14 DAY TRIAL // As PlayStation3 and Nintendo's Revolution will be the "headlines" of this ever-evolving world of consoles, opening the market for a "new next generation", Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that it will lower the price, by $20 ($129.99/$139.99), for its last "big hit" - PlayStation2, making it more affordable to all North Americans. However, the Europeans will have "to endure" the same price, or catch the first plane to America's retail market.
"While we continue to innovate and design groundbreaking new products, we remain dedicated to our long-term vision for the PlayStation 2 platform," said Kaz Hirai, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Now even more consumers, as well as casual gamers, can experience what the PlayStation 2 platform has to offer-an unrivaled combination of the largest selection of software, a growing community for online gaming and one-of-a-kind accessories such as EyeToy-at a new value price."
As expected, the gamers refused to spend anymore on a PlayStation2, expecting the successor - PlayStation3, which will benefit from a world wide marketing activity that will cover all media, from TV to newspapers and web sites, in order to "tease" everyone from the last days of this month until it will be "properly" launched in November.
But, until then, Sony must boost sales for PS2 at all cost, choosing the strongest retail market - America. Ever since it was launched, in 2000, PS2 has dominated the console market, more that 101 million units being manufactured and sold out, as well as the software titles, designed especially for the famous platform. PS2 has a market share of more than 55.6% in America, and almost 70% ahead any competitor when it comes to selling games.
The analysts and the gamers especially, wonder what will Microsoft do with its Xbox 360? Will the company consider lowering the price in order to compete with Sony's PS2? This remains to be seen.
