SCEA trying to clear 60GB PS3s

Author: Joe Martin
Published: 16th October 2007

The 40GB version of the PlayStation 3 still hasn't been confirmed in the US.

Industry analyst Michael Pachter has said that he thinks Sony America isn't announcing the 40GB version of the PlayStation 3 in the US because they are still trying to clear stocks of the 60GB version.

Speaking to GI.biz, Pachter said that he thinks Sony had an "inventory control problem" and is resisting loweing the price of the old 60GB model in order to leave room for the new 40GB version. This is exactly what's happened on this side of the pond after all.

Pachter thinks that the 40GB version will only see an unveiling in the US after enough of the 60GB stock has been shipped, or else Sony will have to "accept reality and bundle [the 60GB with] a game and an extra controller for USD 499.99, giving consumers some value for their money".

Pachter, along with just about everyone with a shred of common sense, also thinks that a price cut on the PS3 would improve the sales of the PlayStation 3 line - estimating a 50 percent improvement in sales for every hundred dollars in reduction.

Pachter thinks the 40GB version is still competitive too, despite the loss of backwards compatibility in that model.

"I don't think most people who waited this long care enough about backwards compatibility to affect their decision either way," he said.

What do you think though? Is the PS3 really in dire straits, or is Pachter in Bill Gates' pocket and spouting gibberish? Let us know your views in the forums.