Microsoft's latest European Xbox 360 price cut has put Sony under renewed pressure to slash the cost of its PlayStation 3 console, according to Strategy Analytics.
"Sony will be nervous that the PS3's recent sales surge may fizzle out now that the premium Xbox 360 undercuts the PS3 by £40, and the cheapest Xbox model is almost half the price of a PS3," said Mercer.
"Sony will be scrutinizing the daily sales reports, but will probably try to hold out until later in the year before making its next price move."