Analysts Disappointed by PSX

[Michael Bluth]

Sony is scheduled to introduce their hybrid game console dubbed “PSX” this weekend in Japan. Two versions of the DVD-R enabled system are expected to hit retailers for 79800 yen ($740) and 99800 yen ($920), varying only in harddisk size. While Sony has begun aggressively promoting the system to consumers, the reaction from the investment community has been nothing short of cold.

One of analysts biggest problems with the PSX is the differences between Sony’s initial concept for the device and the finished product. Thereby, several features including DVD-RW support and network game compatibility were removed just weeks before production. Speaking about the changes, Kazuya Yamamoto, analyst for UFJ Tsubasa Securities, “Lowering the specifications of the PSX hurt Sony's image. And did it turn out to be a superior machine as a DVD recorder? I certainly don't think so.”

Still other analysts see PSX as nothing more than a crude attempt to gain attention and a piece of the growing DVD-R market. “The PSX is perhaps more of a publicity stunt," said Kazumasa Kubota, an analyst with Okasan Securities Co., “It will probably sell well for a month or two but the momentum isn't likely to hold up after that."


http://www.polygonmag.com/news/index.php?id=1389

[smellslikenintendospirit]

Here's more if anyone's interested:

Australia: Sony Defends PSX from Critics
By Mike Meikle -- News Writer
Published 8:10 AM CDT, December 12, 2003

Michael Ephraim takes heat on perceived reduction in PSX hardware capability.

Due to be released in Japan on December 13, 2003, the PSX, Sony's new home entertainment hub, contains a PS2 core, HDD+DVD recorder, progressive scan DVD player and other high-end features. Controversy has been generated by the reported reduction in the promised functionality, such as CD-R media and MP3 playback not being supported.

According to PC World, Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment in Australia, Michael Ephraim, has stated that those features that have been removed for the Japanese release will be reinstated before the device is released in Western countries in late 2004.

Ephraim stated that not all of PSX's functionality is available immediately.

"Some of the functionality the PSX will be capable of will not ship in the box," he said. "The architecture can be totally upgraded by software."

The Western world benefits from early product launches in Japan, Ephraim said, as the staggered rollout of the product allowed Sony to resolve issues with the hardware and its applications prior to the product reaching the Western customer base.

"It has always been like this for the whole history of consumer electronics," he said. "I would foresee that by the time the PSX launches here, the applications it comes with will be increased, and there will be many other possible applications and upgrades available."

Ephraim also dismissed analyst figures that indicate an early lead for Microsoft's Xbox online gaming service over the service Sony is offering for its PlayStation 2.

Analysts from GfK Marketing group have released a report suggesting the Xbox Live service may be twice as popular as Sony's PS2 Network.

"It is coming from such a low base, whatever numbers they are talking about now are inconsequential in the future," Ephraim said. "I understand that our competition is a few hundred network adapters in front of us, not thousands. When you consider that we have an install base of a million PS2's and 2.5 million PlayStations, it is fairly irrelevant. Our competitors don't even have a third of that install base."
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[Haris]

Is anyone surprised?

[aerofan113]

Is anyone surprised?

NO. I HOPE THIS BANKRUPTS THEIR VIDEOGAME DIVISION.

[Blaksmoke]

So......the Japanese get ripped off for some reason.

[Kliq]

Its ridiculously expensive, whos gonna buy it?

[Prince]

But wait.......theres more!

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The PSX only has one USB port and therefore can't connect PS2 periphirals which require multiple ports. Also, the games listed below have been confirmed to not work with it's USB peripherals.
Puchicopter -- USB Radio control controller
Sidewinder V -- Flight Force, Flight Stick
Shutokou Battle 0 -- GT Force
Maru DE Jigsaw -- USB Mouse
Zeroyon Champ Series Drift Champ -- GT Force

Apart from the above, the PS2 multi-tap is not compatible due to the design of the PSX where the controller port and memory card slot are far apart. Due to the location of the memory card slot, the Poket Station is also not compatible.

Regarding online games, the titles which also require the installation of the PlayStation BB Navigator have been confirmed to work. However, functions such as the PlayStation BB Channel browsing,contents download, and feega are not included at launch. Due to this, PLayStation BB Channel dedicated games like Namco's Ikuneko or Hudson's Bomberman Online are not playable.

Additionally, Nobunaga no Yabou Online requires the user registration on the Koei/GAMECITY channel through the PS2 but this procedure can be done from the PSX. New Nobunaga no Yabou Online users would either need to access the web site from a PC or register from a PS2 with PlayStation BB Navigator installed.

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what a joke

[HolyPaladin]

I must confess, I have been finding much delight and amusement from this whole PSX thing. Thank you Sony for the countless laughs and giggles at your expense.

EDIT: You know what's also gay about this whole PSX thing? If I was to talk about "PSX", nobody would know with any certainty as to what I was talking about, exactly, unless clues are given, whether it be in reference to this POS or the old PSX that competed against N64. Couldn't Sony have taped on something other than "X"?

[Kliq]

Yea exactly, not many people around my area know what the PSX is either.

[Miyahon]

It insures a healthy mix of both the rich, and the ignorant-Waylin Smithers

[Viper]

It's like a reduced fat cereal. They take out most of the good stuff and still charge the same amount or more for it.


Sure they aren't quite the same, in fact very different, but I'm suprised no one has mentioned the Q yet. It is the Cubes more expensive cousin as is the PSX to the PS2. I wonder how the sales will compare between them.