With Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's Playstation 4 expected to be the big ticket topics for discussion at this month's E3 gaming conference, analysts expect both companies, as well as Nintendo's Wii U to cut their prices significantly in anticipation of the new consoles.
CNET reports that, in a note to investors on Monday, Wedbush analyst and long-time gaming industry evaluator Michael Pachter said he expects all three companies to announce console price cuts at their shows during the conference.
He believes that Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 will likely have their prices slashed by "at least $50" in light of their seemingly diminished value now that a successor to each product has been announced and hardcore gamers know to look on the horizon rather than behind them.
Nintendo is a bit of a different story however. Pachter believes the Wii will drop to $99 down from $129.99, which the company is currently selling some bundles for. Unlike Xbox and Playstation, Nintendo has been known for saying publically that it has no plans to adjust the price of the Wii U arguing that it is currently priced fairly. However, with competitors Sony and Microsoft lowering their prices, Nintendo might have to respond with more than a bundle deal to keep a hold of its already low demand in the U.S.
Nothing will be known for sure until after each developer has had their chance to showcase their product's new features at the three-day-long event. Xbox One is expected to be the backbone of Microsoft's show, expected to showcase games and new features with Kinect.
Sony will answer some of the questions it has been keeping quiet about the Playstation 4. Hopefully gamers will be able to decide which console is worth their money by the end of E3.
