PlayStation®2 Worldwide Shipments Reach 30 Million Units

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., the Tokyo-based parent company of its North American division Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., announced that as of May 5, 2002, cumulative worldwide shipments of its PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system reached 30 million units. The following is the breakdown:

  Worldwide PlayStation 2 Shipments by Region, as of May 5, 2002

  -- North America
     (Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.)      11.3 million units
  -- Japan/Asia
     (Sony Computer Entertainment Japan)             9.9 million units
  -- Europe/PAL
     (Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited)    8.8 million units

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

The current PlayStation 2 shipments have reached unparalleled levels in North America and abroad, further widening the gap between the competition. International demand for PlayStation 2 has been unwavering since its launch, with sales significantly spiking even as competitive consoles entered the market. Due to the accelerated growth of the PlayStation 2 business, the company clearly has solidified its leadership position for the foreseeable future.

"PlayStation has delivered on its entertainment promise to consumers, and, in turn, our growing loyal fan base continues to propel the platform to unprecedented heights," said Kaz Hirai, president and chief operating officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "Even after a pivotal year for the gaming industry in 2001, we remain confident about our opportunities for continued growth. As an illustration of the demand for PlayStation 2, we announced in February 2002 that the company had shipped 26 million units worldwide. Now, as of May 5, 2002, just three months later, we have shipped 30 million units worldwide."

The company is preparing to announce some new business developments -- hardware, software and broadband related -- at the industry's annual tradeshow, Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), May 22-24, 2002, in Los Angeles.

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.

  Visit us on the Web at http://www.scea.com/

                   Tell Us What You Think -- Click Here
             http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X30198841

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

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

PRN Photo Desk, 1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840

SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Contact: Molly Smith, +1-650-655-6044, or
molly_smith@playstation.sony.com, or Monica Wik, +1-650-655-5394, or
monica_wik@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

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