Pachter: PS3 price drop in April, 360 to follow, Wii staying put

Don't forget shareholders. It will be money first, big price cut second.

The reason why the pricing has remained where it is was to maximize profits while reducing losses. The PS3, by all accounts, was the most expensive console in relation to parts used. I have to believe those costs have come down since introduction, and although it's possible Sony is still selling the PS3 at a loss, I have to believe it's not as great as it once was.

It's time for Sony to start selling in mass volume. During Christmas 2008, we saw a decline in sales, which is a classic indicator it's time for a price reduction. The barrier is not the technology, it's the level of pricing. If they can reduce the pricing, which would likely mean they'll have to subsidize the console longer, the thought would be that they'll make up the costs in the long term through software sales.

Now Sony COULD keep pricing where it is and play it safe, but at the expense of losing market share.

I believe Sony's main problem with the PS3 is the cost of entry. They won't achieve mass market pentration until the entry price comes down.

The PS3 has a bunch of great games. I don't think that is a valid excuse anymore. The library is great. I want to see a list of 360 exclusives vs PS3 exclusives. Then add all of the multiplatform titles on to each list, and you really can't say one has a much better library or a large lack of games.

If I'm really wrong, that's cool, but this year's PS3 lineup will totally fill the gap you speak of.

Argh. Lowering the Arcade's price. Sry.

They could sell it as the "New Wii" and change the packaging somehow..."Crystal Wii lite" for $300 anyone?

SOLD!!

let's just repeat what we've said at ps3fanboy...

"lol, PS3 Arcade, 256 MB"

lol........basically......

to really know Nintendo, you have to understand that they always act as though they're in a void, leading to both their stellar innovations and their obstinate refusals to get with the times

They price their console based only upon the sales of their console, they don't price as a reaction to their competition. If more cuts from Microsoft and Sony happen to cause Wii sales to drop, Nintendo will put the price down. Equally, they'll do so if they really get serious about upping production at some point, or get to a serious breakthrough in getting costs down.

PS3 and 360 could be $100 each, and Nintendo wouldn't care if they could keep their current sales up

Makes sense. I'd be even more surprised though if the Wii production costs haven't lowered enough by now so there could be a price drop if Nintendo wanted.

GPS might not ever make it to the US.......

but it would make sense to make the PSP2 with built in GPS......

I can take a joke.

Of course, as much as I like MP3 and Mr. Gay, I've got other GC and Wii games to play on it. Not that there's anything wrong with only being interested in those two.

$350 for two games IS a ridiculous amount, I agree, but in my opinion $250 for two games is hardly less so. (Assuming you buy each game for $50, of course.)

You do realize you can take the 360 and link it with your pc with Windows Media? My friend literally was watching his ripped HD movies from his HD on the 360 on my TV