This morning, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced that starting April 1, the PlayStation 2 will be sold for $99.99. To anyone who had been paying attention to the rumors over the past few days, this should come as no surprise. 

While a $30 price drop may not seem significant, analysts predict it will greatly improve the console's health. At the console's previous price point, $129.99, the EEDAR research group had expected software sales to decline to 16% marketshare from April through July. With this new price cut, it now expects PS2 software to maintain an 18% marketshare for the second quarter. 

While this might not be the PlayStation 3 price cut many had expected (or even wanted), EEDAR also notes that a price cut for Sony's current gen console is still expected in 2009. 

Anyone lining up to buy a PS2 tomorrow?

LAYSTATION®2, the World’s Most Popular coMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT System, Now more affordable than ever at $99.99

Sony Computer Entertainment America and Its Publishing Partners to Expand Gaming Library to Nearly 1,900 Titles This Year

FOSTER CITY, Calif. March 31, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system will be available starting April 1 for $99.99 (MSRP). Since launching in 2000, PlayStation 2 has sold more than 136 million sell-in units worldwide*, making it the most popular system in gaming industry history. PlayStation 2’s vast library of games from all genres for all types of audiences will grow to nearly 1,900 titles this year. This breadth and depth of content along with the new price point make the platform a stronger value than ever, particularly for families, casual gamers, and those seeking to maximize their entertainment dollar.

“PlayStation 2 set the industry standard for worldwide mass market adoption and is a clear embodiment of Sony's commitment to platforms that deliver 10-year product lifecycles. It's a tribute to outstanding technology, great consumer value and unprecedented development support that we've now been able to do twice what no one else has ever accomplished,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “Demand for PlayStation 2 remains strong throughout the world, and the new $99 price point will bring in new consumers who will discover how PlayStation platforms are an outstanding choice for their gaming and home entertainment needs. Just as PlayStation 2 is delivering on a 10-year lifecycle and helped expand and solidify the DVD format for home entertainment along the way, we believe PLAYSTATION 3 offers the same promise by helping secure the Blu-ray format and delivering unprecedented value as the total home entertainment solution for the next decade.”

SCEA will continue to support PlayStation 2 system with new titles that appeal to families and casual gamers looking for social entertainment experiences. First-party games such as MLB® 09 THE Show™ and MotorStorm®: Arctic Edge as well as major franchise titles from SCEA’s publishing partners demonstrate the continued growth of the platform’s library of content. In addition, more than 250 best-selling PlayStation 2 titles have achieved “Greatest Hits” status, providing consumers with plenty of games to choose from at value pricing.

PlayStation 2’s impact on the industry is unmatched, as the platform played a key role in establishing the popularity of the most recognized and beloved franchises in history, including Guitar Hero® from Activision, Metal Gear Solid® from Konami Digital Entertainment, FINAL FANTASY® from Square Enix, Grand Theft Auto™ from Rockstar Games, as well as Gran Turismo™ by Polyphony Digital Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios titles, including God of War® and Ratchet & Clank®. In recent years, this stellar lineup has expanded to include an extensive list of social games and family-friendly titles such as Buzz! ™  and SingStar®, which have helped usher in new types of consumers into the world of gaming.

During its lifespan, PlayStation 2 system not only has pushed video gaming to the forefront of entertainment, but it also introduced the concept of an entertainment system becoming a hub in the living room. PlayStation 2 was the first home computer entertainment system to integrate DVD technology, and the rapid growth of the install base helped establish DVD as the standard optical disc media format worldwide. Featuring both DVD and CD playback capabilities, PlayStation 2 system has served as the entertainment centerpiece in many living rooms.

PlayStation 2 remains the most played computer entertainment system on the market, according to a December 2008 report from The Nielsen Company. Last year, PlayStation 2 became the first system in history to reach the 50 million sell-in unit sales milestone in North America, making it one of the most successful technology products ever. PlayStation 2 system was previously available for $129.99 (MSRP).

*Sell-in numbers as of the end of December 2008