HMV predicts big PS3 boost in UK

The newly-announced PlayStation 3 price cut will provide a substantial sales boost” to the UK games market, says HMV.

Sony revealed at its Gamescom press conference this week that the console will now retail at 199.99. The price cut has taken effect immediately.

Speaking to MCV, HMV’s head of games Tim Ellis said: It is great news and it will give a substantial sales boost to the whole sector. Clearly the 200 pricepoint not only makes them more competitive versus Xbox, but also psychologically for the consumer it makes PS3 much more attractive beingunder 200.”

Resistance 3 will be the first major game from Sony released post-price cut, on September 9th.

The last time the PS3’s price was dropped was in 2009, and was coupled with the launch of the redesigned, slimmer console. That reconfiguration also drove a significant uplift in sales.

MCV revealed last month that the PS3’s new price would be 199.99, with leading stores expected to go to 179.99 or even lower.