobertFoster wrote: »

And if anything's been added or taken away (ports, backwards compatibility, wireless etc.).

and release date

GothPunk

CombatCow wrote: »

http://playstationlifestyle.net/2009/08/17/sony-gamescom-document-reveals-new-ps3/




CC

Lol, I just notced the date is wrong on that page, it says 18/09/09. Suspicious, no? PS Lifestyle looking for hits prolly.

French retailers say release date is September 2nd or thereabouts.

GothPunk

The PSN is scheduled for maintenance during the press conference today, I wonder what for? I think the only thing that happened the last time the PSN was down during a conference was when the style of the Playstation Store was updated, right? That's probably all it'll be, or maybe we're getting the video store over here or something like that.

Otacon

GothPunk wrote: »

I think the only thing that happened the last time the PSN was down during a conference was when the style of the Playstation Store was updated, right? That's probably all it'll be, or maybe we're getting the video store over here or something like that.

Wishful thinking... [but my thinking also]

If I'm honest, I always felt that if Sony were going to announce a new SKU, they would do it around now, but for an October/November release, a price cut to the previous SKUs and a bundle with a huge game [MW2 - again, wishful thinking]