Base Model to Become Available in North America and Europe
March 15, 2006
[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Game Developer and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press]
Author: Sony
Tokyo, March 15, 2006 - Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that it will continue to further expand the PSP (PlayStationPortable) platform with new attractive accessories, features and services responding to active demand throughout the world.
Since its launch in Japan in December 2004, North America in March 2005, and in Europe in September, 2005, PSP has already shipped more than 15 million units worldwide establishing its position as a new handheld entertainment platform around the world. With its overwhelming power, unparalleled in handheld systems, PSP has gained huge support from a broad range of users.
To accelerate further penetration throughout the world, a new Base Model in black color will become available in Europe from March 22, 2006, and 199 Euro/199US$ respectively in North America end of March 2006. SCEI will also introduce Ceramic White for the base model of PSP (PSP-1000 CW) at a recommended retail price of 19,800 yen excluding tax (20,790 yen including tax) for the Japanese market.
On the software side, a series of new PSPGame are expected to be released from third party developers, publishers and SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) * around the world.
Highly anticipated titles are such as DragonBall Z: Shin, Budokai (BANDAI CO.,LTD), LocoRoco (SCE WWS) and MIN-NA NO CHIZU (ZENRIN CO., LTD) in Japan, Field Commander (Sony Online Entertainment), Godfather (Electronic Arts) and Syphon Filter (SCEA) in North America, and Football Manager Handheld (Sega Europe) and Lemmings(SCEE) in Europe.
Since its launch, PSP platform has evolved continuously with system software updates* adding new and attractive features such as internet browsing, playback and storing of high quality video. SCEI will further continue to update the system software and expand the world of entertainment with PSP. As a next step, SCEI will newly add Macromedia Flash player and extend RSS Channel function which enable users to playback and save internet radio content and entertainment movies.
As part of SCEI's passion to spread the entertainment world of PSP. it has been introducing "PlayStation Spot" * in Japan since February 2006. SCEI has now more than 150 locations at train stations, complex café and games shops where PSP users can easily enjoy various content such as trial game software for free of charge. SCEI will further extend its location base so that more PSP users could have easier access to the "PlayStation Spot".
For expanding the potential capability of PSP hardware, new camera (PSP-300) and GPS receiver (PSP-290) will be introduced from this autumn. By adding these new attractive peripherals, new features such as motion tracking technology of Eye ToyTM, developing the new game titles by utilizing the video chat function, portable navigating system with GPS function are highly expected.
SCEI will also start a new download service offering selected popular PlayStation format tittles from the past. By reviving software assets, users will be able to enjoy exiting PlayStation titles anytime, anywhere on PSP.
SCEI aims to expand the world of entertainment with game, music and movies in the mobile entertainment arena by offering new peripherals and the continuous system software upgrades for the additional features on PSP. With PlayStation, PlayStation2 and PSP, SCEI will create and develop a new world of computer entertainment through the fusion of game, music, movies and broadcasting.
*) Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios
*) For details regarding the system software update of PSP, please refer to our official website (http://www.playstation.jp/psp).
*) Area (spot) in which multiple PSP users can enjoy trial version data such as game demo at the same time, using wireless LAN.
Product Information Japan Models: Product Name PSP(PlayStationPortable) Product Code PSP-1000 CW Color Ceramic White Recommended Retail Price 19,800 Yen Included PSPTM hardware AC adaptor (for PSPTM) Battery pack (for PSPTM)
US Models: Product Name PSP(PlayStationPortable) Product Code PSP-1000 Color Black Recommended Retail Price 199 US Dollars Included PSPTM hardware AC adaptor (for PSPTM) Battery pack (for PSPTM)
Europe Models: Product Name PSP(PlayStationPortable) Product Code PSP-1000 Color Black Recommended Retail Price 199 Euros Included PSPTM hardware AC adaptor (for PSPTM) Battery pack (for PSPTM)
For more information contact:
SCEE Press Centre
Email: [email protected]
Tel:+44 (0)20 7859 5000
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. as at 15 March 2006
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation game console, the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and the PSP (PlayStationPortable) handheld entertainment player. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new portable entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.
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