14 DAY TRIAL // For the past week, Sony's heads have been trying to clarify how exactly they're cutting the price on the PS3 and then how they're not exactly "cutting" it. Yes, it's confusing. Just click the two URLs and it will make more sense. And just when PlayStation fans were on the verge of going insane not knowing what's going on with their favorite brand, Sony clarified the situation once and for all.
First of all, Sony's Kaz Hirai states the following in an interview, via Joistiq.com:
"The $499 price adjustment that we did for the 60 GB version for the American market, we're no longer in production for that product. So once that product is gone from the retailers shelves, then we're back to the $599 SKU only, so it's not like we have a two price strategy here in the U.S. market, which we found early on consumers react most to just having one SKU as opposed to two."
So right from the start, fans worldwide shockingly find out that Sony has stopped making 60GB PS3s. I have to say, I'm quite surprised. Moving on now. Sony's David Karraker makes a milder statement in an interview with the above mentioned site, not exactly saying that they've stopped production, but hinting at that very aspect:
"The 60GB PS3 will be available in North America for $499 until supplies of that unit are depleted. We have ample inventory to meet the immediate needs of consumers in this territory for several months to come. We won't be making any further announcements regarding our PS3 model hardware strategy in North America until the 60GB model is exhausted and market conditions are evaluated."
I think it's clear for everyone. Sony couldn't stand making a cheaper PS3 available so they decided to drop the 60GB SKU, because it's less painful, returning to the $599 price tag, with only just one machine: the 80GB PS3. That one too will see a price cut, no doubt about it, but only God knows when. Let's hope it's before Christmas (as they promised), given that fans still haven't benefited from a real price reduction.