$400 40GB PS3/Spider-Man 3 Blu-ray bundle in '07?

  • By thorsen-ink, GameSpot
  • Posted Sep 10, 2007 1:53 pm PT

Source: Tech-news site Ars Technica. What we heard: Though the August NPD figures aren't expected until later this week, analysts are predicting that the PlayStation 3 will be the second-worst-selling platform for the month, ahead of only the Game Boy Advance. The grim forecast comes despite...

Source: Tech-news site Ars Technica.

What we heard: Though the August NPD figures aren't expected until later this week, analysts are predicting that the PlayStation 3 will be the second-worst-selling platform for the month, ahead of only the Game Boy Advance. The grim forecast comes despite Sony's $100 discounting of the discontinued 60GB model of the console, which was countered by Microsoft's less-drastic reduction of all three Xbox 360 SKUs.

Reacting to the PS3's evaporating momentum, analysts loudly predicted last week that Sony would make the $599 80GB PS3 just $499 in the US sometime before the holidays to spur sales. Now Ars Technica is reporting Sony is planning an even more aggressive offensive to reconquer the console market. According to the tech site's "reliable mole," not only will the 80GB PS3's price be cut by a Ben Franklin, but Sony is also readying an all-new, $399 40GB model of the console, as was rumored earlier this year.

But, in infomercial parlance, that's not all! Ars Technica's source also says that Sony will bundle one or both of the PS3 SKUs with a Blu-ray disc of its summer blockbuster movie Spider-Man 3. Such a package would not only help convince fence-sitters to pick up the console, but it would also help promote the Blu-ray format in a way the original North American Blu-ray disc pack-in, Talledega Nights, failed to. The move could prove crucial, given the recent rekindling of the Blu-ray/HD-DVD war.

Last but not least, Ars Technica's source says Sony will drop the PlayStation 2's price to just $99. Obviously, the move would even further extend the life of the console--which outsold both the Xbox 360 and PS3 in July.

The official story: "It's our policy not to comment on rumors or speculation."--Sony rep.

Bogus or not bogus?: Since today's story is the second time reports of a $499 and $399 PS3 have sprung up, they are looking less and less bogus. Although such price drops would widen the losses Sony takes on PS3 hardware, they would provide a much-needed boost for the platform over a shopping season containing some very high-profile 360 and Wii exclusives. Closing out the year with robust sales would also help ensure the PS3's place at the next-generation table--while continued weakness could doom it to third place for the foreseeable future.

58 Comments

  • hedral002

    Posted Oct 4, 2007 12:37 pm PT

    What's the total production cost of the console? I mean, there's no big price difference between a 40 gb hard drive and a 80 gb one (some $10 at much, even a SATA drive), which is the only difference between $399 and $599 consoles. I have a 60 Gb console which cost $599 (well, I live in Mexico, so I really paid $950 for it, thanks to our taxation policies). How much can Sony drop the price without suffering a real economic loss, I wonder? Oh yes, they removed the Emotion Engine used for ps1 and 2 games from the newer consoles, which now only use emulation for the same purpose.

    How much did that emotion engine cost? Is that the other reason for that strange price cut (considering it even existed, of course)?

    Does that mean the real production cost for the machine is around $250-300? So why did most of us pay the double at least? (apart from being stupid and/or overexcited, I think)

  • Yojimbo8

    Posted Sep 24, 2007 2:17 pm PT

    Praying that this is true. I haven't been crazy about Sony's decision making skills since the launch of the PS3, but regardless, this is really good news for people (like me) who are looking to finally get into next-gen for the holidays. And, they have some really great titles coming out next year.

  • AceCometh

    Posted Sep 18, 2007 12:30 am PT

    I don't find this article biased either. And while such a price drop would be huge for gamers who haven't bought a PS3, it still doesn't solve the problem of a small game selection for the system.

  • Stec13

    Posted Sep 16, 2007 11:00 am PT

    It's about time......I said all along that Sony needs to eat the big loss and sell a version of the PS3 at the magic $399 price point to push sales of the console and keep their hopes alive that the system would not be a failure! I'm glad they realized this and have come off their high horse and come back down to earth, I love my history with Playstations and I know I will love my PS3 when they drop the price to $399 so I and millions of others can buy it!

  • thekey

    Posted Sep 15, 2007 3:30 am PT

    I had said before the PS3 launched that The only way PS3 could loose is if sony beats themselves. Looks like there gving them selves a pounding!

  • lamprey263

    Posted Sep 13, 2007 12:09 pm PT

    Why don't they just throw in a game that everyone would want?

  • robinson_chase

    Posted Sep 12, 2007 7:31 am PT

    as long as the 40 gig has all the stuff the 80 gig does (memory card slots, wi-fi, etc.) i'll have to get me one for sure. not to mention, for only 50 bucks more than the only 360 worth buying, they will be able to do great this holiday season. and spider man 3 did amazingly well at the box office and it's the kind of movie that would matter in high def, not talladega nights

  • Simpsonsfan2

    Posted Sep 12, 2007 5:03 am PT

    I hope there will be a 40gb PS3, i also hope it will have backward compadibilty with the PS1 and 2.

  • Mr_duong

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 7:31 pm PT

    whoa ur telling me that even if it does cure cancer, play blu ray in full 1080p where u see ever spec of dust, can create realistic graphics compared to no other but the dev wont take advantage,and has a super computer built in it, and is shipped with my favorite movie of the year in bluray all for 400 dollars!

    what a bargain but still
    400 is a lot to people who dont understand what i just said
    hell id take if it was 700, but consumers are always consumers.

    but who can argue there are always those stupid parents who hate their children, the ones who dont know or arent up to date with tech, or have no idea what an xbox playstation or wii is. not to mention even know how to use a computer by simple standards. the ones who just look at price w.o knowing whats in the box. the ones who see whoa! this shirt is same color and stuff as the other, just different brand, but they dont know that the material sucks ass and is wanting to be given away.

  • MrSickVisionz

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 5:54 pm PT

    Negative does not equal biased.

    This would be biased:
    "In atempt to save their failing system, Sony is stabbing early adopters in the back and dropping the price of the PS3. People have been avoiding it because its crap when compared to the ingenious Wii and the marvelous 360. Maybe this hair brained scheme will work."

    or this:
    "In a move thats pure marketing genius, Sony is blessing us with their god like PS3 system for an even lower price. True gamers have been buying up the system left and right and surely this act of mercy and compassion will garner them more sales and help the common gamer with little to no care about the artform that is gaming avoid such blashpemous systems as the Wii and 360"

    This article is nothing like either of those.

  • kingyotoX

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 3:16 pm PT

    I really don't think the article is biased its really just facts.

  • peyo670

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 3:14 pm PT

    399 with mgs 4 and spider man 3 i buy for sure

  • rdo

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 12:15 pm PT

    sony just had a $100 price cut. it didn't really help. they went from being the highest priced console to still being the highest priceed. as a result they rose from last place to still in last place. they dont have the games. sony needs to forget the movies. even the cows hang out at gamespot not movie spot. the move would hurt sony, not help them. it would spur microsoft into another price cut making a 360 as cheap as or cheaper than the wii. microsoft has an attach rate that lets them make the money back on the games if they need to. sony should discontinue the ps3 completly and concentrate on the ps2 before they bankrupt themselves and seriously harm nintendo in the process. if the 360 is as cheap as the wii the wii becomes the dust collector the ps3 is.

  • xcollector

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 12:03 pm PT

    I don't believe it. If this is true then Sony has really lost their mind.

  • NeoNavarro

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 10:39 am PT

    Maybe in Early November we'll see the 80GB Playstation 3 drop to 499.99 but if and when that happens will Motorstorm still be included?

  • willripyouanew1

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 10:19 am PT

    Wow that blowsfor SONY. I guess it doesnt matter how technologically advanced a gaming console may be, price is still king.
    Either way this is good new for the consumer.

  • majin_vegeta300

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 9:06 am PT

    Gamespot just likes the popular consoles, last gen they slammed the xbox like crazy, don't go all "GS hates PS3" they're just pointing out the facts is all.

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 7:03 am PT

    $99 PS2 = worst news ever for the long term adoption rates of the PS3.

    And I have to wonder about a 40g model for -$100 and what else is missing aside from the EE chip. a 20g smaller HD does not make up that difference alone.

    Also the entire reason according to Sony for dropping the previous PS3 models was because "People do not accept multiple SKU's"...and then they do this?

  • Reetesh

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 6:52 am PT

    But Nobody knows if the $400 PS3 has everything else that the 80 GB one has...

    but if there were to be some announcement relating to SixShockixs then I would be very happy

  • YukoAsho

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 6:08 am PT

    A $400 PS3 would be exactly what Sony needed. Xbox 360 VS PS3 has proven so far that $400 is the max that even the hardcore user will pay. That, and it would make a system with a full set of features (card readers, built-in Wi-Fi, Blu-Ray) $50 cheaper than the Elite, which requires an add-on for several 360 features. Sony should have made their system $400 to start with.

  • l337fool

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 5:04 am PT

    I don't understand what you people want here. How the heck do you put a positive spin on last in a 3 way console war with the competetion pulling away by the month. When EA says they are prioritizing your competition it may be the moment in this industry to do something drastic. You drooling fanboys don't seem to understand the basics here just because you overhype every B game coming the system doesn't mean people swinging their Wii-motes or others taking out big daddies are gonna care. Halo 3 comes out in 2 weeks for gods sake. CLEAR YOUR EYES OF THAT 4D HAZE AND FACE THE THE TRUTH!
    Thorsen was actually being optimistic here considering his love for Sony. Haven't you all noticed he writes all the bad MS press. This is pathetic I am going back to playing Fatal Fury Special on live..... Its the Sega Saturn all over again ......... the irony............ It stings

  • edmaccan

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 4:52 am PT

    Should I get a PS3 or Wii? PS3 or Wii? PS3 or Wii?

  • jnvwv

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 3:41 am PT

    This article is extremely bias. Why? Because it puts a negative spin on positive news. ie: Sony is slashing its prices because its crap... so lets spend some time telling you why it's crap.

    I've seen more balanced reporting on FOX News....

    ...wait! No, I haven't.

  • l337fool

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 1:32 am PT

    thorsen-ink
    "How is this post biased? It just points out the fact the PS3 isn't selling that well as Sony would like--sorry, that's a fact--and that said lagging sales would be grounds for a price drop, as rumored."

    I wouldnt say baised but you are a bit dramatic. I don't mind it you write some of the more interesting stuff on this site.

  • l337fool

    Posted Sep 11, 2007 1:28 am PT

    They need to do something a $399 PS3 would be interesting. When some of next years exclusives come out I would definately have to give the PS3 another look.

  • pridex

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 8:41 pm PT

    OMG! SONY! just make it free so you dont have to worry about the price and change it e every day. Sony doesnt seem to know how to do anything right with the ps3.

  • nevi

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 8:38 pm PT

    i´d so buy that 40G PS3 (i´m buying one in October anyways)

  • LINK2K9

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 8:15 pm PT

    You guys have to be in denial if you think the post is bias. It's not bias, it's true. The PS3 is doing horribly in sales, but this is actually good news if true.

    But, knowing Sony, I doubt it will happen until next year.

  • comthitnuong

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 7:42 pm PT

    Putting out another price drop would only worsen Sony's losses. If they are going to do one, they can't go lower than 500 bucks. Sony should just make up their mind. If they keep this up, nobody will ever trust what they have to say...

  • Mr_duong

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 6:53 pm PT

    DAMAGE CONTROL like totally

    great moves, now lets bundle that up with like heavenly sword or ratchet and clank, maybe even COD4 when it comes out do it like what BJ's or Cosco does with its bundles lol

  • naboob1

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 6:08 pm PT

    HK-47-M4, you're assuming too much. at least this article has numbers to back it up.

  • DatGMan

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 6:00 pm PT

    Smart moves for Sony if this is true, especially since the holiday lineup looks good (R&C Future, Uncharted, Haze, etc.) However, this should have happened a while ago.

  • joeyfine

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 5:45 pm PT

    it would be great if Sony gave its costumers who spent $599 a $100 credit like the iphone people got LOL.... but oh well. lets hope this helps blow up the ps3!

  • HK-47-M4

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 5:36 pm PT

    Don't forget the ISO that happened. That would probably offset Sony's losses. And more PS3 sales equals more Blu-Ray Player Sales which equals a greater chance of Blu-Ray winning!

  • HK-47-M4

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 5:35 pm PT

    The problem with this article is that so much negativity was added for something positive that it felt like you were trying to spin good news to bad news. The last sentence is kind of unnessecary to.

  • HotRod2142

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 5:20 pm PT

    @DoubleAxe I'm sorry 2 tell u this but the wii is not next gen so that means it can't be comparred 2 the PS3 or 360 so it is relly PS3 vs. 360 but Sony will never leave but playstation might! or xbox might with the problems there having with hardware! but don't get me wrong I like the wii and I wan't one I grew up Around nintendo it just that the wii is not next gen! but here PSWII60 = FTW the reason that sony will never leave is because sony has other things besides PlayStation and microsoft will never leave because thay have other thing besides xbox!

  • naboob1

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 5:18 pm PT

    dont listen to these guys thorsen-ink. this rumor is backed up by legitimate reasons. mostly everyone who disagrees is biased for being a "sony fanboy"

  • DoubleAxe posted Sep 10, 2007 5:12 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    DoubleAxe

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 5:12 pm PT (hide)

    bye bye sony, helloooo nintendo !

  • carljohnson3456

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 5:10 pm PT

    "thorsen-ink How is this post biased? It just points out the fact the PS3 isn't selling that well as Sony would like--sorry, that's a fact--and that said lagging sales would be grounds for a price drop, as rumored."

    It's biased because it's so negative. It's a good thing to hear, but spun negative so that it leaves a "loom and doom" price drop for the PS3. It's great news, it will help PS3 sells. We saw what happened with the 60 GB at 500, so this will help for sure.

  • e-racer22

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 5:07 pm PT

    I already paid the premium for my EE enabled PS3 w/o Talledega Nights, however, anything to spur sales. I'd hate to find out I bought a $600 PS2 (yes, I meant 2) as that will all the PS3 will be good for if it ends up going the way of the DreamCast.

  • chewygun

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 4:47 pm PT

    I like the fact that ps2 is gonna b at 99 bucks but IMO, spiderman-3 wasn't exactly THE best movie (transformers was better) so I dont care even if they bundle spiderman-3 into the PS3.

  • Agreb91

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 4:45 pm PT

    If they drop the price and and make a cheaper console that would be really good for them.

  • HotRod2142

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 4:44 pm PT

    this would be cool $400.00 then spider-man 3 Then I can upgarde the 40gb hdd to a 250 gig hard drive for the same price as the 120 gig 4 the 360! hopfully it is backward compatible unlike the 80gb!
    microsoft better watch there back if this is true!

  • thorsen-ink GameSpot staff member

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 4:41 pm PT

    How is this post biased? It just points out the fact the PS3 isn't selling that well as Sony would like--sorry, that's a fact--and that said lagging sales would be grounds for a price drop, as rumored.

  • Stangr427

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 4:22 pm PT

    Lower the 80gb to 399 and then Ill buy it and Spiderman 3 is a good choice to include.

  • Absynthetic

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 4:21 pm PT

    anyone else feel the first paragraph was unnecessary and a little too much?

    wow

  • kingyotoX

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 4:00 pm PT

    for that price its a no brainer i'm gettin one.

  • Dimb posted Sep 10, 2007 4:00 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Dimb

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 4:00 pm PT (hide)

    seriously Gamespot is horrible for news these days...pretty much the most biased post ever

  • naboob1

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 3:43 pm PT

    i admire you're positive thinking sascha23, but i believe there will be so many ps3 owners angry about the price drop. price drops so early mean only one thing, "damage control."

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