Sony Computer Entertainment America to Release New Playstation®2 Hardware Package This Summer

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today that it plans to release a new PlayStation 2 hardware package on July 10, 2001. From this date, millions of consumers will be able to purchase the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system with a copy of one of the most highly anticipated games of all time, Gran Turismo™ 3 A spec. This new hardware package, available for a suggested retail price of $329, demonstrates the company's commitment to providing the consumer with the most compelling entertainment experience coupled with a great value proposition, as the game itself will be available for a suggested retail price of $49.99. Consumers will receive a $350 value for $329 through this new product offering.

(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW104-a )

Developed exclusively for PlayStation 2 by Polyphony Digital Inc., Gran Turismo 3 A-spec harnesses the technological power of the platform, bringing the team's creative vision to life through outstanding graphics and special effects and creating the most technologically advanced racing experience ever.

Gran Turismo 3 A-spec immerses players into the most true-to-life environments ever realized, including special effects like blinding sun glare hitting the windshield, shimmering heat rays rising off the tarmac and real-time reflections on the cars, adding to the overall experience. Improved opponent A.I. (artificial intelligence) further adds to the realism, allowing players to experience a true sense of emotion emanating from the opposing cars. In addition to the other features, the power of PlayStation 2 allows for each of the game's more than 150 authentic vehicles to be accurately designed and calculated to handle according to the "real life" physics of that particular vehicle, taking into account weight, speed, friction, wind and more.

Since its North American launch in October 2000, PlayStation 2, available for a suggested retail price of $299, has shipped more than 3.7 million units in only six months. This overwhelming reception affirms the next generation of entertainment PlayStation 2 is creating, fusing games, music and movies and taking the first bold step toward the broadband era.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has not yet rated Gran Turismo 3 A-spec. For more information about the ESRB visit http://www.esrb.org/.

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 PS one game console and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system 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.

NOTE: PlayStation and the PlayStation logo, PS one and PS2 are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here
http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X37542868

NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW104-a

AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/

PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 201-369-3467

SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Contact: Molly Smith of Sony Computer Entertainment America,
650-655-6044, or molly_smith@playstation.sony.com; or Greg Chiemingo of
Hill and Knowlton, 415-281-7124, or gchiemin@hillandknowlton.com, for
Sony Computer Entertainment America

Website: http://www.esrb.org/

Website: http://www.playstation.com/