Microsoft Corp. does not expect rather unexpected price-cut of PlayStation 2 video game system to somehow affect the market and substantially boost sales of the aging console. According to the company’s vice president, shipments of new-generation video game consoles will continue to increase, whereas the PS2 is slowly fading into oblivion.

“This move from Sony at the end of the PS2’s life cycle is not unexpected. We believe, however, that the future lies in the growth of current generation consoles and Xbox 360, as the fastest growing games console last year, with sales up over 80%, will continue to drive the market,” said Chris Lewis, vice president of the interactive entertainment business for Microsoft, in a brief interview with GamesIndustry.biz web-site.

Both European and U.S.-based subsidiaries of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. said that price-cut of the PlayStation 2 to €99 and $99 will attract new customers to the PlayStation platform. However, it was doubtful from the very beginning that Sony needs a lot of customers who acquire game consoles at the price of two-three new titles in the well-developed countries. Nevertheless, new price-points will definitely attract customers in developing markets, such as Latin America or Eastern Europe.

“Xbox 360 has clearly demonstrated that the combination of the right price, blockbuster games as well as the market-leading broad connected entertainment content available through Xbox Live will continue to resonate with the ever growing needs of today’s consumers,” Mr. Lewis concluded.

The most affordable Microsoft Xbox 360 Arcade game console costs $199 in the U.S. and €179 in Europe.

Tags: Microsoft, Sony, Playstation, Xbox