Sony Computer Entertainment America's PlayStation®2 Hits 25 Million Sales Mark, Underscoring Market Leadership

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that North American sales of the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system have reached 25 million units, contributing to overall worldwide shipments of more than 70 million units and once again highlighting the company's leading market position over all competitors. With more than a quarter of a billion gamers and counting, Sony Computer Entertainment America simultaneously achieved its lifecycle goal of bringing more than 10 percent of the PlayStation 2 installed base online, with more than 2.6 million connected consoles to date.

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

"PlayStation 2 continues to lead an incredibly successful life filled with significant milestones that provide a clear course for others to follow," said Kaz Hirai, president and chief executive officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "With more than a quarter of a billion gamers and 2.6 million connected consoles, we have yet again surpassed all expectations. While our competitors strive to meet the new standards we've laid before them, our focus remains fixed on driving the momentum of our platform and the industry forward."

Sony Computer Entertainment America has grown the largest console online community in record time. In just over a year, the company attained critical mass with more than one million online gamers. While others struggled to reach this milestone, the company forged a new, more aggressive goal -- to bring 5 percent to 10 percent of the installed base online within the platform's lifecycle. In just eight months of setting that goal, the company surpassed it, having grown the installed base to more than 25 million gamers and bringing more than 10 percent of the massive installed base online.

The PlayStation 2 Combo Pack [includes the PlayStation 2 console, Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation®2), and a copy of the online-enabled game, ATV Offroad Fury™ 2], continues to fuel online gaming by making it second-nature to bring home a console with online connectivity. In addition, the upcoming launch of the Hard Disk Drive on March 23, 2004 will further broaden and invigorate the PlayStation 2 online community by providing consumers control over an extended, dynamic world through expanded applications and downloadable content. With the best selection of online games available, easy access and choice, the community's voice is growing stronger, with millions of consumers taking their game to the next level -- online.

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.us.playstation.com/ .

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Janette Barrios, +1-650-655-5583, or
janette_barrios@playstation.sony.com, or Teresa Weaver, +1-650-655-5324, or
teresa_weaver@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment
America

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