Sony must cut PS3 price to boost sales - Lazard

Sony should not expect a boost in its fourth quarter sales for the PlayStation 3 unless it cuts the price of the new console and delivers a stronger software line-up, according to Lazard Capital Markets.

The analyst firm's Colin Sebastian revealed his thoughts in the latest note to investors, which also stated that the company expects overall software sales to increase by at least 15 per cent in North America this coming year.

"We continue to believe that a significant pre-holiday ramp in PS3 unit sales is unlikely without a more robust title line-up and/or a hardware price cut," noted Sebastian.

After impressive financial reports from a number of publishers including Activision and Ubisoft, Sebastian expects 2007 will continue to enjoy steady software sales growth.

"We believe videogame sales remain generally healthy year-to-date despite tougher year-over-year comps for the remainder of 2007. We continue to expect solid 15 per cent plus growth in software sales in North America this year," he said.