Gretzky™ NHL® '06 Begins New Season on PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable)

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the launch of Gretzky™ NHL® '06, exclusively for the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system. Now available in stores, Gretzky NHL '06 for the PSP system drops the puck on the new season with three all-new arcade style modes and updates to authentic simulation gameplay, including a true-to-game broadcast presentation and more intuitive Artificial Intelligence (AI), creating the ultimate virtual hockey experience.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO )

Offering true hockey fans what no other hockey videogame can, Gretzky NHL '06 for the PSP system suits up the "The Great One" in the all-new Wayne vs. Wayne Mode, where gamers have the chance to skate six-on-five with Gretzky himself. By playing smart hockey, gamers can achieve "99 Time," where Gretzky will become a temporary teammate. If "99 Time" is achieved enough times over the course of a game, gamers will have the ability to employ five playable versions of Gretzky on the ice at once. With opposing players having the same opportunity, it sets the stage for a possible five-on-five, all-Gretzky, ultimate head-to-head match-up.

For gamers seeking quick, easy to pick-up-and-play, arcade-style gameplay and presentation, Gretzky NHL '06 the PSP system offers two all-new mini-games, exclusive to the PSP system. The all-new Three-on-Three Countdown Mode is an open-ice game, with three players on each team, that lets the user select the number of goals to play (3, 5, 7, 9, 11) and work backwards in order to get to zero, while NHL Showdown Mode tracks stats and Team Chemistry as gamers compete in Wayne vs. Wayne Mode in attempts to work their way to the top of the ladder.

"Gretzky NHL '06 the PSP system provides hockey fans a chance to play their sport anywhere, anytime," said Sharon Shapiro, senior director, promotions and sports product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "By combining unique opportunities to get in and skate with greatest player to ever take to the ice, along with multiple gameplay options, Gretzky NHL '06 for the PSP system is the perfect blend of professional hockey and arcade-style gameplay for gamers on the go."

Officially licensed by the NHL, NHLPA, AHL and NHLCA, Gretzky NHL '06 the PSP system truly reflects the world's fastest team sport by integrating enhanced graphics, new player models, and a new gameplay system called Team Chemistry. With Team Chemistry, gamers will need to play good team hockey, as the revamped AI rewards gamers by increasing player attributes and elevating the level of play from teammates for sharing the puck and playing tough defense. Additionally, Gretzky NHL '06 the PSP system now features commentary from broadcasting legend Mike Emrick and former Chicago Blackhawks goalie Darren Pang, providing gamers with the most authentic hockey simulation available.

Returning features include Quick Game, Exhibition and Season Modes, along with a revamped shot meter for the perfect one-timer. For gamers on the go, Gretzky NHL'06 the PSP system offers multiplayer gameplay locally via Ad Hoc Mode, or across the nation via Infrastructure Mode. And for the ultimate challenge, hard-core hockey fans can participate in the Gretzky Challenge, earn points by breaking Gretzky's actual NHL records, and utilize those points to unlock hidden items, such as jerseys, teams and playable Gretzkys from his days as a member of the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers and Team Canada.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates Gretzky NHL '06 the PSP system "E 10+" for "Everyone 10 and older." For more information about the 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 console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) 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 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.

NHL, National Hockey League, the NHL Shield and the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. 2005 NHL. All Rights Reserved. Officially licensed product of the National Hockey League. National Hockey League Players' Association, NHLPA and the NHLPA Logo are Trademarks of the NHLPA and are used, under license by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. © NHLPA. Officially Licensed Product of the National Hockey League Players' Association. All rights in the Gretzky name and trademarks are owned by Wayne Gretzky and WDG Enterprises, 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 Inc.,
+1-858-824-5963, or paul_murphy@playstation.sony.com; or Eric Raymond,
+1-310-854-4841, or eraymond@bncpr.com, for Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc.

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