Okay, so this box comes out in Japan this year (price not set yet), and it's been said it'll come out in the US next year. But what about the PS3? Every console manufacturer is supposedly getting ready to launch the next generation of hardware in 2005, so why put out this unit now?
My guess (and one that I've seen echoed on Slashdot) is that it's just a test to see what they should include in the PS3 as far as non-game features. That, and to suck up all that gamer cash.
Then again, what about the remodeled PS2 (no firewire, progressive scan DVD, built-in IR for the remote) that's due out in a few months? It's going to be an expensive year for some people.