Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. announced today that it had begun preparations to adopt Blu-ray Disc ROM (BD-ROM) format as a medium for the next generation PS3.

Sony Computer Entertainment announced today its plans for the global release of a new, redesigned PS2 in time for the year-end peak-selling season. The new model will be in stores on November 3 in Japan, and by November 1 in Europe and North America.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) and Evolution Studios are delighted to announce the signing of a deal that will see Evolution, creator of the multi-million selling World Rally Championship (WRC) series for PlayStation2, develop games exclusively for SCEE and Sony platforms.

Sony Corp. expects to show off its latest PlayStation at the E3 trade show next May, it said on Monday, increasing pressure on Microsoft Corp. to take the wraps off its Xbox successor at that time.

American Technology Research analyst P.J. McNealy said the Xbox was likely to overtake the PS2 on a units-sold basis for the first time ever in the United States in April. He estimated Xbox sales of 275,000 units this month, versus about 200,000 units for the PS2. PS2 sales have been falling in the United States this year, and in the just-ended fiscal year Sony said PS2 unit shipments fell 37 percent in North America. Unless Sony cuts the price on its PS2 in order to spur sales, U.S. game software makers, many of whom track Sony's fiscal year, may find sales growth targets harder to reach, analysts said. Read the full story here...

Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing division of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. announced today that Manhunt for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system has shipped to retail stores throughout North America. Manhunt will be in stores in Europe on November 21, 2003. Manhunt is developed by Rockstar North, the developers behind the global blockbuster Grand Theft Auto franchise.

Datel Electronics has announced the release of the USB Expander for the PlayStation 2. Recognizing a need for the online gamer to access more than the two provided USB ports on the PS2, Datel has released the USB Expander, which provides an additional four USB Ports to supplement the two existing ports found on all PS2 models. The four additional ports will allow for the use of a USB Broadband Adapter, Keyboard, Mouse, Headset, and EyeToy all at the same time. Gamers will now be able to establish their console set-up without having to add or remove peripherals depending on game compatibility.

Sony Computer Entertainment UK today announced that it is to begin offering its ground breaking PlayStation 2 at £139.99 commencing October 1st 2003. Also available from the same date, is a limited edition 'satin silver' PlayStation 2 which comes packaged with two silver versions of the classic Analog Controller (DUALSHOCK®2) for £149.99. Both machines feature the new built-in IR receiver, improved DVD-R/DVD-R/W playback and a significantly quieter fan.

For the first time ever, EA Games console titles including The Lord of the Rings; The Return of the King will feature online gameplay for the PS2, Electronic Arts announced today. Along with The Lord of the Rings, The Sims Bustin' Out, Need for Speed Underground, and Medal of Honor Rising Sun will allow gamers to connect and play online this holiday season. Read more for details ...

Preparing the market for the upcoming holiday selling season, industry leader Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. today announced exciting new consumer pricing options for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system.

PlayStation will bring the PlayStation Patrol to Indianapolis, IN. The PlayStation Patrol is a 40-foot long vehicle, featuring 17 PlayStation 2 interactive kiosks. The vehicle is set-up to play all of the hottest and best-selling videogame titles available for the PS2. The PlayStation Patrol Scout, a PlayStation 2 branded Hummer H2* vehicle new for 2003, will accompany the PlayStation Patrol and help spread the news that the PlayStation Patrol is in town. Coupons will be available for a $5.00 discount on any PlayStation or PS2 game. This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC... Where and when? Find out below!

After last year's sell-out PlayStation consumer show, The PlayStation Experience, Sony Computer Entertainment UK (SCE UK) is pleased to announce it will be hosting the successful event again for 2003. Running last year from Thursday 28th August to Sunday 31st August at London's Earl's Court. The PlayStation Experience offered gamers, for the very first time, a chance to sample games anything up to six months in advance of their launch, plus a comprehensive timetable of live entertainment including chart topping music, skate and BMX, dance and celebrity appearances..

Logitech announced today that the Logitech USB Headset for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system will be available on retail shelves in the U.S. and at logitech.com later this month for a suggested retail price of $39.95 US.

Atari today revealed plans to bring Deer Hunter, the hunting series that has continually raised the bar for outdoor adventure and excitement, onto the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system this fall. The game marks the first time the famed hunting franchise will be launching on console, delivering an entirely new interactive hunting experience.

Responding to criticism that it was trying to take advantage of the Iraq war for commercial gain, Sony Corp said on Wednesday it will not use the phrase "shock and awe" for PlayStation videogames made by a subsidiary. A U.S. unit of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc has withdrawn an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to register the phrase for commercial use, a Sony spokeswoman said.

Sony Computer Entertainment UK today announced the PlayStation 2 Creative Award 2003 and also announced that renowned BritArtists Dinos & Jake Chapman and Marc Quinn will be on the judging panel for the award. Designed to recognise fresh talent from UK universities, nominations for the PlayStation 2 Creative Award 2003 will be taken from work submitted to an intriguing art exhibition, "Primal Art - portrait of the artist as a video gamer".

Blomberg.com reports that Sony Corp. plans to move production of its PlayStation 2 console to China next year, as the rivalry from Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox forces the world's largest video-game console maker to tighten control on costs and prices. Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. currently makes half of its PlayStation 2s at two plants in Japan. Sony expects to move all of its production to Chinese plants run by Taiwanese companies Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. and Asustek Computer Inc. next fiscal year, Sony Computer spokesman Koichiro Katsurayama said. Shifting PlayStation 2's assembly operations to China may allow Sony to increase profit margins at its video-game unit, which accounted for 36 percent of the company's operating profit in the three months ended Dec. 31. China's lower labor costs may also give Sony room to cut the PlayStation 2's retail price, giving Sony an edge over Microsoft's Xbox.

Sony Corp., the world's second- largest consumer-electronics maker, will introduce the PlayStation 3 video-game console this year, two years ahead of schedule, to widen its lead over rivals, the Commercial Times said, citing unidentified people at Taiwanese parts suppliers. Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. of Taiwan, which assembles the PlayStation 2 for Sony, and other parts suppliers on the island will start trial production next month, the report said.

Sony Computer Entertainment UK (SCE UK) today announced further details of its plans for PlayStation2 broadband network gaming. Consumer trials for the service will commence from March 31st 2003.

Can you lead Ace Lightning on his mission to defeat the evil Lord Fear and send him and his gang back to prison in the sixth dimension? Taking the CGI characters, the storyline and the humour from CBBC's leading drama, this third person action adventure is set for release on PlayStation 2 this Spring.

Essential Reality, Inc. a developer and integrator of leading-edge sensory and real-time remote tracking devices, announced today that the P5 Software Development Kit (SDK) for PlayStation2 is now available for download on the Sony Computer Entertainment America developer website. The SDK, which is being offered exclusively to licensed members of the PlayStation2 game development community, is being released in an effort to support the development of P5-enabled gaming content.

Konami of Europe has confirmed a March 28th release date for the PlayStation 2 version of the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance - and has also announced that the Sony version of the game will include a DVD of 'The Document of Metal Gear Solid 2' at no extra cost.

Electronic Arts today announced that The Sims for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system has shipped. Players will be able to create and control their Sims like never before with all new level-based game play, two-player modes, and dynamic 3D graphics.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc, the Tokyo based parent of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced that cumulative world-wide factory shipments of the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system had reached 50 million units.

Sony Computer Entertainment UK (SCE UK) announced today that during the peak selling season of 2002, PlayStation 2 achieved the highest ever sell-through breaking all records in its history for both hardware and software in Japan, North America and Europe.