Sony elaborated on previous comments made about 60GB PS3 inventory stock on Wednesday, confirming that only retail supply of the $499 machine remains and suggesting that the expected 80GB price drop is imminent.
“We no longer have any inventory in SCEA warehouses. All inventory has been purchased and shipped to retailers,” Karraker said.
“We don’t have visibility as to if that is on their store shelves or in their warehouses at this time. However, based on inventory reports from our retailers, there is ample supply still left in the channel.”
On Tuesday, it was revealed that Sony’s online inventory had been fully depleted. In July, after slashing the PS3 price by $100, the company said that the now discontinued 60GB PS3 would be available for several months. At that point, Sony alluded that they may also reduce the price of the $599 80GB PS3 to $499 as my analyst expect.
“We won’t be making any further announcements regarding our PS3 model hardware strategy in North America until the 60GB model is exhausted and market conditions are evaluated,” a Sony representative said.