PS3 Price Drop Give Rise TO PS3 Slim Rumors

Following rampant speculation that a PS3 price cut is in the pipeline, further movements have suggested that Sony is working with retailers on a worldwide initiative to clear stock of existing models ahead of the reported price cut and launch of the PS3 Slim.

First comes word from 7-Eleven in Japan that the 80GB model is being discontinued across the region, reportedly from Sony's request. In addition, a $50 reduction on the 160GB PS3 bundle has also been spotted on Amazon.com.

Could the two moves be linked to a wider initiative? Perhaps.

Word also come from DigiTimes (via The Telegraph, via GI.biz) that Sony has ordered enough parts to make one million consoles during the third-quarter, which is estimated to be twice as many as those recorded in the last three months.

Further still, The Telegraph alleges that Sony intends to release a 40GB and an 80GB Slim model, suggesting that prices will start at around £260. This is the first suggestion we've heard of a multiple-SKU strategy for the Slim, and we believe that a £260 starting RRP is a little on the strong side.

We might be dreaming, but we maintain that Sony will drop the current RRP of the PS3 to £239.99 and introduce the PS3 Slim at a similar price point. This follows the same strategy as Sony employed with the introduction of the Slim PS2 following a price-cut on the existing PS2 model.

Source: TotalVideoGames