PlayStation 2 Now More Affordable Than Ever at $99.99

March 31, 2009

PlayStation 2, The World’s Most
Popular Computer Entertainment System, Now More Affordable Than Ever at $99.99

Sony Computer Entertainment
America and Its Publishing Partners to Expand Gaming Library to Nearly 1,900
Titles This Year

Sony Computer Entertainment America
(SCEA) today announced that PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system will be
available starting April 1 for $99.99 (MSRP). Since launching in 2000,
PlayStation 2 has sold more than 136 million sell-in units worldwide*, making it
the most popular system in gaming industry history. PlayStation 2’s vast library
of games from all genres for all types of audiences will grow to nearly 1,900
titles this year. This breadth and depth of content along with the new price
point make the platform a stronger value than ever, particularly for families,
casual gamers, and those seeking to maximize their entertainment dollar.

“PlayStation 2 set the industry
standard for worldwide mass market adoption and is a clear embodiment of Sony’s
commitment to platforms that deliver 10-year product lifecycles. It’s a tribute
to outstanding technology, great consumer value and unprecedented development
support that we’ve now been able to do twice what no one else has ever
accomplished,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “Demand for
PlayStation 2 remains strong throughout the world, and the new $99 price point
will bring in new consumers who will discover how PlayStation platforms are an
outstanding choice for their gaming and home entertainment needs. Just as
PlayStation 2 is delivering on a 10-year lifecycle and helped expand and
solidify the DVD format for home entertainment along the way, we believe
PLAYSTATION 3 offers the same promise by helping secure the Blu-ray format and
delivering unprecedented value as the total home entertainment solution for the
next decade.”

SCEA will continue to support
PlayStation 2 system with new titles that appeal to families and casual gamers
looking for social entertainment experiences. First-party games such as MLB® 09
THE Show™ and MotorStorm®: Arctic Edge as well as major franchise titles from
SCEA’s publishing partners demonstrate the continued growth of the platform’s
library of content. In addition, more than 250 best-selling PlayStation 2 titles
have achieved “Greatest Hits” status, providing consumers with plenty of games
to choose from at value pricing.

PlayStation 2’s impact on the
industry is unmatched, as the platform played a key role in establishing the
popularity of the most recognized and beloved franchises in history, including
Guitar Hero® from Activision, Metal Gear Solid® from Konami Digital
Entertainment, FINAL FANTASY® from Square Enix, Grand Theft Auto™ from Rockstar
Games, as well as Gran Turismo™ by Polyphony Digital Inc. and Sony Computer
Entertainment Worldwide Studios titles, including God of War® and Ratchet &
Clank®. In recent years, this stellar lineup has expanded to include an
extensive list of social games and family-friendly titles such as Buzz! ™ and
SingStar®, which have helped usher in new types of consumers into the world of
gaming.

During its lifespan, PlayStation 2
system not only has pushed video gaming to the forefront of entertainment, but
it also introduced the concept of an entertainment system becoming a hub in the
living room. PlayStation 2 was the first home computer entertainment system to
integrate DVD technology, and the rapid growth of the install base helped
establish DVD as the standard optical disc media format worldwide. Featuring
both DVD and CD playback capabilities, PlayStation 2 system has served as the
entertainment centerpiece in many living rooms.

PlayStation 2 remains the most
played computer entertainment system on the market, according to a December 2008
report from The Nielsen Company. Last year, PlayStation 2 became the first
system in history to reach the 50 million sell-in unit sales milestone in North
America, making it one of the most successful technology products ever.
PlayStation 2 system was previously available for $129.99 (MSRP).

*Sell-in numbers as of the end of
December 2008