Gaming consoles are a pricey investment, which often leaves gamers looking to the holiday shopping season in hopes of finding a good sale. Those who are still holding out on getting a PS4 or looking to upgrade to the PS4 Pro may get lucky during the upcoming Black Friday sales, at least according to one market analyst.
Analyst Michael Pachter believes that the PS4 and PS4 Pro are each likely to see a $50 discount off as part of the seasonal sales, bringing down the price to $249 and $350 accordingly. Last year, the PS4 Slim and Xbox One S were price-cut to under $200 during the major Black Friday sales, as both Microsoft and Sony fought hard to capture the holiday market.
Although Black Friday will play a role in the timing for the discount, Pachter believes Sony's willingness to reduce the price is already evident and points to the Japanese market, which recently saw a 5000 yen discount (around $45 USD) applied to console. Pachter did note that technically, both Japan and the U.S. have received discounts, as the Red Dead Redemption 2 PS4 Pro bundle effectively made the game free by selling the bundle at the same price as the base console, for $399.99. However, Pachter believes that the number will go even lower to match Japanese market prices for the base systems.
Pachter has a long history of making predictions for the gaming markets. He's recently suggested that the PS5 won't breach $500, as well as making claims that disc drives will no longer be included with either next-generation console system. Several of his past claims have ultimately been proven true; he notably predicted that the Nintendo Switch would be sold out for months following its release, and also claimed that Red Dead Redemption 2 wouldn't come to the Switch.
Although the PS4 and Xbox One are still the powerhouses on the console gaming market, the Nintendo Switch has given them both a run for their money, even managing to outsell Sony and Microsoft alike at one point. Gamers will have to wait and see if this is the beginning of another console price war, but for now, keeping an eye on Sony's plans leading up to the Holidays is the best bet for saving some cash.
Source: GamingBolt