PlayStation 2 is the most popular gaming platform in North America, Europe/PAL territories and Japan/Asia, the only gaming platform to enjoy such widespread global success. To date, more than 101 million PlayStation 2 units and approximately one billion pieces of software for the PlayStation 2 have shipped worldwide, making it the fastest-selling gaming platform in the world. According to The NPD Group, PlayStation 2 continues to lead console unit market share with 55.6 percent in the U.S., more than double of any other console on the market to date. PlayStation 2 also leads on the software front with nearly a 70 percent lead over any other competitor when it comes to software titles available at market in March *.

"While we continue to innovate and design groundbreaking new products, we remain dedicated to our long-term vision for the PlayStation 2 platform," said Kaz Hirai, president and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Now even more consumers, as well as casual gamers, can experience what the PlayStation 2 platform has to offer -- an unrivaled combination of the largest selection of software, a growing community for online gaming and one-of-a-kind accessories such as EyeToy -- at a new value price."

Sony Computer Entertainment America plans to support this new pricing initiative through marketing activities covering print and online advertising, and in-store merchandising support. Print advertising breaks on April 27th and will reach millions of readers nationwide through placements in a variety of daily newspapers including the Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, New York Times and Philadelphia Inquirer. Online advertising will also begin on April 27th on sites such as AOL.