Sony has cut the price of the PlayStation 2 to $130 in the US and CAD140 north of the border, the consumer electronics giant announced today. The move was forecast last week as an attempt to boost demand for the PS2 in the run-up to the launch of its successor in November.

"Now even more consumers, as well as casual gamers, can experience what the PlayStation 2 platform has to offer," said Sony Computer Entertainment America CEO Kaz Hirai. The move is all about migrating the console down-market, away from the hardcore gamers, a tactic Sony employed with the original PlayStation.

SCEA said the price cut is effective immediately, but the activities it has in mind to bring the reduction to the attention of potential buyers won't kick off for a week.

There's no word yet on the possibility of a similar cut in other territories. ®