They're at it again- some analysts are thinking Sony could decide to cut the price of the PS3, maybe even as early as next spring.

According to Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities, besides the cut in Japan Sony could base a cut on the price difference between themselves and the competition. "Should Microsoft cut the price of the 360 in the future, which I think is a strong likelihood next year, Sony will cut the price of the PS3." This is figured to maintain the differential between the two units and not start a pricing war. he gives no specific timeframe for the possible cut other than sometime "next year".

Meanwhile, John Taylor of Arcadia Research is more optimistic of any cuts coming sooner rather than later. He feels it could come as early as Spring 2007, after the first wave of units are out the door. Taylor thinks the price cut in Japan was due in part to the price difference between the PS3 and its closest competition in the region, Nintendo's Wii. Even with the difference in capability he feels the price difference is too big.

Keep in mind that this is the analysts talking and not Sony so it's possible we may not see any cuts at all. Still, it gives one a bit of hope that the cost may not be quite as much as originally planned.