Initial Holiday Sales for PlayStation® Business Outperforms Category And Exceeds Company Expectations

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. today announced stronger than expected sales during Thanksgiving week, exceeding its original product forecasts despite the current economic conditions. Based on sales reports covering the first holiday sales weekend, the company projects that total PlayStation® category sales will bring in more than $1 billion in retail revenue during December 2001. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. executives stated the introduction of two new competitive consoles had no impact on sales of its coveted PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system or PS one™ console.

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Consumers visiting retail outlets interested in new products chose the industry leading, trusted PlayStation brand, purchasing more than 317,000 PlayStation 2 units and 100,000 PS one consoles during the week of November 19. PlayStation 2 sales rose more than 62 percent from the week prior, demonstrating an increased consumer interest around the platform. This sales volume remained consistent for the week of November 26 as the company sold more than 321,000 PlayStation units, with PS one experiencing another 100,000-unit week during this period.

These latest sales findings bring the life-to-date installed base of PlayStation 2 in North America to more than 6 million units since its debut 13 months ago. PS one/PlayStation consoles can be found in more than one out of every three U.S. households as the company now has sold 31 million units to consumers.

"We experienced record-breaking sales for the PlayStation family of products during the Thanksgiving time period and expect this trend to continue throughout the holidays," said Jack Tretton, senior vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "For the first time since the introduction of PlayStation 2 in 2000, consumers have the opportunity to choose from multiple new console offerings. Competitive marketing efforts drove consumers to retail and many chose to purchase our products once they compared the benefits of each system. Overall in 2001 we forecast that 66 percent or $2 out of every $3 retail console dollars will result from sales of PlayStation products.

"Our retail partners are reporting to us that 2001 will be the best year yet for videogame sales," added Tretton. "For 54 months straight, the PlayStation business has been the sales leader in every category in which it competes. We have maintained that success by providing both the PlayStation enthusiast and new consumers with a wealth of entertainment at affordable prices."

Sony Computer Entertainment America executives also said the surge in holiday sales may be correlated to the fact that in-home entertainment purchases are on the rise. In a survey commissioned by the company, one in three consumers indicated they would seek entertainment choices that offer a break from real world events this holiday season. Leading retailers like Wal-Mart and Sears have also stated that home electronics are the hottest selling entertainment products this season, with DVD and videogame sales leading the pack.

In addition, growing software sales will contribute heavily to the overall performance of the gaming business during the holidays. Major hits topping the charts for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system include: Metal Gear Solid® 2: Sons of Liberty™ from Konami of America, SSX Tricky from Electronic Arts, Devil May Cry™ from Capcom, Grand Theft Auto 3 from Rockstar Games, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater™ 3 from Activision, and Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec™ from Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game console, and the 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 family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console and the 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.

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Contact: Darren Horwitz, +1-650-655-5324, or darren_horwitz@playstation.sony.com, or Monica Wik, +1-650-655-5394, or monica_wik@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Web site: http://www.playstation.com/