The PSX includes the PlayStation 2's Emotion Engine and Graphics Synthesizer chips and will allow you to play PS2 games. But this isn't just a games system. The PSX also comes with a TV tuner, DVD recording capability and a 120 gigabyte hard disk. On top of this are USB 2.0 and memory stick support and a built-in Ethernet adapter.
This product was announced as part of a financial meeting for the entire Sony group in which big shot Ken Kutaragi revealed that the PS2 has reached worldwide cumulative shipments of 52.5 million. Following an introduction to the recently announced PSP (Play Station Portable) hardware, Kutaragi introduced and demoed the PSX.
According to Sony, the PSX represents the synergy between games and electronics. The built-in PS2 hardware will be used not just for games, but for the product's recording features.
Sony clarified the nature of the product following the presentation: "The PSX is a product not from SCE (Sony Computer Entertainment), but from Sony. It's a product that was born from the synthesis of the game and electronic fields, so while you can play games on it, it will not take the position of a game console. We're making it into a new DVD/HDD (hard disk drive) recording product that includes technology from SCE."
Pricing details and in-depth specifications will be revealed in the future. The pictures below were handed out by Sony. We've also included a video from Sony's financial briefing. You can download it here.