Sony’s $499 60GB PS3 is temporary – until inventory clears
Think you’ll be able to get a $499 PlayStation 3 whenever you want? Think again! Sony has confirmed that they will no longer be producing the 60GB PS3 units which means the price cut to $499 (from $599) for the PS3 is essentially a firesale. Once all the 60GB units are gone, there will only be one PS3 SKU – the 80GB model at $599.. which means we’re basically back at the same issue – the PS3 is just too expensive. And as we explained a few days ago, the 80GB PS3 is pretty lame considering it only has 20GB more disk space and it has limited backwards compatibility support.
This is simply a bad decision on Sony’s part. Although yes, the PS3 is officially going through a price cut for the 60GB unit, this price cut was never meant to last. Sony’s basically hoping the price reduction will clear out inventory for their older systems – making way for sales of systems that are priced at the original $599 but with arguably lesser capabilities. Note also – the 80GB systems are mostly likely cheaper to manufacture than the current systems.
According to Sony Computer Entertainment of America’s director of corporate communications, David Karraker, “This is absolutely not a bait and switch.” He continues – “We are offering a full-featured PS3 for $100 lower than the original price and will do so for months to come, allowing consumers the opportunity to acquire this model at this adjusted price.”
While I agree it’s not a bait and switch deal – Sony wasn’t exactly truthful on Monday when they announced the price reduction. When the holiday season comes around and the only PS3 models available are the $599 units – which systems do you think consumers will end up purchasing as gifts? My bets on either the Xbox 360 or the Nintendo Wii (if you can even find a Wii!)
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