Back to the Drawing Board

Wednesday, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. announced that it is introducing a new configuration of PlayStation hardware. To be sold only in Japan, the new configuration sports a couple new additions, at a lower price tag. For 18000 yen (about US$147.85), gamers will get the new PlayStation, which has a new feature added to the audio CD player. Called the "Sound Scope," the player works similarly to Sony's Baby Universe product, displaying images that change in time to the music (similar to the Jaguar's Virtual Light Machine or the audio CD player of the Panasonic 3DO).

Additionally, the standard control pad that Sony normally packs with each system will be replaced with its new Dual Shock Analog pad. The Dual Shock is a new version of the original Japanese analog controller that had rumble features. Instead of shaking the whole controller, the Dual Shock has the ability to vibrate either side of the controller, giving it a more accurate feel.

A Sony spokesperson told Reuters that the redesigned PlayStation model will boost the company's Japanese PlayStation sales to 10 million units, from 8.6 million as of the end of September. It will also most certainly heat up the console wars in Japan as the holiday season commences.