PSX Production Stops, Development Issues Rumored?

Thanks to GameScience for translating the news that Sony's PlayStation 2/DVR combination, the PSX, has temporarily ceased production in Japan, apparently "since the start of April." According to Sony representatives, the company is "in the middle of deciding when production will start again, based on the current stock levels, as well as the shift in demand for the unit", but the Japanese article claims "a development problem", suggesting "...both SCE's game unit and Sony's Blu-ray team are involved in the project, and apparently things haven't been running smoothly, resulting in some of PSX's functionality being mismatched" - is this partly referencing the PSX's initial feature downgrade? However, the PSX is "still on track for launch in Europe and North America in the second half of 2004."

Comments

Why PSX, Why?

[hambonewilkins]

Why did they name it PSX? Am I the only person that knows the Playstation by the name PSX? Even if Sony didn't call it that (and called it what, PS?), they should have come up with a new name. Has all originality left Sony?

Also, I think the chances of success in America are nil. As people will point out, its success is linked to limited space in Japan and the popularity of all-in-one units. At its price-point and with far more space in America, I don't see this selling well. Especially to those who have already bought a PS2.

The actual problem is the price.

[AzraelKans]

The psx is a great system (hmm yes I still associate that acronym with the ps but lets skip that) just the dvd recorder is enough for anyone to consider the purchase add to that the fact that is also a full ps2 and you have a deal, unfortunately the price is definetily a problem ($700 bucks) with a price like that lets just face it, everybody who was able to buy it, has already bought one.

Besides a real tech savy guy only needs to do the math, they can upgrade their computer to have a video-in card ($50) a half decent dvd-recorder($150) and buy a brand new ps2 ($150) all for ($350) half the price, and enjoy the same features of the psx in the living room. (not under the same case though).

Why this doesnt look like (and actually isn't) terrible news for sony? well for starters they are heading the "console wars" for what? 20 million sales? also the PSX is just a "bundle product" not their main console? and the ps2 is selling at almost the same rate? AND they are also a huge company who gets money from just about everywhere (movies,tv,electronics,evercrack addicts)? I mean seriously feelings aside at what point Nintendo was in the same position when they had to stop producing the cube? we were worried for nintendo back then. (fortunately we now realize they have never been in trouble since they are actually getting a profit for each console, contrary to other companies. So they will still be around for a while. thankfully for their fans)

However back at the PSX maybe sony should consider a price drop. I will definetily pick one up, if they put it around $350 or $300. I will ran to the mall if its on $250 Hell would be unleashed if its $200-$150 (but thats daydreaming).