Sony Computer Entertainment America Introduces North America To the PlayStation(R) 2 Computer Entertainment System Aimed at the Broadband Era

Gearing up for the biggest consumer product launch of the decade, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today its plans for the North American release of the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is designed to bring together games, music and movies, and will redefine the entertainment lifestyle, eventually serving as a network platform in the broadband era.

The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is scheduled to launch in North America on October 26, 2000 with an unprecedented initial launch shipment of one million units, followed by an additional two million units through March 31, 2001. Supporting both the audio CD and DVD-Video formats, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system leads the fusion of interactive entertainment with music and video. The new system supports the existing PlayStation software catalog of more than 800 titles now on the market, bridging the generation of the two systems while protecting consumers' investment in their PlayStation software libraries.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced the following details and information pertaining to the North American release of the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system:

• Suggested Retail Price (SRP): $299(U.S.)
• Available: October 26, 2000
• Accessories included: DUALSHOCK(TM) 2 Controller, AV Multi Cable, AC Power Cord
• Dimensions: 301mm (W) x 182mm (H) x 78mm (D), (12" x 7" x 3")
• Weight: 2.4 kg (5 lbs. 5 oz.)
• Use: Vertical or horizontal position
• Media: PlayStation 2 CD-ROM / DVD-ROM, PlayStation CD-ROM
• Formats supported: Audio CD, DVD-Video, Dolby Digital® (AC-3), DTS®
• Interfaces: Controller port(2) Memory Card slot(2), AV Multi Out connector(1), Optical Digital Out connector(1), USB connector(2), i.LINK(TM) (IEEE1394) connector(1), *New features Drive bay (for 3.5" hard disc drive) Expansion unit (for network interface)
• Peripherals (sold separately): DUALSHOCK(TM)2 Controller - $34 SRP Memory Card (8MB) - $34 SRP Multi Tap - $34 SRP
• Software Support: More than 270 titles in development worldwide
• Software Pricing: PlayStation 2 software - $49 SRP (SCEA Only)

In order to lead the broadband era, without changing the aesthetic design or basic dimensions of the console itself, the PlayStation 2 incorporates a bay for 3.5`` hard disc drive and an expansion unit for interfacing with the network for future functionality upgrades. Together with the USB and i.LINK (IEEE1394) interfaces, the PlayStation 2 is ready to expand into the home network.

In addition, the PlayStation 2 features DVD-Video playback built into the hardware as standard, without the use of a Memory Card. The features and functionality of the DVD player can also be enhanced in the future via firmware upgrade, simply by loading a new program from upgrade discs. This firmware upgrade feature also enables the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system to evolve into future digital consumer applications -- another powerful feature of PlayStation 2.

``To date 1.8 million units have been sold in Japan. The overwhelming success of the product launch proves that the market is ready for PlayStation 2, as we chart a path toward the future of networked digital entertainment,'' said Ken Kutaragi, president and chief executive officer, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. ``Now the time has come to introduce the new PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system to the North American market. Just as PlayStation brought interactive gaming to unprecedented mass market levels, PlayStation 2 will open the doors to a new world of computer entertainment experience in the home, bringing together games, music and movies.''

No other system has created as much excitement and support among the software development community as the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Currently 208 publishers/developers have signed license agreements and more than 270 software titles are in development worldwide. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system will launch in North America with an unprecedented amount of software support from both first and third party companies, resulting in a software library of more than 50 titles scheduled for release by the end of 2000.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® game console and the upcoming PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation game console and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PlayStation game console and the upcoming PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

News Source: PR Newswire