'Platinum' games now available for PlayStation PSP

For Immediate Release
Press Information

'Platinum' games now available for PlayStation Portable

Auckland, 3 July, 2006 - Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand (SCENZ) today announced the new 'Platinum®' range for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable). The collection of Platinum games is now available in stores, offering consumers' high quality PSP games from as little as $49.95 RRP.

Platinum is an accolade given only to software titles that had achieved a high number of sales worldwide (or territory specific) within a set time period. While new for PSP, the Platinum initiative was first introduced in 1997 when a selection of the most popular PlayStation® games were awarded Platinum status, this customer reward was then introduced for PlayStation®2 software in 2002.

"It is exciting to be in a position to offer consumers Platinum games less than 12 months since we launched PSP, this is testament to the success of the platform," said Warwick Light, General Manager, Sales & Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand.

Mr Light continued, "Of all the consoles we have launched the PSP has enjoyed the fastest market penetration. We acknowledge that this is partly due to enormous brand equity we have built in the last eleven years, though the most significant factor is the experiences the PSP can provide from mobile gaming, to music, film and internet applications."

Platinum Titles
The 'Platinum' for PlayStation Portable launch line up includes the following best-selling games:
• WipeOut™ Pure
• Pursuit Force®
• F1 Grand Prix™
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™
• Everybody's Golf®
• WRC®
• MediEvil®: Resurrection
• Ridge Racer®
• Need for Speed® Underground Rivals

Since its New Zealand launch in September 2005, sales of the black and white PSP have been exceptionally strong and combined have eclipsed 32,000 units. In addition to the gaming, movie and music capabilities of PSP, the platform also has an internet browser and numerous network features including the capability to log and download from RSS audio links. The PSP is now available in 'Ceramic White' or the original 'Black' and retails for $349.95 RRP.

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About PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)
PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. With graphics rendering capability comparable to that of PlayStation®2, PSP® features a 4.3 inch widescreen, high-resolution TFT display. The PSP® system's storage medium – UMD™ (Universal Media Disc) – is a compact yet high-capacity (1.8GB) optical disc. With a wide range of accessories and connectivity options, including Memory Stick Duo™, USB 2.0, IR port and Wireless (WLAN) functionality, PSP® is the new entertainment platform from Sony Computer Entertainment.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd.
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) software and hardware in 104 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the platforms in these territories. Between its European debut on 24th November 2000 and the end of March 2006, over 38 million PlayStation 2 consoles have been shipped across the SCEE territories, over 103 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history. Between its European debut on 1st September 2005 and the end of March 2006, over 5 million PSP systems have been shipped across the SCEE territories, with over 17 million shipped worldwide since its Japanese launch in December 2004.

About Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand
SCE New Zealand, based in Auckland, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PS one®, PlayStation®2 and PlayStation® Portable software and hardware in New Zealand. Over 330,000 consoles have been shipped in New Zealand as of February 2006. With both CD and DVD capabilities, PlayStation®2 offers consumers a diverse range of computer entertainment solutions and is supported with over 800 high quality software titles.

More information about PlayStation products can be found at www.playstation.com and www.yourpsp.com or visit the Virtual Press Office at www.scee.presscentre.com.

PlayStation, PSP and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. UMD (Universal Media Disc) is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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