Get In The Game! Video Gaming Is Not Just For Kids Anymore (NAPSA)—With new technology and gamesin our lives, there are more ways than everto stay entertained this holiday season. Video game systemscontinue to rank in the top five items on buyers’ wish lists, according to the National Retail Federation. In 2006, game industry sales are predicted to exceed that of DVD sales and movie ticket purchases combined (source: IDC, a global intelligence firm). With so many options and the increased popularity of games, how are you to choose which system is right for you? Noted gaming industry author and consultant Scott Steinberg agrees that many choices await, but the fun is in the choosing. “No matter your age, interest, skill level or budget, a multitude of great gaming options await. Ranging from stand-alone set-top consoles including the new PLAYSTATION 3 to high-end laptops, slick cell phones and whiz-bang portables, the entire family need no longer do without.” PlayStation Grows Up Onegift that people of all ages are hotly anticipating this year is the new PLAYSTATION 3. A launch lineup of more than 20 unique games means there’s something fun for everyone. Top-rated titles include NBA 07, running in full high-definition with hyperrealistic characters and the incredibly detailed Resistance: Fall Of Man, set in a frightening 20th century alternate military reality complete with aliens. The PS3 is an incredible value for the consumer and comes standard with advanced technologies, comparable to that of a super computer. It features a built-in Blu-ray heeded) PLAYSTATION 3 is among the top must-have items on most buyers’ wishlists this year. Dise player, internal hard disk drive (20 GB or 60 GB), HDMI output, wireless controller and network capability—everything required to start enjoying PS3 right out of the box. In addition, consumers will also have access to a new virtual online storefront to purchase downloadable games and other content. The 20-GB HDD PS3 system retails for $499 while the 60-GB HDD unit goes for $599. Fun On The Go Traveling, commuting or just generally being on the go should not have to mean forgoing fun and games. “Whether cruising crosscountry at 30,000 feet or sitting by the cozy fireside in grandma’s den, enthusiasts can get a healthy dose of gaming goodness,” said Steinberg. “No matter where you go, no matter what you do, now it’s alwayspossible to get in the game.” With games, photos, movie viewing, Web surfing capabilities and more, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) fills the fun-onthe-go void. The PSP Entertain- ment Pack, which includes a 1-GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, the full-length movie “Lords of Dogtown” and the ATV Offroad Fury Pro gameis available now. Popular Favorite The most popular gaming device on the planet is the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Just in time for the holidays is a sleek and sexy limited edition silver model. PlayStation 2 offers thousands of games, DVD and CD playback along with digital surround sound. Available for just $129, it’s popular with both gift givers and recipients. Gifts Under $50 For the gamers whohaveall of their hardware needs taken care of, there are plenty of new games to keep them entertained. The latest games for PSP inelude the colorful LocoRoco, superhero-filled Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, puzzler Mercury Meltdown and NBA 07 for sports enthusiasts. Gamers 17 and older will enjoy leading SEALs in SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 or taking part in the action-packed Killzone: Liberation. On PlayStation 2, turn up your inner rock star with SingStar Rocks! or in Guitar Hero H. Perhaps you enjoy character-driven stories, like the massive fantasy world found in Final Fantasy XII. Anticipated mature-rated games include Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Double Agent, Bully and Scarface: The World is Yours. However you play the game of gift shopping, a little fun and games can go a long way. To learn more about video gameentertainment this holiday season, visit www.us.playstation.com.
