The PSX (PlayStation X), released by Sony in 2003, was a groundbreaking device that attempted to merge gaming with home entertainment. Unlike its predecessor, the PlayStation 2, the PSX was designed as a digital video recorder (DVR) with PlayStation 2 game compatibility. It boasted features like TV recording, editing, and DVD burning capabilities, aiming to be the central hub for home media. Sony envisioned the PSX as a device that could record television programs, play PS2 games, and function as a DVD player/recorder all in one sleek package.
Unfortunately, the PSX ultimately failed to capture a significant market share. Its high price point, complex user interface, and the increasing popularity of cheaper, dedicated DVD recorders contributed to its downfall. Despite its innovative features, the PSX was considered overpriced and difficult to use, especially compared to more straightforward alternatives. While the PSX was a commercial failure, it remains a fascinating example of Sony's ambition to innovate and integrate different technologies into a single device. It's a reminder that even with cutting-edge features, user-friendliness and affordability are crucial for success in the consumer electronics market. The PSX is now considered a rare and somewhat quirky piece of PlayStation history.
2003
SONY
PSX
📜 History & Legacy
⚙️ Specifications
- ❖ CPU: PlayStation 2 CPU (Emotion Engine)
- ❖ GPU: PlayStation 2 GPU (Graphics Synthesizer)
- ❖ RAM: 256 MB (Combined System and Graphics Memory)
- ❖ Storage: 160/250 GB Hard Disk Drive
- ❖ Media: DVD-R/RW
🎮 Top 10 Games
- ★ Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
- ★ Final Fantasy X
- ★ Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- ★ Kingdom Hearts
- ★ Shadow of the Colossus
- ★ Resident Evil 4
- ★ Silent Hill 2
- ★ God of War
- ★ Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
- ★ Devil May Cry
💡 Curiosities
- ? Curiosity 1: The PSX was only released in Japan.
- ? Curiosity 2: It had a built-in TV tuner and could record television programs to its hard drive.
- ? Curiosity 3: The PSX featured a user interface similar to Sony's XMB (XrossMediaBar), which later appeared on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and PlayStation 3.
- ? Curiosity 4: It was one of the first devices to integrate a hard drive with gaming console functionality.
- ? Curiosity 5: The PSX's remote control was designed to control both the console's gaming and DVR functions.
- ? Curiosity 6: Despite its advanced features, the PSX was criticized for its slow DVD burning speeds.
- ? Curiosity 7: The PSX was marketed as a device that could 'record, play, and connect'.
- ? Curiosity 8: The PSX's model numbers were DESR-5000, DESR-5100, DESR-7000, and DESR-7100, depending on the hard drive size and release date.
- ? Curiosity 9: Sony discontinued the PSX just three years after its initial release.
- ? Curiosity 10: The PSX allowed users to edit recorded TV programs, adding titles and chapter markers.