PSP to launch across the Middle East on 1st September 2005

The PSP Value Pack contains an added-value package of accessories and entertainment content, including the PSP system with a pouch, 32MB Memory Stick Duo™, Battery Pack, Headphones with Remote Control, AC Adaptor, Wrist Strap, cloth and a video/music/game sampler Universal Media Disc™ (UMD™) including several game demos.

PSP features a 4.3-inch, 16:9 widescreen TFT LCD that displays full colour (16.77 million colours) on a 480 x 272 pixel high-resolution screen. PSP also comes complete with built-in stereo speakers, exterior headphone connector and a range of input/output connectors such as USB 2.0 and 802.11b Wireless LAN, enabling users to connect to the Internet and play online via a Wireless Network. Up to 16 PSP systems in the vicinity can also be connected to each other directly in Ad Hoc Mode, allowing for Wireless head-to-head competition. In addition, Wireless capabilities will allow software and data to be downloaded to PSP and saved onto a Memory Stick Duo.

PSP uses a newly-developed proprietary storage medium named Universal Media Disc™ (UMD™). This high-capacity optical disc is the next-generation compact storage media, and although only 60mm in diameter, a UMD can store up to 1.8GB of digital data - more than three times the data held on a CD-ROM. A broad range of digital entertainment content such as high quality 3D games, music, movies, video clips and other media can be distributed on UMD.

PSP will be supported at launch with over 20 game titles, including 8 titles from SCEE; Ridge Racer™, FORMULA ONETM Grand Prix, Ape Academy™, Everybody's Golf™, World Tour Soccer, Fired Up™, MediEvil™: Resurrection and WipEout™ Pure.

In addition to games, there will also be over 30 movie titles available at launch on UMD Video (Region Code 2) including such blockbusters as: Spider-Man 2, Hitch, Charlie's Angels and xXx.

"PSP will revolutionise portable entertainment, giving users the freedom to play full 3D games, watch movies, listen to music and connect wirelessly on their terms, wherever and whenever they wish to do so," said David Reeves, President of SCEE. "More than ever, today's consumer demands access to their personal entertainment outside the home, without compromising quality. With more than 100 PSP game titles currently in development worldwide, and the ability to download and listen to music, and view feature films with breathtaking screen quality, PSP lets users control their entertainment options, all in a single package."

Mr. Tim Strokes, Sales & Marketing Director, Playstation Division, Sony Gulf FZE said
"PSP is set to completely transform the entertainment industry across the Middle East, following its tremendous success in Japan and the US and we are proud to partner for its launch in this region. Our partnership with Sony has a long history and we share and relate to the same motto for our consumers. The PSP epitomizes the latest technological innovation and this association offer us a unique facet in our varied product offering."