Sony Boss Unrepentant as PSP Build Quality Issues Flare
Returned stock not an issue says Kutaragi-san.
SCE frontman Ken Kutaragi has defended a design decision in the PlayStation Portable which led to a relatively high rate of returns of the machine, in surprising news breaking overnight in Japan.
As you may well be aware, there have been constant issues with the square button on the PSP’s fascia, with the far-left input unit becoming stuck or ceasing to function. Commenting in Nikkei Business, Kutaragi-san surprisingly confirmed that 4,800 hardware units had been returned, largely due to this fault.
“I didn't want the PSP's LCD screen to become any smaller than this, nor did I want its machine body to become any larger," said the Sony boss. "The button's location is on purpose. It is according to our specifications. This is something that we've created, and this is our specification. There was a clear purpose to it, and it wasn't a mistake.”
From the moment the PSP launched and was subsequently dissected, the placement of the troublesome button was widely questioned by tech analysts and users alike. It was clear that the placement had been somewhat botched, though the majority of satisfied users reported no real problem other than the odd sticking point.
However, the concerns that as the machine ages, the problem may well become worse are well-founded. As the PSP collects grime from the user’s thumbs, it is likely that any potential fault will be exacerbated. What’s more, if a terminal collection of sub-button debris only occurs after the PSP’s warranty has expired, we could be seeing a lot of angry gamers in a year’s time.
This news will also compound recent shots at Sony and it’s manufacturing quality from the tech press of late.
As you may well be aware, there have been constant issues with the square button on the PSP’s fascia, with the far-left input unit becoming stuck or ceasing to function. Commenting in Nikkei Business, Kutaragi-san surprisingly confirmed that 4,800 hardware units had been returned, largely due to this fault.
“I didn't want the PSP's LCD screen to become any smaller than this, nor did I want its machine body to become any larger," said the Sony boss. "The button's location is on purpose. It is according to our specifications. This is something that we've created, and this is our specification. There was a clear purpose to it, and it wasn't a mistake.”
From the moment the PSP launched and was subsequently dissected, the placement of the troublesome button was widely questioned by tech analysts and users alike. It was clear that the placement had been somewhat botched, though the majority of satisfied users reported no real problem other than the odd sticking point.
However, the concerns that as the machine ages, the problem may well become worse are well-founded. As the PSP collects grime from the user’s thumbs, it is likely that any potential fault will be exacerbated. What’s more, if a terminal collection of sub-button debris only occurs after the PSP’s warranty has expired, we could be seeing a lot of angry gamers in a year’s time.
This news will also compound recent shots at Sony and it’s manufacturing quality from the tech press of late.
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Comments
theRaven 25 Jan 2005 15:24
1/14
Why is this big news? Is anyone really surprised? Everyone I know has gone through at least 2 PS2's. Yet we all still buy their crap (including me). This time I'm waiting until they fix all their bugs before I even think about PSP.
gamereview 25 Jan 2005 16:05
2/14
YEA UR RIGHT ABOUT THAT, U KNOW PLAYSTATION IS NOT GOING TO FIX THERE BUGG UNTIL THEY KNOW THEY HAVE A GOOD SUPPORT BEHIND PSP AND THATS WHEN THEY BEGIN THEIR SCAMMING
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tyrion 25 Jan 2005 18:24
3/14
theRaven wrote:
Why is this big news? Is anyone really surprised? Everyone I know has gone through at least 2 PS2's. Yet we all still buy their crap (including me). This time I'm waiting until they fix all their bugs before I even think about PSP.
Not me. Day 1 UK launch, pre-ordered PS2 still going stong, ta v'ry much.
Been used as the SPOnG review machine for a while, plugged in, unplugged, moved between office and home more times than I can count (even using a calculator) has a hard drive and network adaptor fitted and Linux installed.
Didn't have any problems with my PSX either. You guys that have multiple breakages must let the dog piss on them or something. :-)
Must say though (back on topic) even though the pic on the story shows the button contacts off centre with regards to the button, this pic (from Lik-Sang) shows the button membrane is also off centre to the same degree.
So the button won't have any problems with being pressed and making a contact. The button its self may be close to the screen causing a rubbing or a catching in its operation. We haven't had any problems with the SPOnG PSP, even in a highly charged lap of Ridge Racers.
I'm not going to let this stop me from getting a PSP as soon as they hit these shores.
fluffstardx 25 Jan 2005 21:15
4/14
theRaven wrote:
Why is this big news? Is anyone really surprised? Everyone I know has gone through at least 2 PS2's. Yet we all still buy their crap (including me). This time I'm waiting until they fix all their bugs before I even think about PSP.
Not me. I stopped buying Sony console stuff last year. Not touched it since, and don't plan on. Don't like it, no sirree. Not even for Final Fantasy, GTA and Kingdom Hearts.
They lost me when i hadn't bought a PS2 game that i kept for more than 3 weeks in 6 months...
SPInGSPOnG 26 Jan 2005 07:39
5/14
fluffstardx wrote:
They lost me when i hadn't bought a PS2 game that i kept for more than 3 weeks in 6 months...
Yeah, I mean, you'd have to keep Halo longer than three weeks, what with there being no other good Xbox games.
But I didn't even wait for a UK/US launch, I bought a Jap PSP, and it's going fine - no button stickage... no dign of likely button stickage. I'm happpy with it.
Plus, with property prices as they are these days, I calculated that an Xbox would take up $2,700 worth of my living volume.
kid_77 26 Jan 2005 09:21
6/14
Rod Todd wrote:
fluffstardx wrote:
They lost me when i hadn't bought a PS2 game that i kept for more than 3 weeks in 6 months...
Yeah, I mean, you'd have to keep Halo longer than three weeks, what with there being no other good Xbox games.
But I didn't even wait for a UK/US launch, I bought a Jap PSP, and it's going fine - no button stickage... no dign of likely button stickage. I'm happpy with it.
Plus, with property prices as they are these days, I calculated that an Xbox would take up $2,700 worth of my living volume.
MEOW!! Someone's got out of the wrong side of bed, eh Rod? I know you don't normally hide your vehement hatred of M$, but to openly deride the crapness of games at the disposal of us poor XB owners; that's just nasty!!
Bloody gemu-otaku elitist ;-)
fluffstardx 26 Jan 2005 09:49
7/14
Well, thanks to Live!, i've never had the problem of all my games being boring after a while... say, what games are internet-ready on PS2 in the UK now? And are they even worth it?
No, i have a library of 20 games, alkl of which have replay value.Plus, i have Animal Crossing on the Cube, which would have the guts to disown me if i didn't play it...
No, i have a library of 20 games, alkl of which have replay value.Plus, i have Animal Crossing on the Cube, which would have the guts to disown me if i didn't play it...
kid_77 26 Jan 2005 09:59
8/14
Yup. I find it hard to be bothered to play anything other than Halo 2 at the moment. I've got plenty of newish, unfinished game, but I need my daily Halo 2 fix :)
Arse McAdams 26 Jan 2005 10:10
9/14
tyrion wrote:
Been used as the SPOnG review machine for a while, plugged in, unplugged, moved between office and home more times than I can count
Yeh - along with at least another three machines in as many years!
Granted, your hatred for M$ is valid but why defend Sony so single-mindedly on issues such as its poor build quality - the company is renowned for this, especially with PlayStations, and in particular with regard to their utterly s**t lasers. If your PSX is still functioning 100% then you're in a minority.
The PSP is indeed a joy to behold (and I for one will most certainly be snapping one up come release day, if not before) but there is no way these machines are going to last if used, as intended, as a portable device. Take another look at one and imagine it knocking around in a bag or pocket for six months...
Joji 26 Jan 2005 12:30
10/14
Well don't know about you lot but I do my best to look after everything I have. My PSX still works since I purchased it in 97'. I hope my PS2 does the same.
If the PSP is in question you can only really answer it by buying one. Sony goods come with a warranty, but if that expires I'd say just buy another one. Prices go down over time anyway (though we know Sony hate price cuts). I hope such issues never spoil my gaming.
If the PSP is in question you can only really answer it by buying one. Sony goods come with a warranty, but if that expires I'd say just buy another one. Prices go down over time anyway (though we know Sony hate price cuts). I hope such issues never spoil my gaming.
Ditto 26 Jan 2005 13:08
11/14
Rod Todd wrote:
Plus, with property prices as they are these days, I calculated that an Xbox would take up $2,700 worth of my living volume.
You seem to do a lot of calculations, Rod.
In my experience Sony stuff fails just as regularly, if not more frequently, than any other electrical product. The only console I've owned that's broken down twice is a PSone.
I have a tendency to go for the cheap-but-better electrical goods, such as Samsung. I haven't bought a Sony product since 1998.
theRaven 26 Jan 2005 16:03
12/14
"Well don't know about you lot but I do my best to look after everything I have. My PSX still works since I purchased it in 97'. I hope my PS2 does the same. If the PSP is in question you can only really answer it by buying one. Sony goods come with a warranty, but if that expires I'd say just buy another one. Prices go down over time anyway (though we know Sony hate price cuts). I hope such issues never spoil my gaming."
Adam, now you have just jinxed yourself. Your PSP will have defects and once you get a PS3 it will make all kinds of funny noises and eventually quit on you.
"Sony goods come with a warranty, but if that expires I'd say just buy another one."
Yeah...... the masses are asses, this why PS2 sales are over 100 million, because of this logic. Umm... you still have to jump through hoops to get your system replaced, and usually things are designed to work up until the warranty expires (Playstations that is).
Adam, now you have just jinxed yourself. Your PSP will have defects and once you get a PS3 it will make all kinds of funny noises and eventually quit on you.
"Sony goods come with a warranty, but if that expires I'd say just buy another one."
Yeah...... the masses are asses, this why PS2 sales are over 100 million, because of this logic. Umm... you still have to jump through hoops to get your system replaced, and usually things are designed to work up until the warranty expires (Playstations that is).
fluffstardx 26 Jan 2005 18:06
13/14
I remember my Xbox breaking. Within 48 hours, i had a brand new one, and all my saves. Never broke since.
I remember when my mate's PS2 broke, and they charged him for the courier to send it to be repaired and sent it back weeks later. 2 days later... it broke. He sent it back for a new unit rather than repair, which ended up with him having to actually just buy a new one.
Warranties:bits of paper that mean they have you by the BALLS.
I remember when my mate's PS2 broke, and they charged him for the courier to send it to be repaired and sent it back weeks later. 2 days later... it broke. He sent it back for a new unit rather than repair, which ended up with him having to actually just buy a new one.
Warranties:bits of paper that mean they have you by the BALLS.
tyrion 26 Jan 2005 19:34
14/14
Arse McAdams wrote:
Granted, your hatred for M$ is valid but why defend Sony so single-mindedly on issues such as its poor build quality - the company is renowned for this, especially with PlayStations, and in particular with regard to their utterly s**t lasers. If your PSX is still functioning 100% then you're in a minority.
It's not a single-minded thing, I've just never seen a Sony device die completely without serious abuse. The official SPOnG PS2 died a few months ago, but we'd been using and abusing it for a couple of years. Like I say, mine is still OK after about a year of similar treatment.
I've seen TVs, videos, hi-fi equipment and DVD players from Sony that have lasted well through quite nasty abuses. A friend of mine had a Sony TV that went over the Irish sea to the Isle of Man twice a year when he was at Uni with me.
I know the lasers of early PSXs were prone to die after a while, but I never had any problems with mine (bought it in 1998).
Arse McAdams wrote:
The PSP is indeed a joy to behold (and I for one will most certainly be snapping one up come release day, if not before) but there is no way these machines are going to last if used, as intended, as a portable device. Take another look at one and imagine it knocking around in a bag or pocket for six months...
True, I don't believe they are as rugged as, say, the GBA, but I think they are aimed at a different market. Give a kid an iPod to take to school every day for a year and see what a mess it'll be in by the end of it.
The PSP, as I see it, is aimed at older people, the sort with a bit of bread in their pockets and a bit of brains in their heads.
Keep it in a jacket pocket or the like, don't put it in the same pocket as your huge bunch of office keys and put it back in the cover when you've done playing and I think it'll last at least as well as most mobile phones, PDAs and calculators.
Like the PSX and PS2 before it, the PSP is more of a "young adult" electronic device than a kid's toy.