Japanese magazines over the weekend were reporting that the folks over at Matsushita weren't happy with the Gamecube hardware. Matsushita recently held a press conference in Tokyo completely denying these rumors.

Matsushita is still working on the slightly higher priced Gamecube/DVD unit slated for a July 2001 release in Japan. Matsushita director Fumio Otsubo stated through the mass production process yields hardware refinements which will eventually bring the cost of their GameCube compatible device down. No actual price point was given.

Personally, I'd really like to see Nintendo market this player outside of Japan. Or at least give Matsushita the option to sell it outside of Japan. Granted, at Spaceworld Nintendo said their main focus was to make the ultimate game machine, not an all around entertainment center. I think giving people a choice, for say, an extra $100 you get DVD movie playback wouldn't be a bad deal.

What do you think? Do you need movie playback? Or would you be happy with just the Gamecube alone? Hop in the talkback area and let us know!