I am a PS3 fan and have been since the launch of the system. Given the systems capabilities and forward conceptual thinking the system in all its glory is a gaming console and should be seen as so. Blu-Ray, Wi-Fi, Multi-Media Ports, Bluetooth are all great but the bottom line for the majority of consumers is price point and I am a firm believer in what I call the "Magic Number". The "Magic Number" is a price point in which the consumer will actually press ahead and make a purchase simply because its affordable. The added features only secure that purchase. "The "Magic Number" has not been set for the PS3 and I understand that manufacturing cost are a contributing factor to this. If you were to ask me what that number is I would say $199. Financial hardship is upon us and 2009 onward will be interesting. Sony should really bite the bullet and offer the system at a price that is extremely attractive to consumers this combined with the added bonus of Blu-Ray could cement the console as the dominant force in the universe.

Dear Mr. Steinberg,

I would like to say that your message about the PS3 is right on the money. The message you just delivered is what people need to hear. Honestly, I think that very message will accomplish 10 times the amount than your current commercials today. Please find a way to send that message inside your commercials.

Realistically, the game industry is mostly casual gamers. Casual gamers who have no idea what each console has to offer. They go to the store and look at price first and foremost. But that's them. I think the PS3 is worth every penny I paid to this day. But that's me.

If I were them I would have some suggestions that would ultimately win me over. That suggestion is price. The PS3 should have another model. A redesign. This redesign would offer the 45nm chip for 2009. It would be similar to the slim PS2 with no automatic loading, no SD, CF, or Pro media slots. and no touch sensitive buttons. I would have 1 USB slot since adapters could be purchased. 10GB hard drive. Maybe even no HDMI or optical since the multi can use componant. Anyway, these suggestions may help reduce the costs while maintaining the core PS3 experience. Then a reevalutaion of pricing can occur. Then sales would go up, a new audience gets interested, while maintaining the current PS3 models for gamers like me.

The reason I say this is because I believe the #1 priority is to get consoles sold. The console is like a store. If you lock the doors, no one can enter. Therefore, once the console base is taken care of, movies and games can be sold, online products can be purchased and so on. I believe this solves all without sacrificing much if anything.

In closing, I played video games for 30 years. I have 2 PS3s, 20 games, 4 controllers, 8 PSN games, and an upgraded HDD. I've studied your product since launch and truly believe you guys are on the right track.

Thank you for your time,
THEPS3GAMER