I agree, it does seem strange. I have a couple of theories:
It could be that they are now starting to fight on price and are betting on people not really wanting to play the old games with all the new (HD) games due for release (albeit the 60gb upscales ps2 games). (The fact that they are doing this in their 'heartland' may also suggest that the feedback from the Japanese gamers is precisely this....)
It could also be canny marketing. Bring out the cheaper model and let people get used to a price point that actually does provide serious price competition to the 360 and Wii (about £280).
THEN introduce the 80gb (or perhaps an even higher capacity) model with the backwards capability for the previous price point of about £425
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@ PS2 Backwards compatibility to go for good too?
I agree, it does seem strange. I have a couple of theories:
It could be that they are now starting to fight on price and are betting on people not really wanting to play the old games with all the new (HD) games due for release (albeit the 60gb upscales ps2 games). (The fact that they are doing this in their 'heartland' may also suggest that the feedback from the Japanese gamers is precisely this....)
It could also be canny marketing. Bring out the cheaper model and let people get used to a price point that actually does provide serious price competition to the 360 and Wii (about £280).
THEN introduce the 80gb (or perhaps an even higher capacity) model with the backwards capability for the previous price point of about £425