Source: Tech-news site Ars Technica.

　　What we heard: Though the August NPD figures aren't expected until later this week, analysts are predicting that the PlayStation 3 will be the second-worst-selling platform for the month, ahead of only the Game Boy Advance. The grim forecast comes despite Sony's $100 discounting of the discontinued 60GB model of the console, which was countered by Microsoft's less-drastic reduction of all three Xbox 360 SKUs.

　　Reacting to the PS3's evaporating momentum, analysts loudly predicted last week that Sony would make the $599 80GB PS3 just $499 in the US sometime before the holidays to spur sales. Now Ars Technica is reporting Sony is planning an even more aggressive offensive to reconquer the console market. According to the tech site's "reliable mole," not only will the 80GB PS3's price be cut by a Ben Franklin, but Sony is also readying an all-new, $399 40GB model of the console, as was rumored earlier this year.

　　But, in infomercial parlance, that's not all! Ars Technica's source also says that Sony will bundle one or both of the PS3 SKUs with a Blu-ray disc of its summer blockbuster movie Spider-Man 3. Such a package would not only help convince fence-sitters to pick up the console, but it would also help promote the Blu-ray format in a way the original North American Blu-ray disc pack-in, Talledega Nights, failed to. The move could prove crucial, given the recent rekindling of the Blu-ray/HD-DVD war.

　　Last but not least, Ars Technica's source says Sony will drop the PlayStation 2's price to just $99. Obviously, the move would even further extend the life of the console--which outsold both the Xbox 360 and PS3 in July.

　　The official story: "It's our policy not to comment on rumors or speculation."--Sony rep.

　　Bogus or not bogus?: Since today's story is the second time reports of a $499 and $399 PS3 have sprung up, they are looking less and less bogus. Although such price drops would widen the losses Sony takes on PS3 hardware, they would provide a much-needed boost for the platform over a shopping season containing some very high-profile 360 and Wii exclusives. Closing out the year with robust sales would also help ensure the PS3's place at the next-generation table--while continued weakness could doom it to third place for the foreseeable future.