NBA '06 Available Now on PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) Entertainment System

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that NBA '06 for the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) entertainment system has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. Following in the footsteps of the most successful five-on-five basketball simulation for PSP, NBA '06 for PSP improves upon the franchise with new animations, shooting mechanics, and simplified play-calling system. In addition, new mini-games and a revamped trading card system make NBA '06 for PSP a must-have basketball experience for gamers on-the-go.

Running at 60 frames per second (FPS), every move on the court in NBA '06 for PSP looks smooth and stylish. New Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and animation engines have come together to produce a tandem animation technology system where animations are designed and motion captured together to deliver an ultra-realistic level of gameplay. Additionally, play-calling is easier than ever with a simplified command scheme mapped to the directional buttons.

A new trading card system allows players to capture up to 25 highlight-reel plays as virtual collectible cards, where players can store cards on their memory stick and share them with others via Ad Hoc mode. Two new classic schoolyard mini-games, Dodgeball and HORSE, are offered this year, adding to the stock of available mini-games that includes Paint Mode, PlayStation Skills Challenge, and 3-Point Contest.

"After a successful launch of the first NBA simulation on PSP, we were eager to implement key changes that would make NBA '06 on PSP better than ever," said Sharon Shapiro, senior director, promotions and sports marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With unbelievable graphics and numerous unique gameplay features, NBA '06 for PSP truly supports the notion of quick and fun action for NBA gaming fans on the move."

Supporting up to two players, either locally via Ad Hoc Mode or nationally via Infrastructure Mode, NBA '06 for PSP offers gamers the opportunity to play either full games or mini-games with Wi-Fi access. For all mini-games and exhibition mode match-ups, a ladder challenge is available to test players against a series of progressively tougher opponents in an attempt to reach the top of the ladder and earn special unlockable trading cards. NBA '06 for PSP has also added a "hold and release" shooting mechanic as well as a new turbo feature that provides players with a short burst of speed to blast by opponents during a game.

Gracing the cover of NBA '06 for PSP is Phoenix Suns All-Star power forward Amare Stoudemire. In just three years in the league, Stoudemire quickly made a name for himself by being named NBA Rookie of the Year after being selected ninth overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2002 NBA draft. He went on to be selected as a member of the U.S.A. Olympic Basketball Team at the 2004 Games in Athens and was voted in to this year's NBA All-Star game.

Officially licensed by the NBA, NBA '06 for PSP is prepared to deliver the ultimate basketball experience anytime, anywhere.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates NBA '06 for PSP "E" for "Everyone." For more information about ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game consoles, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) 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. The 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 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: NBA is a trademark of NBA Properties, Inc. The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications reproduced on this product are trademarks and copyrighted designs, and/or other forms of intellectual property, that are the exclusive property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the written consent of NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Alex Armour, +1-858-824-4648, or
alex_armour@playstation.sony.com, or Paul Murphy, +1-858-824-5963, or
paul_murphy@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment America

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

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