Sony cuts price of aging PlayStation 2 to $99
In a move that could spur demand at the low end of the video game market, Sony cut the price of its PlayStation 2 console from $129 to $99.
The decision comes as a bit of a surprise since Sony was widely rumored to be considering a price cut for the $399 PlayStation 3, which has been lagging in sales behind the Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii. The PS 2 cut will take effect tomorrow, bringing the system to its lowest price point since it launched at $299 in 2000.
Sony has sold more than 136 million PS 2s worldwide, making it the most popular video game console in history. By the end of the year, there will be more than 1,900 titles for the PS 2. Sony also cut its price in Europe, knocking it from €130 to €100.
While the PS 3 appeals to hardcore gamers, the low price of the PS 2 has long made it appealing to families and casual gamers, and now those who are dollar-conscious in the recession. But the PS 2 still isn’t selling nearly as fast as the Nintendo Wii, which costs $249.
Publishers are still creating PS 2 versions of their new games, though much of the market has shifted to the newer consoles. It will be interesting to see if the lower price jumpstarts demand in this economic climate. At the very least, it will draw attention back to the PS 2’s bargain status.
Next Story: SunRun teams with Virgance to finance solar for consumers
Previous Story: Nintendo’s Reggie Fils-Aime addresses OnLive, iPhone competition and used games
About the Author, Dean Takahashi
Dean is lead writer for GamesBeat at VentureBeat. He covers video games, security, chips and a variety of other subjects. Dean previously worked at the San Jose Mercury News, the Wall Street Journal, the Red Herring, the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register and the Dallas Times Herald. He is the author of two books, Opening the Xbox and the Xbox 360 Uncloaked. Follow him on Twitter at @deantak, and follow VentureBeat on Twitter at @venturebeat.