Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) and Sony Gulf FZE today announced that its highly anticipated PSP (PlayStationPortable) handheld entertainment system will be launched 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 DuoO, 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 (UMDO). 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 ONE 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. A copy of Spider-Man 2, on UMD Video will be available free of charge to early purchasers of PSP, who register their PSP and order their Spider-Man 2 UMD Video through www.yourpsp.com, the official web portal for PSP.
"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."
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About PSPTM(PlayStation Portable)
PlayStation Portable is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. With graphics rendering capability comparable to that of PlayStation2, PlayStation Portable features a 4.3 inch widescreen, high-resolution TFT display. PlayStation Portable also adopts a newly developed compact but high-capacity (1.8GB) optical disc, Universal Media Disc (UMD), as its storage medium. With a wide range of accessories and connectivity options, including Memory Stick Duo, USB 2.0, IR port and Wireless LAN.
About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd.
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PS one, PlayStation2 and PlayStation Portable software and hardware in 104 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes games software for the three formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the PAL territories. At the end of June 2005, over 40 million PlayStation units had been shipped across these PAL territories, over 102 million worldwide. Between its European debut on 24 November 2000 and 20th July 2005, over 33 million PlayStation2 units have been shipped across the PAL territories, over 91 million world-wide, making it one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history. Between the launch of the PSP in Japan in December 2005 and 21 July 2005, over 5 million PSPs have been shipped worldwide.
About Sony Gulf FZE
Sony Gulf FZE is a 100% subsidiary of Sony Corporation and is the regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa regions. The company is engaged in the business of Sony Consumer Electronics, VAIO laptop computers, Computer Peripherals, Data media, Recording Media and Energy (Batteries), Mobile Electronics (Car Audio) and Computer Entertainment (PlayStation) products in more than 40 countries in the region.
Apart from stock operations in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Establishment in Dubai, Sony Gulf FZE leads execution of various logistics, sales, marketing, advertising and customer services activities through its business partners, branch office and representative offices. A network of representative offices in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Lebanon, Kenya and a branch office in Morocco along with a multiple of service centres reinforce Sony's presence in key markets in the region.
For further information please contact:
Colin Thomas
Sony Gulf FZE
Tel: 971 4 881 8801
Fax: 971 4 881 0207
E-mail: colin.thomas@ap.sony.com
Rukshana D'Mello
Promoseven Weber Shandwick PR
Tel: 971 4 3210077
Fax: 971 4 3211711/3439972
E-mail : rukshana@promoseven.com
© Press Release 2005
