Leading industry bosses, including Ubisoft's UK MD and HMV's head of games, have called on Sony to cut the price of the PlayStation 2 in the run-up to the Christmas season.

The console currently sells for around £95, but bosses have told MCV a cut would see more family purchases of the console.

“We’re pleased to see that PS2 has shown such longevity,” said Ubisoft UK MD Rob Cooper.

“It’s already at an attractive price, but a reduction on hardware and software would undoubtedly prove an extremely tempting purchase to the more casual gamer and family member.”

Atari UK MD Jeremy Wigmore added: “Considering all of the financial turmoil going around, anything that might galvanise the market is welcome.

"A PS2 cut would probably give it a little lift.”

And head of games at HMV Tim Ellis said: “Well-timed price drops, which help stimulate demand without devaluing the appeal of the product, are more often welcome than not. So we can understand why some publishers are suggesting one on PS2.”

But Sony has said no to the idea, with UK MD Ray Maguire stating: "There are no immediate plans to cut the price. We still think PS2 offers tremendous value for money."