Here it goes:
First off - Sony produces 20 gigs with the same specs as the current 60 gig, except it will have PS1/PS2 emulation instead of hardware. The new 20 gig will be sold at $349-$399. The same price as the premium Xbox is probably what they would choose. So right now, let's say $399 is the price but I think $350 would go a long way towards getting more sales. $299 is an optimum price point but I don't think they're anywhere close to achieving that.
Next - Sony sells HDDs or HDD kits as an add on for those who want extra space. Only the Sony-licensed HDDs will allow you to maintain the warranty on your PS3. By doing this it allows Sony to sell their HDDs at a considerable markup. So let's say they sell an 80gig HDD for $100 and a 160gig for $175. If you buy your HDD from another company you void your warranty, simple as that.
Next - Sony sells a bundle consisting of a 80 gig PS3 ($499), a freerumbleSixaxis ($50) free Blu-ray movie ($30) and $10-worth of free microtransactions within HOME and $10-worth of PSN downloads. The bundle will be sold at $499. That's a perceived savings of $100. This also will achieve two things for Sony. It will familiarize they're user base with Home and the PS Store. More installed users within Home means more money from advertisers and from dedicatedcompany spaces within Home.
This can be done because blu-ray lasers are getting cheaper to produce by the minute and the emulation software is cheaper than the hardware. A few more tweaks here and there and there you go. $349 - $399 for a 20 gig PS3 that you can upgrade if you wish to.
What do you think?
Log in to comment