Sony says retailers should expect a major increase in PS3 sales when the new slimline console arrives next month with £50 off the price.

Speaking to MCV at the inaugural Gamescom trade fair this week, SCEE president Andrew House said that the firm was closely tracking its prior activity on PS2 and PSOne by introducing new hardware at lower prices.

“In keeping with past life cycles this price cut is about passing on as much of our cost savings as possible to consumers,” House told MCV.

“It's consistent with what we said before, and that we would do it when the price was right - which we were hinting at meant that we could cut the price when we had a cost-improved model.

“Experience in past life cycles has told us that you get a few opportunities to address price for the consumers, and the way to make the most of that is a significant price reduction is the best way to get as much impact and momentum as you can.”