MLB™ 2006 Set to Hit One Out of the Park on PlayStation®2

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the launch of MLB™ 2006 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Now available in stores, MLB 2006 provides an unmatched broadcast presentation that brings together intense gameplay, fluid action, cut scenes, animations and sound to provide an engrossing authentic baseball simulation.

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

Officially licensed by Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP), Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), the popular baseball franchise comes out swinging for the fences with enhanced gameplay to provide gamers the most realistic experience from the diamond. The all-new Release Point Pitching with Pitcher Confidence Meter shows the true battle between pitcher and batter. A pitcher's high confidence allows the pitcher to paint the corners from the mound, while frequent mistakes will make it harder to hit the spots over home plate. Additionally,

MLB 2006 incorporates the all-new PlayMaker Fielding that provides better fielding interaction by combining player attributes with a gamer's skill level to make the play.

Popular gameplay features return with MLB 2006, such as EyeToy™ functionality. Gamers can literally see themselves in the game as they battle against the Major League's best. Using the EyeToy USB camera for PlayStation®2 (sold separately), gamers can take a snapshot of themselves, put their face into the game and truly become a major leaguer. Additional returning gameplay favorites include enhanced Branch Point Technology (BPT) for seamless fielding transitions and smooth base running, and online playability with voice chat capabilities using the USB Headset for PlayStation®2 (sold separately).

Known for its extensive list of game modes, MLB 2006 continues to build upon the success of the franchise with enhanced authenticity. A new, deeper Franchise Mode includes an all-new Player Morale System that tracks player morale on every level and applies it to the player's day-to-day performance. From player scouting, player deals, television contracts and promo-nights, to the prices of parking, tickets and concessions, the new, deeper Franchise Mode puts the success or failure of a club on the decisions of gamers who think they can run the show.

For the diehard baseball fans, the new Career Mode lets gamers play from the player's perspective and control their own destiny from the start to the finish of their career, based on their on-field performance. Having the ability to interact with the manager and teammates in Career Mode allows gamers to raise concerns about playing time, trades, negotiate a higher salary or even provide a tell-all interview with the media.

"MLB 2006 illustrates our commitment to delivering the most authentic baseball experience to baseball fans and gamers alike," said Scott Rohde, director of product development, 989 Sports. "By presenting gamers with the finer details and nuances of the game, MLB 2006 provides an opportunity to look and feel what it's like to play in the show."

This year, Vladimir Guerrero, the 2004 American League MVP, joins the 989 Sports® Team as the MLB 2006 cover athlete. A top defensive playmaker and premier offensive threat, the Angels outfielder will team up with a host of other top MLB stars to promote the popular baseball title, including Oakland A's third baseman Eric Chavez, Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Troy Glaus, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Shawn Green, and Cincinnati Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, all of whom will continue in their roles as contributors, consultants, and spokespersons.

Marketing efforts for MLB 2006 include a multi-million dollar marketing campaign across TV, radio, print and online, that will run nationally throughout the entire baseball season. Additionally, MLB 2006 will receive full public relations and promotional support, as well as dedicated point-of-purchase displays and merchandising support.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates MLB 2006 "E" for "Everyone." For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

About 989 Sports

989 Sports® is the sports software brand of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Known for its top-selling sports franchise titles such as NFL GameDay™, MLB™, NBA ShootOut, NCAA® Final Four® and NCAA® GameBreaker™, 989 Sports is committed to developing authentic and innovative sports games to appeal to both the professional athlete and hard-core sports videogame fan.

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, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) handheld 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. PSP is a new portable entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio.

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, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP handheld 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.989sports.com/ .

NOTE: Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum trademarks and copyrights are licensed through Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit the official website at MLB.com. © 2005 MLBPA, Official Licensee-Major League Baseball Players Association. Visit the Players Choice on the web at www.MLBPlayers.com. © 2005 by STATS, Inc. Any commercial use or distribution of the Licensed Materials without the express written consent of STATS is strictly prohibited. Silver Bat is a trademark of Hillerich & Bradsby Co., Louisville, KY. Rolaids Relief Man Reward is a registered trademark of Warner-Lambert, a Pfizer Company. 989 Sports and the 989 Sports logo are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. © 2005 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Paul Murphy of Sony Computer Entertainment America,
+1-858-824-5963, or paul_murphy@playstation.sony.com; or Marc Feuerstein,
+1-212-253-4663, or mfeuerstein@bncpr.com, for Sony Computer Entertainment
America

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

Web site: http://www.esrb.org/

Web site: http://www.989sports.com/