EA Ships The Sims 2 for PSP to Store Shelves Today

Electronic Arts, the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company, today shipped The Sims 2 for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system to US retailer shelves. (Electronic Arts is shipping The Sims 2 for the Sony PSP system to retailers across Europe on December 16th.)

Gift-givers can find The Sims 2 for the PSP on store shelves by December 9th 2005, as well as discover The Sims 2 on other handheld, console and PC platforms. The ground-breaking gameplay and laugh-out-loud scenarios in The Sims 2 have spawned record sales for the franchise with more than 58 million units sold worldwide. The Sims is recognized as one of the few game brands to achieve popularity across all ages and genders. Such widespread appeal confirms that The Sims 2 is a great gift for anyone on your list, from Cousin Ralph and Grandpa Bob to Aunt Sarah and Niece Nancy!

“The Sims franchise has become a pop culture phenomenon! One of the top-five game brands in history, The Sims is unique in drawing an audience of men and women of all ages, from all over the world,” said Sinjin Bain, Vice President and Executive Producer. “To meet the diverse needs of our community, we have delivered The Sims 2 on a variety of platforms. The PSP version of The Sims 2 was inspired by the best-selling PC game, but built from the ground up to capitalize on the unique capabilities of the PSP system.”

Based on the PC version of The Sims 2, the PSP version leverages the unique capabilities of the next generation handheld platform such as wireless, streamlined gameplay and beautiful graphics, while maintaining the core components of creativity and customization that are integral to The Sims experience. PSP players will be able to delve deep into the mysteries of Strangetown and discover the secrets hidden in five brand new neighborhoods and 20 unique locations custom-built for the PSP. In addition to fulfilling their Sims’ aspirations, PSP gamers can collect and trade secrets, perks, potions and inventions, available only on the PSP!

Fans of the PC game can extend the experience of the game by purchasing The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, a special holiday-themed version of The Sims 2 featuring exclusive bonus content! Additionally, for players on-the-go, mobile versions will be available across all major cell phone carriers this winter including Sprint, Verizon Wireless and Cingular. It is official… The Sims 2 is everywhere this holiday season!