Sony's got another console thing coming...

**MVS** · 28 May 2003, 05:01 AM

Sony to introduce new game product 'PSX' this year

TOKYO, May 28 (Reuters) - Sony Corp <6758.T> said on Wednesday that it plans to introduce a new game product, the "PSX," in Japan this year, in a move that promises to heat up already strong competition in the industry.

The product will integrate games, pictures and music using advanced semiconductor technology, combining real-time game operating systems and fast DVD/hard-disk recorders, the consumer electronics giant said.

It gave no further details, but the announcement came on the heels of news earlier this month that the company would launch a handheld version of its PlayStation console, the "PSP," by the end of calendar 2004.

In a statement, Sony said the PSP and PSX "will mark the beginning of a new series of products that will unite the most advanced electronics devices with the leading-edge semiconductor technology associated with the game sector."

Sony's announcement earlier in May that it would launch a handheld game player hit shares in rival Nintendo Co <7974.OS> hard, and its PlayStation 2 console has been outselling offerings by both Nintendo and Microsoft .

Sony shares ended the day flat at 3,000 yen before the latest announcement, after UBS Warburg said it had cut its rating on the firm. The rating cut came about one month after Sony shocked investors by falling far short of earnings targets in 2002/03 and warning of a profit slide ahead.

**Tracer** · 28 May 2003, 05:06 AM

So.. what will we call the original one now? I am about to be so confussed

ºTracer

**dog$** · 28 May 2003, 05:42 AM

The PS, like you should have been doing the whole time.

... I can't help but wonder just who in the hell this product is supposed to be marketed towards. Based on the ideaology alone (presented so far) I can't say it's anything terribly interesting to me personally.

**warnpro** · 28 May 2003, 05:51 AM

I wonder if this thing is eventually going to come out in America.
Seems like a strange move on Sony's part to me, first this thing later this year (in Japan), then maybe the PS3 in 2004/2005, plus the PS2 will still be a viable platform.
It seems they are fragmenting their own market. Strange, but Sony and their legion of fans will probably make it a successfull venture.

**Taito** · 28 May 2003, 06:21 AM

The sexiest-looking console (or whatever it is) ever, I must say.

**dog$** · 28 May 2003, 07:36 AM

I agree, it does look asthetically pleasing.

Just for clarification, this thing seems to have a 120GB HD and a PS2 chip inside, as well as a "ground tuner" (radio tuner?).

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